Texas Motorplex
If fast cars get your motor running, head for the Texas Motorplex in Ennis where you can watch the fastest cars in the country compete for the title. At speeds exceeding 330 miles per hour, don’t look away or you will probably miss something.
Event information
With cars that can go from zero to top speed in less than a half-second, your experience at the Texas Motorplex will be phenomenal no matter which event you attend. The most popular by far is the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, which is held at the track in mid-October. With extra tall grandstand seating and dozens of tower suites, you can have the best seating no matter where you sit.
The temperatures can get pretty hot in Ennis, so make sure you are prepared for the heat. And in October, during the AAA Nationals, most of the country will be wiping the frost off the pumpkins while you are enjoying 80-degree weather at the Motorplex. And since all tickets are pit passes, you will be able to get in and meet your favorite drivers and pit crew staff. Bring your camera so you can get some photos of those you cannot get anywhere else.
Grab a few burgers, nachos, and some ice-cold drinks from the concession stand before heading to your seats where you can spend the day watching the drivers compete for the title and the trophy. Bring a marker so you can get signatures from your favorites while you are getting some pics to share on social media. Whether you are coming from across the country or across town, the park has a spot for you. If you plan to camp, make sure you reserve your spot well in advance so you can be sure to get a spot.
Tickets
The price of tickets at Texas Motorplex depends on what show you are there to see. The races include many different avenues from Street Outlaws in September to the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals in October. NHRA Nationals is the most popular, and the tickets typically run about $50 to $300 depending on what package you purchase. Camping and VIP packages, as well as champion’s club tickets, are extra.
Explore Texas Motorplex RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Less than 40 miles from Dallas, Texas Motorplex is on US-287 just outside of Ennis. You can reach it from I-45, I-20, or I-35 as well as from TX-34 or US-175. The track is also only about 51 miles from Fort Worth, where you can also find the Kimbell Art Museum and the National Cowgirl Museum Hall of Fame.
For those who enjoy state parks, Cedar Hill State Park is about 28 miles southeast of the track. Cedar Hill has a lake, picnic areas, biking and hiking trails, camping, and geocaching. Stop by and check it out while you are in town.
Parking areas
Parking your RV at Texas Motorplex is not too difficult since they have a special place for RVs to park. Head to the eastern part of the main parking lot for an RV spot, which is roped off specifically for daytime RV parking. In the past, parking has been free at the park, but some of the sections, such as the VIP, Gold Key, and Red Key parking areas are only available to those who purchase a special package.
Public Transportation
Ennis is a medium to large-sized city in Ellis County, Texas, about 35 miles from Dallas with a population of over 18,000. Although there are several public bus services in and around the city, these typically do not operate on weekends. It is best to use a private rideshare app or call for a taxi. Several of the campgrounds in the area also offer rideshare services like shuttles or bus services.
Where to stay
Onsite
Texas Motorplex has one of the best camping deals in the business. In fact, in years previously, the entire weekend has been just $50. Whether you stay for one or four days, the price is the same. Additional vehicles are an extra $30 for the weekend. Note that some options are for the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals only.
Fans can also choose the Trackside Motorhome Corral, which is a spectacular campground with a trackside view for all events. Space is limited, so get on the list early for the Motorhome Corral. The other campground is first-come, first-served only.
There are no utility hookups, but there is water to fill your tanks at no cost and an RV sanitation dumpsite nearby daily. Showers are offered near the campground entrance for a small fee.
Nearby
Because of the limited availability of campsites at Texas Motorsports Park, you will be happy to know that there are over a dozen campgrounds that can handle both tent and RV camping. From primitive to pristine, you can find something for everyone in and around Ennis. You’ll also find the Dallas / Arlington KOA Campground about 45 minutes away near Dallas. They boast playgrounds for the kids, a K9 Kamp for the furry family members, and plenty of amenities and recreation for the adults as well.
Getting around
Don’t bother bringing along your golf cart, side by side, four-wheelers, or any other types of personalized vehicles because they are not allowed at Texas Motorplex. For those with special needs, the park does provide ADA accessible parking lots as well as restrooms, concessions, and other areas. Be sure to pack some comfortable shoes so you can get around the park without acquiring blisters.
What to pack
Clothing
Northeastern Texas has a warm climate all year, but during the summers, it can be downright hot and steamy. Luckily, prominent events like the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals are held in mid-October, so it is a bit cooler than the norm. Pack some cooler clothes like tee-shirts and shorts but don’t forget the jeans and boots for the cooler evenings. Sunglasses and a hat are both good choices to help you look fantastic and stay cool at the same time.
Gear
Don’t bring a whole bunch of stuff to the stands unless you want to spend a long time in the line trying to get through the gate. Your bags and other items will have to be searched, so the less you bring, the better off you will be. You want to have your hands free to hold your food and beer anyway, right? And to cheer on your favorite racers. So, go ahead and pack your phone, camera, headset, and tickets in a small backpack if needed so you can keep your hands free for other things.
Health & Safety
Be sure to have some ear protection, especially if you have kids with you. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are great. You will also need something to keep the bugs away at the track, as well as the campground. There are plenty of good bug repellents on the mainstream market, as well as some natural choices to help with pesky critters. In addition, make sure you have sunscreen with a hefty SPF.
Where to eat
Cooking
Texas Motorplex does not offer any kind of utilities at their campgrounds, but you can use a barbecue grill or small camp stove for cooking at your campsite. Be prepared and cook your meals in advance and freeze them, so all you have to do is heat and eat when you get hungry. Open fires are not allowed anywhere on the property, so make sure you have what you need for cooking your family’s meals.
Restaurants
Whether you are hankering for some chicken wings or a nice homestyle meal, you will find just about anything you can imagine within about 10 miles of the track. From Mexican to fast food to frozen yogurt, there are many choices to pick from near Texas Motorplex. You may want to take the family out for a sit-down meal or just grab some grub on the way back from a day out on the town.
Vendors
The Texas Motorplex has been around since the late 1980s, giving them plenty of time to build a good relationship with many vendors in the motorsports game. Although you cannot bring any food or drinks into the racetrack area yourself, you can purchase plenty on the midway. And the merchandiser’s midway has been known to display the typical favorites like Budweiser, AAA, Pepsi, and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.
Safety
Security
Security staff at Texas Motorplex has been trained to work at all kinds of large public events so they can handle anything that comes up. You may first notice them as they search your belongings before letting you into the park. This is an essential part of their job since it keeps everyone safe while you are enjoying the races. To make things easier on everyone, don’t bring anything on the no-no list like drones, fireworks, glass, drugs, or weapons.
Weather
The weather in Texas depends greatly on what time of year you are visiting the Texas Motorplex. Although it can be over 100 degrees in the summer months like July and August, the fall and winter months can be very pleasant with temps in the 70s and 80s, unless severe weather crosses the state. Storms are always a risk in the afternoons, so it is best to stay on top of the weather by using a weather app.
Medical
As a racetrack, Texas Motorplex has to have the best medical professionals who are trained to handle just about anything from minor headaches to major accidents. There are two first-aid tents available to everyone. The first is on the pit side behind the souvenir shop, and the second one is on the spectator area by the concession office. You’ll also find a hospital about 10 miles down US-287.
