Corrupt cops and gobs of money kept the law at bay while the lightning-fast bootleggers raced across the treacherous backroads of the Appalachian Mountains. As a die-hard Kyle Busch fan, you never miss a race. With NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is THAT PLACE. Dine in the restaurants they dine in, play in the places they play and stay in the area most drivers call home. Editorial credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced on Tuesday that the state will allow NASCAR to carry out the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway . Many of their cars have been featured in films around North Carolina, including Days of Thunder, The Color Purple, Leatherheads and Talladega Nights.. Visitors will have no problem finding places to eat in Cabarrus County. Fan Experience and a life-size wax figure of the team owner sculpted by Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. It has the expected inductee area to celebrate legendary drivers but it also does a great job of taking fans deeper into the sport and helping them better understand all the other aspects of achieving greatness beyond just extraordinary driving. The drivers have to jet around to each race location, but the main shop where they train and help work on their cars is in the state, close to Charlotte, where the NASCAR Hall of Fame is built. The RCR Museum takes visitors through a journey that includes team owner Richard . On your way out of the shops, visit the team stores to score swag ranging from hatsand T-shirts to car parts used during races. Located inside Victory Lane Indoor Karting, its the perfect post-race celebration after youve dominated your competition on the track. Here are the best places to watch racing in the greater Charlotte area. It is a combination of both. Whether youre visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame or are just in the area, dont forget to stop by the Gear Shop. What hotel will you be staying at in Mooresville? Charlottes got plenty of great sports gear and antique shops within a short drive of each other. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 29 Chevrolet,driven to victory by Kevin Harvick at Atlanta Motor Speedway- 2003 Brickyard 400-winning No. link to Hendrick Motorsports: NASCAR Racing Teams, six top racing teams are centered in North Carolina, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/158008-the-top-5-nasar-race-shops-in-north-carolina, https://www.britannica.com/event/Prohibition-United-States-history-1920-1933, https://www.visitlakenorman.org/blog/post/celebrities-in-lake-norman/, What are the NASCAR Racing Teams for 2023. Names that you know from the races of the past. Browse through our list of racing attractions in Mooresville to find your ideal activity! Dale Earnhardt is undeniably one of the most popular race car drivers of all time, from any format. Stop in and get a behind-the-scenes look into how teams prepare for race day. Not only do they make fan gear like the amazing FanVision system that provides all sorts of video, audio, and racing data but they also provide radios and other gear that allow the teams to communicate. Tucked away on a quiet, two-lane road near Lowe's Motor Speedway in Harrisburg, North Carolina, is one of Darrell Waltrip's former race shops, which he now uses as home base for various business interests and . Current hours are 9:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Most famously known as the home of seven-time champion, Dale Earnhardt the Intimidator and his famous number three Goodwrench Chevrolets, Richard Childress Racing has all sorts of history that race fans will love. His aggressive driving style earned him the nicknames "The Intimidator . Lake Norman is where many racing team members hang their hats. It was in a conference room at the team's Mooresville, North Carolina, shop, or in a team hauler at the track. May 26, 2023. People like Al Capone became very rich during the prohibition era. In return, NASCAR employees enjoy challenging positions, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to grow the NASCAR nation of fans. Closed on July 2 in observance of Independence Day. Check out the packages offered by Garage Pass Shop Tours. Today, Bowman Gray is the longest-running weekly track in NASCAR. Out with the old and in with the new! The cars during the time period could handle the job, but they were slow and had very poor performance on the roads between the hidden stills and the buyers. Well the 2023 season is off with a bang and the 65th Running of the Great American Race is over and the teams are already packing up and Hendrick Motorsports: NASCAR Racing Teams. Tours to Charlotte Motor Speedway, race shops and NASCAR museums. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited, all actively involved in the conservation of the nation's wildlife and natural resources, are showcased in this area along with many of the animal trophies Childress has taken over the years. NASCAR qualifying order for the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. If you love great food as much as you love racing, come take a pit stop at these local restaurants. Racing's roots run deep in North Carolina. Dale Earnhardt Inc. 2 of 7. This 100,000 square foot facility features karts that sit only an inch off the track and are capable of [], PIT Instruction and Training offers individuals and groups the chance to get up close and personal with the fastest 13 seconds in sports! Pay a visit during race week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, or drop by for one of their Mustang owners events. Visit Us. Another phase of renovation starts in 2023, and while that means a temporary pause on racing at the track, it'll pave the way for something astronomical. Currently, face masks are not required but recommended. