If you are new to NASCAR and have only a basic understanding of the sport you must go to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and see some of its historical routes. If you, like me, go way back to the early days then you need to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte; it will be like stepping into Mr. Peabody’s “Way Back Machine“. We recently visited the Hall and found it to pretty much like what we expected and anticipated. The only complaint we had was that we wanted to see more just like it. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots to see and do, we just wanted even more.
On Level One the High Octane Theater, a 64-foot wide projection screen and surround sound gives you an entertaining and educational experience of NASCAR history. As great as this is the Glory Road is the must see attraction on this level. It is a banked ramp leading to the second floor and features 18 historic cars and highlights 43 current and historic tracks. It also mimics the various degrees of banking at some of the most notable tracks. Having visited many tracks and stood on the steep banking of some of them I can tell you it is still amazing to stand at the bottom and look up at the 33-degree incline of Talladega with a car sitting there!
Level 2 is the Great Hall which features a large greeting area and rotating exhibits throughout the year. During our visit it was Rockin & Racin with the Marty Robins restored race car from Nashville being by far our favorite.
Level 3 houses the Hall of Honor which is the pinnacle of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It is where the inductees are enshrined, celebrated and honored. An active exhibit here is Race Week which gives you an up close look at the behind-the-scenes preparation necessary by each race team every week.
Level 4 contains the Heritage Speedway exhibit. This area has a lot of small historical items and was extremely interesting. You may be tempted to speed through the area but slow down and read the descriptive signs.
Throughout the Hall of Fame there are numerous opportunities for you to get hands on and try different tasks such as execute pit stop or drive a race simulator or more videos to watch. There is something for all ages and levels of NASCAR knowledge.
As for the Talladega and Spoiler II race car and driver fans keep your eyes open and you will see reminders of our aero cars and their drivers spread throughout the Hall.
