The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame is located in Mooresville, a town near Charlotte known as “Race City, USA.” Car lovers will be in heaven, with everything from a 1957 Mercury to an A.J. Foyt USAC Camaro. Even novices will appreciate the slick models of stock cars and drag racers while learning the stories behind them. There are 35 cars on display, as well as videos of exciting races and a photo gallery of historic racing moments. There’s also an interesting exhibit of motor sports–related art.
In the museum section you’ll discover the history of racing while wandering through the ranks of cars driven by the likes of Davie Allison, Rusty Wallace, Tim Flock and Cale Yarborough. Many of these cars are in original mint condition. Others, such as the 1988 Cale Yarborough Hardees Oldsmobile, have been lovingly restored. Catch some of these cars in action on the screen in the Goodyear Theatre.
Admire art representing key moments in motor sport history by artists including Sam Bass, Gary Hill and Jeanne Barnes, all known for their connection to racing. Prints of some of these works are available for purchase from the hall’s gift shop.
The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame is located within a hub of race shops in Mooresville. The hall doubles as the town’s official Visitor’s Centre, so pick up a map and take a spin around Race City, USA. It’s the base camp of many NASCAR teams and racing businesses.
Drop in at one of the race shops to see showrooms and memorabilia. If you’re lucky, the race crews could be working on an advanced model and you can watch the action. Some race shops even have restaurants, so you don’t have to leave for a pit stop.
The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame is about 29 miles (46 kilometres) north of Charlotte. The hall is open Monday through Saturday.