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com. OPEN THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 10:00 AM 4:30 PM. TheShowroom was a dream of Dale [], A cant miss for any race fan, offering the latest and most exciting rental karts for Arrive-and-Drive opportunities. Founded by Jack Roush, with additional ownership stakes including NASCAR driver, Brad Keslowski and the Fenway Sports Group owners of the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Liverpool F.C. North Carolina Education Lottery 200. . As you walk through the tour, you will see guard towers and bars on the doors that make you glad that you aren't stuck here! Nascar race shops, many of the Nascar teams, and the Nascar Hall of Fame are . Snag an official NASCAR diecast to add to your collection. . When summer rolls around, its time to gather your friends and family, head outside and have fun while the weathers nice ideally, its a weekend at the track. We use cookies to enhance your site experience, analyze site traffic, and serve targeted advertisements. One thing reigns supreme in the Charlotte region: Racing. This is an exciting place to visit since you never know who might be shopping here or visiting to get a custom earpiece fitting! Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. For the full Childress experience, head to Childress Vineyards after your visit for a glass of wine at one of the must-try vineyards near Charlotte. As an App State grad, he loves outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and golfing. Sep 22-24, 2023 . However, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is something special. You guessed it. In addition, they launched [], Walk among the legends at The NC Auto Racing Walk of Fame! Less than 20 miles to Charlotte, Mooresville, and the Speedway, with 19 great hotels to choose from, Lake Norman gives you NASCAR, so get your engines running for a trip to remember. Or see winning race cars and trophies at Penske Racing and JR Motorsports in Mooresville andother memorabilia from the teams greatest moments. Current hours are 9:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. View many one [], Owned by the Leazer family for over 50 yrs. Hendrick Motorsports is currently the most successful team in NASCAR. All Rights Reserved. Moonshine began losing popularity, giving way to more legal alcoholic beverages. Most sports fans dream of visiting a favorite stadium, birthplace, or hall of fame at some point in their lives. The trophy Ricky Stenhouse, Jr . Al lifelong Motor Racing Fan, with a particular love of NASCAR and IndyCar racing. Alongside their indulgent take on fried and grilled chicken sandwiches, expect a selection of chicken tenders, salads and fresh sides like their street corn, butternut squash and roasted vegetable side salad thatll bring you back to your favorite backyard cookouts. 15 Occoneechee Speedway, North Carolina. Here is a complete list of race shops, including location and contact information, so you can start planning your visit now. Lets check out how many of the top six shops are located in North Carolina. Spend the day touring race shops, many of which offer viewing rooms where you can watch crew members working on the cars, or explore the history of auto racing in one of our motorsports museums. This map was created by a user. A day at the track is a day well spent. RFK Racing is the modern-day iteration of a legendary race team. (704) 799-2400 local, Visitor Center hours: CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 11: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Mobil 1 Ford, Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Valvoline Chevrolet, and Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 11, 2020 in Concord, North Carolina. Please turn on for a full experience. Our Latest Nascar Stories Why 543? About an hour and a half north of Charlotte in Mount Airy, North Carolina is another distillery that we love - Mayberry Spirits. Cabarrus County is located just 20 minutes north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Sidewalk markers honor many of racings legends and greats, including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, and [], The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame features over 35 race cars dedicated to all types of auto racing. But why? North Wilkesboro Speedway, North Wilkesboro, NC. This version of your browser is not supported. North Carolina speedways hosted 30 of those events at places like Greensboro, North Wilkesboro, Lexington, Wadesboro, Hillsborough, Elkin, Winston-Salem and Charlotte. NASCAR was born from the ashes of the moonshine stills and lives on as one of the most watched sports in the nation. Come on the right day and you may meet one of their sponsored drivers, a spotter or another member of the NASCAR family. Spring race at Las Vegas has seen Hendrick Motorsports hit the jackpot of late / Viewer's guide, fast facts for Las Vegas. If you want to learn from the very best instructors, you can sign up for one of their exciting racing packages at Charlotte Motor Speedway and several other tracks around the Southeast. Based in the 47,000-square foot shop that was home to Earnhardts No. Founded in 2020 by Justin Marks who also founded the GoPro Motorplex and Grammy award-winning artist, Pitbull, Trackhouse Racing is an up-and-coming team in NASCAR thanks to the success of drivers Ross Chastain and Daniel Surez. 