Calling all motorheads! Now open at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte is the new exhibit ‘Haulin’: 25 years of NASCAR Trucks. This exhibition celebrates and chronicles 25 years of the rich and rowdy heritage of the heroes who made these vehicles a sensation. This limited time exhibition is on display until July 2020 for fans to see these legendary engines.
“This new exhibit is another great example of the NASCAR Hall’s commitment to honouring the history and heritage of all aspects of the sport,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Honouring these drivers and the trucks that carried them to success is a fitting celebration of the talent and skill throughout NASCAR. We are proud to highlight their contributions alongside the other memorable moments reflected in the Hall.”
Through the use of actual race trucks, audio, photos and artifacts, the NASCAR Hall of Fame tells the story of the tough trucks and the tougher individuals who raced them.
North Carolina offers many incredible driving attractions and opportunities throughout the state. From stunning scenic drives and NASCAR ride-alongs to safari and ATV experiences on the beaches. Here’s what you can get up to in the Tar Heel State…
Blue Ridge Parkway
Appalachian Mountains
Often dubbed ‘America’s favourite drive’ the Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the southern Appalachian Mountains and is one of the most stunning drives in the United States. The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. On the way, visitors will find sweeping views and amazing recreational activities. For an even more Instagram-worthy road trip, travel during the Autumn to see the leaves ablaze in vivid colours. Head through the Pisgah National Forest and stop at Fox Hunters Paradise Overlook and take the short road that leads to High Piney Spur were there’s a flat, paved trail that leads to an incredible view from a stone observation deck. Other great stops along the way are the Northwest Trading Post, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, and Grandfather Mountain.
Richard Petty NASCAR Experience
Charlotte Motor Speedway
At the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the action does not stop with being a spectator. Visitors can take charge behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car with the Richard Petty Driving Experience! Reach speeds in excess of 100mph at one of the most famous racing tracks in the world. There’s no lead car to follow or instructor, just 1.5 miles of track to tear up. Those who can’t drive or are slightly apprehensive can ride along with a professional NASCAR racer and experience the thrill too.
North Carolina is the spiritual home of NASCAR, with the sport founded in the state and over 90% of the current stock racing teams based out of the city of Charlotte. Many offer factory tours and packages to come and see the cars prepare for race day. There’s also the Richard Petty museum in Randleman, North Carolina to discover the unparalleled success story of one of the founding fathers of stock racing.
Corolla Jeep & ATV Adventures
Corolla, Outer Banks
On the beaches of the Outer Banks are some of the oldest and most popular residents, the roaming wild horses. Descendants of the Spanish mustangs that arrived in the 16th century. Though protected, visitors can get close to these magnificent animals with one of the many wild horse safari’s available in the area. These tours offer a one-of-a-kind experience of Jeep off-roading through the back country and beaches with incredible wildlife and natural wonders.
For a more adrenaline fuelled way to see the flora and fauna of the region, jump on the ATV’s available at Penny’s Hill Four-wheel 5 miles up the coast, navigating deep ruts and soft sand to arrive at 40 acres of private land, with acres of trails and steep drop-ins on the second largest “living” sand dune on the East coast. This land has been specifically tailored for ATV riding and offers fun for beginners and avid ATV riders alike!