nascar tours charlotte nc

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Speedway Tours

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track and zMAX Dragway! Learn the illustrious history of each track while taking in the sights and sounds of Americas Home for Racing! 

Check out our special race week tours that can take you behind the scenes of some of the most famous race teams ever or show you what the speedway looks like when it gets ready to host a NASCAR race weekend. 

Daily Tours

Fast pass tour.

ALL-NEW Fast Pass Tour puts you behind the wheel of your own vehicle taking in the sights and history of Charlotte Motor Speedway! This touchless tour keeps you and your family safe while still having an unbelievable experience. Our tour guides will lead you through an hour-long tour using your vehicle's radio.  We will meet you in the Fan Zone by the Charlotte Motor Speedway marquee, to start the tour. Tours operate rain or shine.

Price:  $50.00 per vehicle

*All tour participants under 18 years old must print, sign and bring the Parental Consent, Release and Waiver of Liability Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement.

Fast Pass Tours are open with limited availability, Monday - Friday, with our one-hour tours at 12 p.m. In keeping with guidelines set by state/local health guidelines, you will remain in the comfort and safety of your personal vehicle and tune in via your vehicle's radio to listen to your tour guide. A tour guide will lead you on an exciting tour around our facility, as you follow. During the hour-long tour, you will learn the history about the track, take a drive by the NASCAR garages, pass by the media center and view the second largest HD TV screen.  You will be able to enjoy a ride on the apron around the 1.5 mile superspeedway and a pass through Winners Circle where you will have your photo taken of you while in your car!  We will meet you in the Fan Zone by the Charlotte Motor Speedway marquee, to start the tour. Tours operate rain or shine.

Price: $50.00 per vehicle

*All tour participants under 18 years old must print, sign and bring the Parental Consent, Release and Waiver of Liability Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement. All Adults will need to print, sign and bring the Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement.

Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour

Visit the NASCAR Cup Series garage area and take a ride through two infield race tracks. After you make your way down Pit Road, stop in Winner’s Circle for a photo opportunity. Learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway while enjoying a comfortable van ride around the Superspeedway where you will feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. Plus, visit zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte on this exciting tour!  Reserve your seat by calling 704-455-3223 or visit the Tour Desk on the second floor of Smith Tower.

Price: $15.00 per person

*  All tour participants under 18 years old must have a parental waiver signed for them. Please call tour desk for details [704-455-3223]

Visit the NASCAR Cup Series garage area and take a ride through two infield race tracks. After you make your way down Pit Road, stop in Winner’s Circle for a photo opportunity. Learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway while enjoying a comfortable van ride around the Superspeedway where you will feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. Plus, visit zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte on this exciting tour! Reserve your seat by calling 704-455-3223 or visit the Tour Desk on the second floor of Smith Tower.

Tour Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour Departure Location: Second floor of Smith Tower Please Note: All tour participants under 18 years old must have a p arental waiver signed for them. Please call tour desk for details [704-455-3223] . You are responsible for providing your own car seat for children. All on-track events are subject to track availability.

Price:   $15.00 per person

STEAM Field Trip Opportunities

Our STEAM Program offers various educational experiences for students of all ages. Fun and education come together in all of our options from the Daily program to Special Event days. Kids will engage in the principles of STEAM relating to Motorsports. Programs last approximately 3 hours. Click below for more details!

School groups may choose from one of the following options:

Option A Students will rotate through 3 interactive STEAM stations focusing on force and motion, traction and friction and speed and acceleration. Each station lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Option B Students will collaborate in teams to engineer, test and race a car. Teams will choose from various materials for the design in this 90 minute session.

Please indicate the option you choose when you reserve your date.

C lick here for additional STEAM options!

Infield Experience Tour

Experience the breathtaking view of Charlotte Motor Speedway from a 14-passenger van ride around the inside and outside of our NASCAR infield (no on-track access). Cruise around the NASCAR garages and stroll through the winner's circle with an opportunity to take photos. Tour the media center and take a walk down memory lane as you view timeless photos of CMS history.

Take advantage of this exciting opportunity today and reserve your seat in advance!

NOTE: Tour operates rain or shine. All participants will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival. Before or after your tour, you have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in our luxurious Speedway Club. Advance reservations are recommended for the Club. 704.455.3216. Gift Shop hours are 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Experience the breathtaking view of Charlotte Motor Speedway from a 14-passenger van ride around the inside and outside of our NASCAR infield (no on-track access). Cruise around the NASCAR garages and stroll through the winner's circle with an opportunity to take photos. Tour the media center and take a walk down memory lane as you view timeless photos of CMS history. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity today and reserve your seat in advance!