1 of 7. beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc. While I'm willing to trek to legendary tracks like Darlington and even Chicagoland, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or Autoclub Raceway - it's great to see a complete package like they have built here in Charlotte. Priced to move at $29 PSF or $795,000. It matches the Kyle Busch paint scheme and showcases intricate details that make it unlike anything else in your collection. It locates in downtown so it is convenence to go to. Exit 36 on I-77 is right in the middle of all of the race shops in Mooresville. What is so special about North Carolina? Tuesday Wednesday are the best days to . Fans fill the stands of zMAX Dragway to watch NHRA Drag Racing and the Summer Drag and Brag street racing series. The 1.5-mile oval track hosts two major races every season the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Bank of America Roval 400 during the Cup playoffs. Plus, there are tons of great hotels just minutes away from the track (including the Concord Embassy Suites who hosted us during our visit). The Dirt Track is part three of the larger Charlotte Motor Speedway complex in Concord. The drivers offered full-time driving jobs chose to relocate themselves and their families closer to the shops. 2023 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, The race simulator at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, Inside NASCAR exhibit at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Nicknamed Speed City USA, Concord is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track and top NASCAR race shops including Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing. The sprint karting track is based on the famous and historic Kartodromo Parma circuit in Italy and the fleet of Rental Karts reach speeds up to 55 mph. The Richard Childress Racing Museum, located front and center on the 52-acre RCR campus in Welcome, North Carolina, offers visitors a walk through time and traces how an independent one-car team evolved into one of NASCARs most successful organizations. Its the icing on the cake for a storied track that looked down and out not too long ago. While we were visiting the Hendrick Motorsports #24 and #5 garage, we even got a sneak peak at Chase Elliott's "Throw Back" paint for his upcoming race at Darlington. North Carolina - the Heart of Motorsports. On North Carolina's Lake Norman, there's no disputing the driver: It's Nascar. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Sodi Honda top-of-the-line racing karts challenge any driver with top speeds of 45 mph at just two inches off the ground. 29 Chevrolet- 2007 No. The adjoining former home and race . This site featuresaffiliate marketing, advertisements, and sponsored content. A delicious meal with a refreshing drink is a team that everyone can get behind. The RCR team store has all of the latest apparel and souvenirs for RCR fans of all ages and sizes. Ever since we moved to North Carolina we have been tracking down and documenting the locations of former NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series race team shops.. Important Event Info: No refunds or Exchanges. The drivers have to jet around to each race location, but the main shop where they train and help work on their cars is in the state, close to Charlotte, where the NASCAR Hall of Fame is built. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy notice. Dont let their unassuming location fool you: The Racing Warehouse is one of the best NASCAR memorabilia stores youll find. Another successful name in racing is Roush, with 400 wins and 31 championships spread across NASCARs top three divisions and drag racing. JR Motorsports (pronounced "Junior Motorsports") is an American professional stock car racing team that currently competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, CARS Tour, and occasionally in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.The team is based in Mooresville, North Carolina, co-owned by former NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister Kelley . While companies like Racing Electronics don't have a public tour, a visit to Charlotte wouldn't be complete without visiting locations like this. Its the home track for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car and Late Model Series, both thrilling dirt racing series that routinely feature NASCAR drivers including Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson and many more. 1/8 mile track using Newly Updated Accutime Timing System. Roper drove a showroom-new Lincoln from Kansas to North Carolina and entered the race. The fast cars sat around until the drivers decided to put them to good use. It's a place where fans can uncover new stories and get in on the action at every turn with more than 50 interactive experiences. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop features 5,800 square feet of unique gifts for gear heads of all ages. But did you know they got their start catering at Charlotte Motor Speedway? Browse exclusive NASCAR Hall of Fame merchandise or shop our NASCAR driver and team-specific . Stops include the Dale Earnhardt Plaza where you can stop and visit the nine-foot, 900-pound bronze statue of him, "Idiot Circle" across the street from there where he hung out as a kid, Punchy's Diner said to be the home of his favorite sandwich - a simple tomato sandwich with lettuce and miracle whip on white bread and other locations that any Dale fan won't want to miss. Comprised of Kannapolis, Midland, Mount Pleasant, Concord and Harrisburg, N.C. We are home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track, and 90 percent of the race teams in the area, truly making us Where Racing Lives.. You can also catch him reading a good book, watching the best TV and movies, or watching his beloved Panthers, Hornets, Hurricanes, and App State Mountaineers dominate their competition. Originally promoted by the legendary Humpy Wheeler former president and GM of Charlotte Motor Speedway Carolina Speedway near the NC/SC border has been a hotspot of racing since 1962. 2023 Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. If you love the pony car, the Mustang Owners Museum has you covered. Located in Randleman, youll get to learn more about Richard Petty aka, The King see his very first racing shop and his current shop, Pettys Garage. In addition to memorabilia and race cars, [], Penske Racings state-of-the-art facility houses their NASCAR teams as well as the Indy Car and ALMS teams. Roper was in. Whether its behind the wheel of a truck or the bright yellow M&Ms car in the NASCAR Cup Series, you can count on Kyle and his team to win races and compete for championships. . Its also one of the most important tracks in NASCAR history. race-used sheet metal, gas cans and crew uniforms. Accessibility. The 25 Adult Rental Karts (Ages 16+) are capable of speeds over [], Visit the 66,000 square foot facility owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and shop JR Nation, a retail store with more than 500 items exclusive to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his [], Since the teams inception, KKR has amassed over 170 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series wins, including the prestigious Knoxville Nationals (2018) and Kings Royal (2013), both with driver Brad []. If they were too slow, the entire batch of moonshine would be confiscated, and the driver and occupants would spend some time in jail.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'motorracingsports_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-motorracingsports_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Once the prohibition ended, the need for moonshiners and bootleggers vanished. NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE* Browse our official online shop. In 2016, a fire caused massive damage to the ThorSport Racing shop in Sandusky, O.H., including the destruction of the team's fabrication shop. This state-of-the-art facility honors NASCAR icons and creates an . Theres even a kids menu. Closed for major holidays. You may even catch a glimpse of your favorite drivers and team members. Buy Tickets. Last but certainly not least is the fact that the Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in Concord, North Carolina - just minutes from downtown. Imagine being able to visit the training facilities, locker room, and trophy room for your favorite teams. 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd. May 26, 2023. Joe Gibbs Racing offers a great viewing area and gift shop for all your fan needs. Fans can also enroll in one of the driving experience classes offered in schools by racing greats like Dale Jarrett or Richard Petty. Ever since i got in my pedal powered car 40 or so years ago I have been a lifelong fan of all motor racing, particular NASCAR and Indy, so this site is made to help share the answers to those questions that pop up mid race! Be on the lookout for their annual fan appreciation day, a must-visit event for fans of Keslowski, Chris Buscher or any of the RFK drivers. The first Strictly Stock Division race, (now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ), was held at Charlotte's 3/4-mile dirt track in June 1949 (Year Book, 1950). The campus features state-of-the-art facilities and technology, which the organizations four NASCAR Cup Series teams employ in preparation for race day. NASCAR All-Star RaceMore Info. https://bleacherreport . Buy Tickets to the RCR Museum and Team Store, Purchase your RCR Museum and Team Store All-Access Pass. For more information, read our, Take Bruton Smith Boulevard east toward Charlotte Motor Speedway, 0.4 miles, Right onto Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard (stoplight), 0.3 miles. golf, motorsports, horseback riding, etc. In 2015, NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer joined Guy Fieri at Pinkys during the special Racing Through Charlotte episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. If you want to eat like Guy and Clint, start off with corn dog shrimp, then get the Triple G burger with your choice of toppings and a house cocktail to wash it down. Less than 20 miles to Charlotte, Mooresville, and the Speedway, with 19 great hotels to choose from, Lake Norman gives you NASCAR, so get your engines running for a trip to remember. But if youre looking for apparel and memorabilia with a NASCAR twist, these two stores are a must-visit. Though this small dirt track in the woods of Stanley may seem unassuming, its hosted a steady stream of thrilling races since 1990. The town of Kannapolis, North Carolina, has a self-guided Dale Trail that you can follow to walk in his footsteps. historic sites, cherokee history, ghosts, etc. Questions can be asked of our to former guest by visiting our Race Shop Tour Inc Face Book page. Their guides have NASCAR career backgrounds, so youll gain a better understanding of whats going on behind the scenes. NHRA Fall Weekend . 