30th Annual NASCAR All-Star Race Kicks Off Motorsports Season in North Carolina


RALEIGH, N.C. (May 14, 2014) — North Carolina is fueling up to host two iconic NASCAR events: the 30th annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600. The events kick off a series of motorsports-related tourism offerings throughout the state for the 2014 season and cap off “Motorsports Month” as proclaimed by Governor Pat McCrory in recognition of the more than one million fans who attend racing events in North Carolina each year. The North Carolina Division of Tourism has enhanced content available at VisitNC.com/motorsports-racing for visitors seeking a unique, motorsports experience.

“North Carolina has long been a leading destination for motorsports enthusiasts – not surprising considering we are home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Wit Tuttell, Executive Director for the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development. “Motorsports enthusiasts are often attracted to the iconic NASCAR events we host, but wowed by the variety of interactive ways their families can get involved. “

In support of motorsports statewide, the North Carolina Division of Tourism has launched an increased presence promoting related experiences on VisitNC.com including trip ideas, imagery and a social media sweepstakes with a chance to win access to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25. Trip experiences and ideas along with the sweepstakes are being promoted across the Division’s social media channels. Additionally, in honor of “Motorsports Month,” the Division’s e-newsletter features racing attractions and trip ideas.

NASCAR fans looking for suggestions on how best to experience the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend should visit the trip itinerary here: www.visitnc.com/trip-idea/nascar-weekend-in-charlotte-concord-lexington.

For racing fans interested in exploring beyond the track, visit the trip itinerary for “Racing, Wine and Wild Animals” here: www.visitnc.com/trip-idea/racing-wine-and-wild-animals.

The state also offers activities available for all levels of enthusiasm for the sport:

NASCAR Aficionados

Glory Road, the signature exhibit of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which unveiled a makeover in January, features 18 historic cars built by some of the sports most celebrated drivers, owners and mechanics telling the story of six generations of NASCAR.

The Hendrick Motorsports Museum is the race shop for popular drivers Jeff Gordon #24, Jimmie Johnson #48, Kasey Kahne #5 and Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88. Penske Racing is a state-of-the-art facility that houses their NASCAR teams as well as the Indy Car and ALMS teams. Both Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Penske Racing contains their most famous stock cars, sports car exhibits and championship trophy displays and provide a behind-the-scenes peek as teams prepare cars for each race weekend.

The Dale Trail in Kannapolis, hometown of NASCAR Hall of Famer, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., is a 20-stop self-guided tour featuring points of interest from Dale’s childhood and racing legacy. The Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza is one of the tour’s most significant locations and features a nine-foot, 900 pound bronze statue of Dale’s likeness – look closely and you’ll find features that play on Earnhardt numerology throughout the Plaza.

Adrenaline Junkies

The Richard Petty Driving Experience and NASCAR Racing Experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway allow race car enthusiasts their own chance to reach speeds of 160 mph. Accompany an experienced driver on a ride along or take the wheel after some instructions.

The Dirt Track Racing School challenges racers and racing fans to test their skills on three different car types, including open-wheel modified and sprint cars, on the dirt track.

Family-Friendly

Pit Indoor Kart Racing is a popular place for NASCAR teams to go and unwind. Go-karts here reach speeds of 45 mph. It also offers an arcade, batting cages, laser tag and mini-golf.

Lake Norman, the largest lake in North Carolina, is affectionately called the NASCAR Riviera because so many drivers live along its shores. Experience the lifestyle by visiting Queen’s Landing for dinner or site-seeing tour.

Food-Lovers

Red Rocks Café has long been a popular place for drivers and crew members to eat. Many of the items on the menu are named after drivers including Kyle Busch’s Southwestern chicken ravioli and the Marty Smith’s garden salad.

Quaker Steak & Lube, conveniently close to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, features NASCAR themed memorabilia covering the walls and ceilings. The menu features racing themed dishes like the Revved-Up Rib eye and the Stick Shifters.

Visit VisitNC.com for more information on motorsports offerings and travel packages.