U-DRIVE Experience

Want to drive your own car around Charlotte Motor Speedway? This tour experience is for you! Enjoy a leisurely couple of laps around the track and the opportunity to take photos at the start/finish line. You will stay in your own car and follow the tour guide around the track. (You will not be able to pass the tour guide's vehicle or exceed 70 mph).

18+ for insurance, valid driver’s license, no convertibles. Seatbelts required.

Featured Event

Coca-Cola 600

Rev up your Memorial Day weekend with the historic 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s toughest test of man and machine!

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Testimonials

Imogene and Jewell, were Awesome. 2nd time with TABA at Martinsville and it won't be the last. Great Tickets - Great Service.

Kevin Wildes Sun City, AZ Martinsville, Xfinity 500, October 2021 Kevin's 2nd trip with TABA

Charlotte NASCAR Packages and Race Tours - Bank Of America Roval 400

Charlotte motor speedway | october 11 - october 14.

Join us in the heart of NASCAR country on one of our Charlotte NASCAR Packages for the ROVAL 400, one of the most unique races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedul. In 2018, Charlotte Motor Speedway became the first road course race in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs by utilizing its 2.28 mile road course configuration with Ryan Blaney winning the inaugural “ROVAL 400” in an exciting finish. This year the Charlotte ROVAL 400 is a cut-off race for the Round of 12 in NASCAR’s playoffs making this a postseason event you don’t want to miss. Our Charlotte Bank of America ROVAL 400 Packages offer several hotels to choose from:  the Hilton Garden Inn Uptown (next-door to the NASCAR Hall of Fame) or the Homewood Suites-Concord (you can see Charlotte Motor Speedway from the hotel, 1 mile away). Start your race weekend with a Friday Race Shop Tour to various NASCAR team shops in the area and be sure to add our highly popular Garage Tour Hospitality option to your race package to tour the NASCAR Cup Series garage prior to the Charlotte ROVAL 400 (Race Shop Tours and Garage Hospitality are subject to availabilty). Our Charlotte NASCAR Packages for the ROVAL 400 also offer options to enhance your race weekend experience such as ticket upgrades, NASCAR Hall of Fame passes, pre-race pit passes and scanner rentals.  Experience NASCAR hassle-free with one of our Charlotte NASCAR Packages for the Bank of America Roval 400.

Charlotte NASCAR Packages And Race Tours - Bank of America Roval 400 - Hilton Garden Inn - Cup Only

• BOA Roval 400 Ticket-Sec 123-137 (GM Grandstand) or Upgrade
• Two or Three Nights - Hilton Garden Inn - Uptown Charlotte
• (across from NASCAR Hall of Fame, 12 miles to track)
• Hot Breakfast Daily
• Roundtrip Deluxe Bus Transfers to Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday
• TABA Ticket Holder and Lanyard
• Informative Tour Booklet
• Knowledgeable TABA Tour Representatives
• Race Day Essentials: Bottled Water, Earplugs, Sunscreen, and Koozies

Charlotte NASCAR Packages & Race - Bank of America Roval 400 - HGI - Cup & Xfinity Tickets

• BOA Roval 400 Ticket - Sec. 123-137 (GM Grandstand) or Upgrade
• Xfinity Series Ticket - Sec. 123-137 (GM Grandstand) or Upgrade
• Three or More Nights - Hilton Garden Inn - Uptown Charlotte
• (across from NASCAR Hall of Fame, 12 miles to the track)
• Round Trip Deluxe Bus Track Transfers Saturday and Sunday
• TABA Tour Representatives On Site and Buses to Assist

Charlotte NASCAR Packages And Race Tours - Bank of America Roval 400 - Homewood Suites - Cup Ticket

• Two or More Nights - Homewood Suites - Concord, NC
• (located 1 mile from Charlotte Motor Speedway)
• Hot Breakfast Daily At The Homewood Suites

Charlotte NASCAR Packages - Bank of America Roval 400 - Homewood Suites - Cup & Xfinity Tickets

• BOA Roval 400 Ticket - Sec.123-137 (GM Grandstand) or Upgrade
• Three or More Nights - Homewood Suites - Concord, NC

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Racing Insiders Tour

• (704) 654-4400

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The Racing Insiders Tour is your in-depth tour in and around Charlotte's racing community.