3 team, the evolution and success of the team after Earnhardts untimely passing, and Childress passion for the outdoors. Peek behind the scenes at Hendrick Motorsports near Concord and Stewart-Haas Racing in Kannapolis, among others, to see how teams prepare for race day. Property is ideal for a user/landlord who needs shop space and would enjoy having spaces to lease for income.Building includes a paint booth, compressors and is nearly fully climate controlled. While the area boasts being home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and the Kannapolis hometown of Dale Earnhardt Sr., you also can make a pit stop at a race shop for almost every team in NASCAR.Peek behind the scenes at Hendrick Motorsports near Concord and Stewart-Haas Racing in . 3 Dow Chevrolet, driven to victory by Austin Dillon in the Daytona 500. 800-455-FANS. A 10-plus-acre piece of NASCAR and Wilkes County history in the eastern part of the county is on the real estate market for the asking price of $1.18 million. Drivers are now owners of their own cars, and they are owners that hire the best drivers they can for the cars they build. He didn't really know what to expect, but he didn't lack confidence. Not only is this the home of one of the finest NASCAR tracks that I've ever visited - but they also host the NASCAR Hall of Fame, team garages, parts and technology innovators, and you can even follow in the footsteps of racing legends like Dale Earnhardt by visiting his hometown. Located in Mount Pleasant, NC just a few miles from Charlotte is the home of Southern Grace Distilleries aka "Whiskey Prison" since it is set inside a reclaimed prison. 129 Mecklynn Rd., Suite C Comprised of Kannapolis, Midland, Mount Pleasant, Concord and Harrisburg, N.C. We are home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track, and 90 percent . Email Us. Owner Roger Penske has influenced NASCAR, IndyCar and every circuit in between, earning Team Penske the esteemed moniker of the New York Yankees of motorsports. Just like the Yankees, Team Penske spares no expense, so its no surprise that their Mooresville team headquarters is state-of-the art. Fan Club and The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage The Rock N.C. Motor Speedway Rockingham N.C. at the best online prices at eBay! Hall of fame careers built under a roof that now houses a business completely unaware of its legendary past. The main reason that NASCAR drivers live in North Carolina is due to the location of the job that they have been hired to do. Vintage race cars are kept in museumsbut everybody forgets the buildings in which they were bornuntil now! Racing became a form of public entertainment, which went national in 1949. NASCAR holds races at 42 different tracks in the U.S and Canada, including oval short tracks, winding road courses, and superspeedways longer than 2 miles. This 77,000 square-foot facility features Kyles Cup championship and Truck Series trophies and winning cars, several firesuits and an on-site retail store with official KBM merchandise. The outdoor .7-mile, 11-turn GoPro Motorplex karting facility is where NASCAR drivers go to take it slow on their day off. Sanctioned Track, Member of the Pro Am Division []. Immerse yourself in a mix of racing-related shops, tracks and attractions. Learn how to create your own. If you want even more racing, Charlotte is a great home base for Rockingham Speedway a former NASCAR track and the filming location for Days of Thunder as well as current NASCAR tracks like Bristol, Martinsville, Darlington and Atlanta. Just under half-a-mile long, this clay track attracts drivers and race fans from across the Carolinas. First opened in 1949 by Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins, it was NASCARs first weekly track ever. Youll find everything from exhibits and the current NC Hall of Famers to real-life stock cars that played a part in some of auto racings greatest moments. Granted, that is a job for the technicians, but the driver must be able to test out the changes on the track or inside the shop with the help of innovative technology. Neighborhoods: Wesley Heights, Huntersville. Relive racings greatest moments in the Goodyear Mini-Theater or simply [], Experience an adrenaline rush at the nations largest indoor kart track. Want to visit multiple teams on the same day? Toggle navigation. Here's our post about Mayberry Distilling as well. Because thats the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. Their problem was a way to transport the illegal alcohol after it was ready for consumption. One thing reigns supreme in the Charlotte region: Racing. . Their NASCAR affiliation doesnt end there.