The NASCAR Hall of Fame sits in uptown Charlotte, across the street from the Charlotte Convention Center. Four floors of exhibits trace NASCAR from its roots in moonshine running to modern racing, and the Hall of Honor recognizes the drivers, crew chiefs and owners who have been inducted. Glory Road displays famous race cars, and the racing simulators and pit crew challenge let you try the sport yourself. Even visitors who know little about racing can spend a few hours here.
From moonshine runners to the Hall of Honor
During Prohibition, moonshine makers needed drivers to haul liquor from the stills to customers across the region. Their cars were fitted with heavy-duty shocks, springs and powerful engines for extra speed. Those modified cars are part of how the sport began.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in 2010. NASCAR chose Charlotte, the Queen City, as the home of the hall. The Hall of Honor is where inductees are celebrated. Each year, three inductees are chosen from a list of 15 nominees, so the hall shows recent nominees alongside the sport's legends.
Inside the four floors
The museum has four floors of exhibit space. Glory Road brings together cars from famous drivers, including a display of 18 cars that shaped the sport's history. A separate display holds more than a dozen retired race cars.
The High Octane Theater seats 278 people and has a screen about 64 feet wide. A short film on the first floor gives background on the sport before you explore.
A virtual tour lets you look inside NASCAR cockpits. Guests can also make a digital scrapbook to record their visit. The Race Week exhibit shows how teams and the NASCAR industry prepare for race day, and it includes broadcast booths.
Hands-on activities
The racing simulators put you on the track, and one of them is an iRacing simulator. A drifting simulator is also available. At the pit crew station, you can change tires against the clock or against another team.
A section of track is set at a banked angle, so you can stand at the slope of a real racetrack.
Combo packages add activities and a snack. One all-inclusive package includes a behind-the-scenes tour with lunch and race shop visits, along with a general admission ticket valid for up to three months.
Food, shopping and membership
The Pit Stop Cafe serves BBQ sandwiches and is the on-site spot for a quick meal. Some visitors find the cafe small, so arrive with a plan if you want to sit down at a busy time.
The Gear Shop sells NASCAR Hall of Fame merchandise along with driver and team items such as diecast cars, hats, T-shirts and gifts for pets. Champ's Corner in the shop is where you can see the hall's mascot. NASCAR licensed items can be costly, so set a souvenir budget before you shop.
A membership includes members-only gifts, invitations to members-only events, a quarterly publication and discounts at the hall. Groups can use the meeting space, and the hall offers catering for events.
Getting there and access
The museum is in uptown Charlotte, directly across from the Charlotte Convention Center. An attached parking garage is on Brevard Street. The garage is paid, and paid and free street parking is also available nearby. The garage is not the cheapest option, so compare costs before you park.
The entrance, elevator, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. A changing table is available for families with babies.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. General admission has been $27 for adults and $20 for ages 4 to 12. Combo packages are also sold, so check the website for current prices.
How long do you need?
Most visitors plan two to four hours. Trying every simulator and activity can take a full day.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, elevator, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Can you bring drinks inside?
No. Drinks are not allowed inside the museum. The Pit Stop Cafe is on site for food.