It's an unforgettable opportunity to get closer than ever before to your favorite sport's storied history and exciting future.

Start your adventure by exploring the history and heritage of NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Then you'll hop aboard a private motor coach to visit various race shops and other local racing attractions.

Throughout the day, you'll enjoy exclusive opportunities as well as lunch and special behind-the-scenes access. This all-inclusive package covers associated admission costs for the day of the tour plus admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for your choice of up to 90 days after your tour.

Google Reviews

Write a Review

Michael Oakes

I was staying at a hotel just across the street from the NASCAR Hall of Fame and could see it from my window, so when I was done with work for the week...I had to visit. The place was empty when I visited, most likely because it was the middle of the day and not Spring Break or any other busy tourist season. Based on this, I expected the staff to be more helpful and attentive. Literally the only staff member who spoke with me on my 2.5 hour visit was the lady at the front who collected my money for my ticket. I saw about 20 other employees as I walked around, almost having the place to myself and they never greeted me or asked if I wanted more information about a specific collection I was looking at. The displays do have signs and I can read, but customer service goes a long way at making someone feel welcome. I was very pleased with the layout of the collections. I did not eat at the cafe inside as it was completely overpriced and expected, for a tourist location. I enjoyed all the displays, just wish the staff was a little more involved and attentive.

OH! GO! I am a 60+ year old woman and traveled solo cross-country to tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame. I was not disappointed. They had me from the first staff member I encountered and certainly from the introductory movie. I was teary at the history and excited by the WOW exhibits. The first floor banked Glory Road is jaw-dropping and I had many smiles at the very clever Cars 3 Exhibit. And thanks for all the rocking chairs and benches to sit when needed! What touched me the most? Life sized figures of several key racing figures who started it all. It was like I could walk into the conversation between Bill France, Smokey and others. What a cool way to do that exhibit. Can you tell I'm impressed? You will be too.

Kevin G Mickle

What an awesome place! If you want to know anything about the history of NASCAR this is the place to be. Beautifully preserved memorabilia that spans 1948 - present. All the staff is super friendly and we really enjoyed our trip and can't wait to come back. As the collection grows this place will always require a visit annually.

Core Create

A fantastic experience for all ages. The cleanliness and friendliness of staff made this an highly enjoyable experience. Everything relating to NASCAR is explained and shown from the history to how a NASCAR team works. You can also try out the NASCAR simulators which is an awesome experience. It is easy to spend 3-4 hours here.

Brendan Stanczyk

Fun hands on Museum. Lots to see and interact with. It is a very wide open area with a lot to take in. Take your time here or you may miss something. The second floor has a full size NASCAR trailer to explore and parts from the cars with well lit areas.

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BEST. EXPERIENCE. EVER.  Charlotte Motor Speedway

Welcome to nascar racing experience.  drive a nascar race car by yourself on the charlotte motor speedway- a 1.5 mile quad oval track with 24 degrees banking in the turns. following drivers meeting covering training and instruction, you’ll drive a nascar race car for timed racing sessions. there’s no lead car to follow and no instructor rides with you. get one-on-one instruction from a spotter over in-car radio. in between every 8 minutes of track time get a brief pit stop and head back on the track to work on driving faster speeds.  pass the slower cars as you catch them... yes, passing is allowed  book now.  limited space is available., save up to 50% today  red, white & blue, this could be you  drive around the coca cola 600 race, memorial day weekend.  , more dates available june thru december., sale ends today, ↓book now or buy gift certificate↓.

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Experience Prices

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NASCAR Racing Experience- The true NASCAR Driving Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Welcome to NASCAR Racing Experience, the true NASCAR Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We put YOU in the drivers seat of a real NASCAR race car that’s come straight from the NASCAR teams. You drive a real NASCAR race car by yourself at NASCAR Racing Experience. This NASCAR Experience will be the most authentic driving experience or racing school you’ve ever attend. NASCAR Driving Experience is offered at the nation’s premier speedways including Charlotte Motor Speedway which is located at the heart of NASCAR country.  You can make a reservation to secure your once in a lifetime NASCAR driving experience for Charlotte Motor Speedway today.  Dates are offered year round. Don’t want to drive a race car? NASCAR Ride Alongs are available for those who want to ride and not drive. Make your dream a reality today and sign up for NASCAR Racing Experience, the true NASCAR experience!

