Luxury real-estate markets across the country are propelled by the biggest local industries, whether it’s high finance in New York, big oil in Texas, Walmart in Bentonville, Ark., or Hollywood in L.A. On North Carolina’s Lake Norman, there’s no disputing the driver: It’s Nascar. 

The Lake Norman area, located roughly 20 miles north of Charlotte, N.C., has long been home to some of Nascar’s most successful drivers, thanks to its proximity to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the headquarters of some of the sport’s best known teams. Over the past decade, some of the wealthiest drivers have plowed their winnings into building and buying some of the state’s most luxurious residences, helping to propel the local market to new heights.