News
Nascar Grinds Into Gear For Hall Of Fame Opening In 2010
Aug 10, 2009
Racing buffs will soon have a chance to take in the full history of NASCAR with news that their hall of fame is due to open in North Carolina on the 11th May 2010. Construction is actively underway in Charlotte, the city chosen by NASCAR to be the site of this once-in-a-lifetime facility.
Stock car racing has evolved as a thrilling and exciting sport has become embedded in North Carolina’s popular culture over the years. Charlotte 's connection with car racing goes back to the early 20th century. Charlotte hosted the first-ever NASCAR “strictly stock race”, later called the Grand National and now the Sprint Cup series, on June 19, 1949. Due to its historic involvement in racing, the Charlotte region has emerged as stock car racing's home.
This state-of-the-art facility will honor NASCAR icons and create an enduring tribute to the drivers, crew members, team owners and others that have impacted the sport in the past, present and future.
“I am thrilled to announce that Charlotte will proudly welcome visitors to the NASCAR Hall of Fame with its grand opening on May 11, 2010,” says Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. “It is a testament to our strong history and an exciting glimpse into our region’s dynamic future to be able to announce this upcoming milestone date today, on our city’s 60th anniversary of its first NASCAR race.”
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will include approximately 40,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the history and heritage of the sport, a ceremonial plaza for induction ceremonies, and a 270-seat state-of-the-art theatre featuring informative films about the history of NASCAR. The Great Hall will include a large greeting area with rotating displays and lively video scenes and graphics. A ‘glory road’ will be developed leading to the second floor of the facility featuring 15-18 historic cars and highlighting 40 current and historic tracks and there will also be a Hall of Honor, specifically designed for the NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees to be honored. Amongst other things will be a NASCAR vault containing historic artifacts, a racing simulator giving visitors a driver's experience and perspective on race day and a memorial area where visitors can honor and reflect on heroes no longer with us.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will be located in the heart of uptown Charlotte and will offer visitors the opportunity to conveniently experience Charlotte’s other cultural attractions and institutions, as well as its world-class dining, shopping, nightlife and sporting events. In Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will not simply be just another tourist attraction but the centerpiece of the city for years to come. www.nascarhall.com/
– ENDS –
For further press information contact:
Kevin Gibson / Lauren McNally
Tel: 020 7367 0916 / 0918
Email: kevingibson / laurenmcnally @hillsbalfoursynergy.com