Drive a Race Car at Charlotte Motor Speedway! Take a NASCAR Ride Along! Buy NASCAR Driving Experience! Do the NASCAR Racing Experience! NASCAR Driving Experience.

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Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s 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. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com .

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Visit race shops for nearly every team in NASCAR

One thing reigns supreme in the Charlotte region: Racing. 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 Kannapolis , among others, to see how teams prepare for race day. You may even catch a glimpse of your favorite drivers and team members. Or see winning race cars and trophies at Penske Racing and JR Motorsports in Mooresville and other memorabilia from the teams’ greatest moments. On your way out of the shops, visit the team stores to score swag ranging from hats and T-shirts to car parts used during races.

Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports, Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard, Charlotte, NC

Stewart-Haas Racing

Stewart Haas Racing Inc, Haas Way, Kannapolis, NC

Penske Racing

Penske Racing, Penske Way, Mooresville, NC

JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports, Cayuga Drive, Mooresville, NC

Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Westmoreland Drive Northwest, Concord, NC

Richard Petty Motorsports

Richard Petty Motorsports, Byers Creek Road, Mooresville, NC

Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing, Reese Boulevard West, Huntersville, NC

Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing Inc, Roush Place, Concord, NC

Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports, Peachtree Road, Statesville, NC

Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing Museum, Industrial Drive, Lexington, NC

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Six NASCAR Sites You Must Visit in Charlotte North Carolina - Where Racing Lives

Most sports fans dream of visiting a favorite stadium, birthplace, or hall of fame at some point in their lives. For most sports though, there is an inherent challenge with that since everything is so spread out. For instance, while Cooperstown might be a great place for baseball fans - it's nowhere near a major league stadium. With NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is THAT PLACE. 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.

Visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway!

If you are coming to Charlotte to visit NASCAR sites, then you are probably planning to visit the track for a race. If not, you don't know what you are missing. Simply put, this is the finest NASCAR race track that I have ever visited. Even though this is one of the older tracks it is absolutely one of the most modern and has a history of firsts including the first to hold night races and of course the first to hold a legendary 600-mile race!  Even though this is the home of NASCAR the facilities also include an incredible 4-lane-wide Zmax Dragway and a phenomenal clay oval for Sprint Car races.

Last but certainly not least is the fact that the Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in Concord, North Carolina - just minutes from downtown. This makes the entire area easy to get to since Charlotte has a major international airport and is a hub for American Airlines. Plus, there are tons of great hotels just minutes away from the track (including the Concord Embassy Suites who hosted us during our visit). 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. 

Visit Your Favorite Team Garages

Imagine being able to visit the training facilities, locker room, and trophy room for your favorite teams. That's exactly what you can do here in Charlotte. Most major teams have open areas where you can see memorabilia including trophies, race suits, and cars to walk around. 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.

This was especially cool to see his garage since thanks to one of his sponsors - Kelley Blue Book - we'll be meeting with Chase and the rest of his team in a few weeks during the race weekend in Loudon, NH coming up at the end of September!  

Visit The Companies that Make Racing Come Alive

While companies like Racing Electronics don't have a public tour, a visit to Charlotte wouldn't be complete without visiting locations like this. 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. This is an exciting place to visit since you never know who might be shopping here or visiting to get a custom earpiece fitting!

Follow in the Footsteps of Legendary Racers like Dale Earnhardt

Dale Earnhardt is undeniably one of the most popular race car drivers of all time, from any format. The town of Kannapolis, North Carolina, has a self-guided Dale Trail that you can follow to walk in his footsteps. 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.

There are plenty of other drivers and legendary figures who also lived in the area, but this is a must-visit for any race fan.

Explore The NASCAR Hall of Fame

I've had the fortune to visit several Hall of Fame museums and each one is a unique shrine to the sports or musical traditions. However, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is something special. 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. 

Yup, You Can Even Celebrate With Some Moonshine

Let's face it - NASCAR racing really developed as moonshiners built faster and better cars to race away from the cops and then began to compete against each other for who had the fastest cars and best drivers. While the illicit moonshine tradition is alive and well in the hills of North Carolina, there are several places where you can get a taste of it and not have to worry about being arrested (or going blind!) 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. 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!

About an hour and a half north of Charlotte in Mount Airy, North Carolina is another distillery that we love - Mayberry Spirits . The tour there is every bit as entertaining but they are doing some really special stuff with whiskey innovation. Here's our post about Mayberry Distilling as well.

