CONCORD -- The countdown to the big race is on, but first, Lowe’s Motor Speedway will play host to the Carquest Auto Parts 300.

As race fans get ready for the weekend's thrills, the cheers coming from the stands will have a slightly more feminine sound than normal.

That’s because NASCAR has become more and more appealing to women, and it’s not just because “the drivers have gotten cuter.”

While some ladies admit that the faces of drivers have become more attractive than they have in years past, there are many more reasons that female fans will be packing the stands this weekend.

NASCAR marketing officials say more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans are women, 10 million of which have become fans in the last five years.

“Just the adrenaline rush when they drop the green flag and the 43 cars hit the gas at the same time and go flying past you and the dust is flying and the crowd is roaring and screaming. It’s just the most exciting thing,” said race fan Nicole Bragan, a self-proclaimed “huge NASCAR fan.”

Bonnie Long agrees. The thrill of the races and the entertainment is why this will be race number 27 for her in the past four years.

Advertisers are also taking notice of the increase, and have began marketing toward the increasing number of race fans with commercials and promotions, including a chance to meet some of their favorite cute drivers.

The 200 lap NASCAR Busch Series race takes place every year on the day before the Coca Cola 600, and though the race doesn’t begin till around 8 p.m. Saturday, race fans and racers alike began getting ready early Saturday morning for the excitement.

Qualifying is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Saturday afternoon, after which the cars will be impounded by NASCAR until the race begins later in the evening. The better of two laps will determine a driver’s official qualifying speed.

Tickets for today and tomorrow’s races are still available, and can be obtained by either calling 1-800-455-FANS, or by clicking Tickets. Tickets start at $17.