A number of NASCAR tracks have at times allowed or not allowed coolers. A lot of it has to do with state alcohol rules. Up until last year Kentucky speedway did not allow coolers the reason was in order to insure fans didn’t violate the no outside alcohol state law they would have to search each cooler. They felt the search would be too in-depth and would take too long, so the easy answer was ban coolers. They changed the rule last year and now allow coolers, but they placed all the state statues you would be violating if you as a fan bring alcohol in on their website under the cooler policy.

An example of a track that still bans coolers is Iowa.

On a contrary note about half of the tracks ISC on the circuit since 2011 have actually loosened their cooler rules and expanded the size of coolers allowed. Now allowing a 14x14x14 cooler. In addition to expanding coolers most now also allow in addition to a cooler each fan can carry a backpack and it does not have to be clear. The clear plastic bag rules have also gone away at most tracks.

On the NHRA side Royal Purple in Houston does not allow coolers, but because the crowds are smaller they allow in and outs so you can eat lunch and drink at your car. Take Care.