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QCT Charlotte NASCAR Shuttle (Since 2004)

Home of the "Original" NASCAR Shuttle

Transporting Guests Since 2004 QCT Charlotte NASCAR Shuttle – Charlotte Motor Speedway

Forget the fuss and leave the driving to us™.

Whether it’s enjoying our very popular QCT Charlotte Daily Tours , Ghost Tours , our Group Tours , Day Trips , or Multi-Day Trips .

We have something for just about EVERYONE and have been touring the Charlotte area since 1993 which is much longer than any other local tour company.

In addition, we are the leader in the QCT Charlotte NASCAR Shuttle – Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte NC Tours, Charlotte tours, a Charlotte Tour, Tours of Charlotte, Charlotte Tour Operators, Tour Operators of Charlotte, Charlotte bus tours, Bus tours of Charlotte, QCT Charlotte City Tours, City Tours of Charlotte, Charlotte sightseeing tours, and sightseeing tours of Charlotte. 

So if you are planning to Visit Charlotte and you are looking for a Charlotte tour or Charlotte Tours, Charlotte NC Tour or Charlotte, NC Tours, Charlotte guided tour or Charlotte Guided Tours, a Charlotte Tour Guide or Charlotte Tour Guides, a Charlotte Tour Date or Charlotte Tour Dates, a Good Charlotte Tour Date or Good Charlotte Tour Dates, a Queen Charlotte Tour or Queen Charlotte Tours, a Good Charlotte Tour or Good Charlotte Tours, Charlotte tour operator; Charlotte bus tour, Charlotte tours, QCT Charlotte City Tour, or Charlotte sightseeing tour, Charlotte Segway Tours, Charlotte Segway Tour, Queen City Segway Tours™,  Charlotte Bike Tour ,  Charlotte Bike Tours ,  Queen City Bike Tours™ ,  Queen City Bike Tour™ ; we are your number one source. 

Also check out our  Daily City Tour , Upcoming Trips ,  QCT Charlotte NASCAR Shuttle – Charlotte Motor Speedway ,  and  QCT Charlotte City Tour .

Check out our  six ‘New” themed tours in our service line that offer you more options of touring. Join our email list to keep abreast of other “New” services in development and check back soon for others. 

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However we drove ourselves round all the shops, we went to DEI, RCR, Gibbs, Hendricks, Roush, Ganassi, KHI, Robert Yates,Rusty Wallace, Penske,Wood Bros, plus lots of smaller busch & truck teams.

If you go to http://www.racecityusa.org you can order a free map which has all the race shops listed on it.

Hope this helps

Follow the above advise on finding the race shops,

(Find I-77 on the map and follow it north)

We found the following webside very useful before we made our trip after Dega a couple years ago.

http://www.raceshops.com

If you have time, go to RCR up in Welcome. We thought it was the best of the lot....Of course we met Richard Childress and Chocolate Meyers and got to see Harvick's pit crew practice. That was cool.

When we went to RCR we got to meet Chocolate Meyers and he had a few tales to tell, didnt see Richard Childress but did get to talk to Jim who used to drive Dale Earnhardt's hauler and now drives Harvicks.

When we went to Wood brothers shop, we saw a grey haired man behind the desk, i said to my husband in a not very quiet voice"i've seen him on tv", my husband looked at him and sort of rolled his eyes and said well yes you would have its Ricky Rudd!!! He was really nice and posed for photos and autographed a few things.

Thanks for the info and websites above. I'm coming to town for the Coke 600 and needed this info. Much appreciated.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Go behind the scenes and learn the history of local racing legends.

Share in our community’s enthusiasm for motorsports with tours of the area’s most storied racing locales. Feel the adrenaline surge by taking a tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway , complete with a trip around the legendary oval and up its 24-degree banked curves. Pay tribute to racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. in his hometown of Kannapolis. Or spend a full day with Garage Shop Pass Tours exploring race shops plus the NASCAR Hall of Fame and other points of pride along the way.

Pro tip: Plan your racing tours around big events and race weekends to increase your chance of spotting your favorite cars and drivers.

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Best Museums in Charlotte NC

Updated : May 07, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, WA

Table of contents, the mint museum, the charlotte museum of history, nascar hall of fame, bechtler museum of modern art, historic rosedale, harvey b. gantt center for african-american arts + culture, levine museum of the new south, museum of illusions, discovery place science, plan your trip to charlotte with aaa..

Mixing Southern charm and hospitality with the bright lights of the big city, Charlotte is a dynamic destination that offers activities and attractions for all types of travelers. Perhaps most notably, the Queen City is known for its extensive collection of museums, providing tourists with an opportunity to enjoy cultural and historic experiences during their trip.

From esteemed art museums and historical homes to the infamous NASCAR Hall of Fame, there are Charlotte museums for every age and interest.

These are the best museums in Charlotte for any traveler:

• 500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
• $15 per adult, $6 per child

Famously known as North Carolina's first art museum, the Mint Museum is considered to be one of the top Charlotte museums. Featuring two locations — one in Randolph and another in Uptown — the Mint Museum strives to make art accessible and appealing to everyone. The exhibits at the museum include a collection of permanent and rotating galleries, all of which are designed to expose people to a wide range of art, artists and styles. From contemporary art to classic American art, the museum has endless pieces that are intriguing, insightful and memorable.

• 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
• $10 per adult, $7 per child between 6-17, no admission fee for children under 5

A great spot for first-time visitors to Charlotte is the Charlotte Museum of History, which is considered to be one of the top museums in the city. Inside the museum, visitors will discover six engaging and interactive exhibits that aim to tell the story of Charlotte's history and how it became the modern, interconnected community that it is today. In addition, visitors are able to explore the historic grounds of the museum, which houses some of the oldest properties in North Carolina, some of which date back to the time of the American Revolution.

• 400 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
• $27 per adult, $20 for children between 4-12

Racing's biggest fans often travel to Charlotte in order to experience the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is easily considered to be one of Charlotte best museums. With an atmosphere that is as exciting and electric as race day itself, the NASCAR Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits that tell the history of the sport and the stories of its legends. Popular exhibits include the Racing Simulators, the Hall of Honor and the Heritage Speedway. Whether you have watched one NASCAR race or you are a lifelong fan, you are sure to fall in love with this iconic Charlotte museum.

• 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
• $9 per adult, $5 for children between 11-18, no admission fee for children under 10.

As one of the newest additions to the Charlotte museum scene, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has become a beloved attraction in the city. It first opened its doors in 2010 after the Bechtler family donated a significant portion of their modern and contemporary art collection to the museum. Today, visitors step into the lobby and are struck by the magnificence of The Firebird , a mirror mosaic sculpture that stands more than 17 feet tall. While it's the first monumental piece of art that anyone sees at the museum, The Firebird is only the beginning of this breathtaking collection.

• 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
• $15 per person, no admission fee for children under 5

At the time that Rosedale was built in 1815, it was a plantation that was located more than 3 miles away from the nearby city. Today, however, it's a piece of history that's been preserved within an urban environment and it's one of the most well-known history museums in Charlotte. The heart of the museum is the historic Rosedale house, which is open for guided tours. The organization that operates and maintains Historic Rosedale aims to create enlightening exhibits that tell the stories of the people who lived in the house and the enslaved African Americans who were forced to work the land, allowing visitors to develop an authentic and well-rounded understanding of this property's history.

• 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
• $9 per adult, $7 per child between 6-17, no admission fee for children under 5

The Harvey B Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture has earned a reputation for being one of the best Charlotte museums for unique cultural experiences. This immersive museum offers more than just exhibits on African American history and culture in Charlotte, but it also hosts performances, screenings and engaging discussions, bringing the community together to cherish the many contributions that African Americans have made in the community over the course of its history.

• 401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
• Free admission

The Levine Museum of the New South is not quite a history museum, yet not quite a modern art museum. Instead, it's truly a community museum that works to showcase the stories of the past while unveiling the power of the future. At any given time, there are usually a handful of exhibits on display, all of which are designed with various elements in order to captivate the minds and hearts of visitors of all ages. By curating engaging exhibits and planning community celebrations, this museum reveals the spirit and resilience of this incredible city.

• 601 S. Tryon St. Ste. 138, Charlotte, NC 28202
• $24 per adult, $20 per child between 5-12

Easily the most mesmerizing museum in Charlotte, the Museum of Illusions features visual and sensory exhibits that are designed to confound the mind and confuse the senses. You never quite know what is real and what is not as you walk through the captivating illusion rooms. As you wind through the museum, you will encounter illusion rooms that allow you to feel like you are walking upside down as well as some rooms that absolutely convince you that you are tilted. It's a mind-bending experience and one that cannot be missed if you are spending time in Charlotte.

• 168 W. 6th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
• Pricing varies based on demand. $23-$29 per adult, $18-$24 per child

Discovery Place Science is not only one of the top Charlotte museums for families with children, but it is one of the best museums in Charlotte for adults who simply love science. Featuring hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, Discovery Place Science is the kind of museum that brings the world of science to life. On any given day at the museum, you can conduct your own experience, manipulate exhibits in order to see science in action or attend a live show in order to watch a lab take place in real time.

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‘I was terrified.’ NC woman captures time-lapse video of funnel cloud near her home

Birds circled confusedly in the sky.

Mokie, an Australian shepherd-poodle, jumped up and down on a couch, more hyper than ever, though she never whimpered or barked.

“Animals know before we do,” Cramerton resident Patricia “Ollie” Frye told The Charlotte Observer on Friday about the instincts of animals for bad weather.

Then her daughter, 11th-grader Lilian Givens, called from South Point High School in nearby Belmont.

“’They won’t let us leave,’” Lilian said.

The school was on lockdown after a tornado warning Wednesday afternoon.

Frye also saw the warning, which included parts of Gaston County.

Instead of immediately running for cover — she did that with Mokie moments later — Frye placed smartphones on windowsills in her living room and dining room and pointed their cameras outside.

She figured she’d send the clips to the National Weather Service as evidence of a tornado. Plus, she enjoys filming such outdoor scenes.

“Certainly seemed like one to me,” she said. “I was terrified.”

Winds felt ‘hurricane-ish’

Frye stood on her screened back porch, “and that’s when I saw it,” she said. “It was coming at me.”

“It was a funneling cloud, with rotation,” she said. “You could see the sky rotating.”

She opened her basement door, beside the living room.“Mokie, let’s go.”

And down they went.

She felt the house shake, but she and Mokie made it only a few down when “suddenly it was gone,” she said.

“The cell came right over the house,” Frye said. “When it came past me, I could not see anything outside.”

Sheets of rain continued to fall after the cloud passed, she said, and “the winds felt ‘hurricane-ish.’”

“They felt like Hurricane Hugo ’s, a little bit.”

Frye grew up in neighboring Belmont and lived there when the deadly 1989 category 5 hurricane caused destruction across the Charlotte area and the Carolinas.

Frye also sent copies of her video to the Observer.

Weather service to review the video

National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Wimberley said Friday that his office, in Greer, South Carolina, received Frye’s email with the video clips attached. The NWS will review the film, he said.

The NWS on Thursday confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes in Gaston County during Wednesday’s storms that killed two people in the Charlotte region.

Neither tornado path entered Cramerton, Wimberley said. The nearest one dissipated near McAdenville, 2.3 miles north of Cramerton, he said.

Was the rotation captured by Frye a separate funnel cloud? That will be part of the NWS investigation, Wimberley said.

He complimented Frye for the safe way she captured the images, keeping herself from the windows. Always avoid windows during storms, Wimberley said.

“That’s following the best protocol,” Wimberley said about Frye’s actions.

During severe thunderstorms just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, a tree fell on a car, killing a person inside, at the intersection of Dixon and South New Hope roads, according to an NWS report. That’s a mile southeast of downtown Gastonia.

And a 24-year-old woman died early Thursday when she was driving too fast for weather conditions and crashed in Caldwell County, the State Highway Patrol reported.

On Friday, the weather service confirmed a third tornado . That one formed just after midnight Thursday in rugged terrain between Cullowhee and Glenville in Jackson County in the N.C. mountains, according to an NWS report.

Related to a king of England

Frye’s family came from Scotland as part of the Stewart clan and has lived in Belmont since before the Revolutionary War, she said. King Edward III of England is her 18th (generation) great-grandfather, she said her search on Ancestry.com revealed.

‘Head in the clouds’

“I love nature,” Frye said. “But I’d never seen anything like this before.”

She works as a moving-light technician with local chapter 322 of the IATSE union — International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

She tours nationally three times a year with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli .

The rest of the time, she’s a local stage hand with the union, helping on such productions as Charlotte Ballet’s current “ Swan Lake .” Performances continue through Sunday, May 12, at Knight Theater in uptown Charlotte.

She likes spending her off-work hours “with my head in the clouds,” she quipped.

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