NASCAR Hall of Fame Grand Opening Ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina

The weather outside was gloomy, but the atmosphere at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Opening Ceremony in Charlotte, NC, was downright cheerful.

"When people think of NASCAR, they think of North Carolina," said North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, who attended the ceremony with other dignitaries Tuesday. An obviously pleased Perdue said she was proud of the NASCAR attraction, which would be a boon to North Carolina tourism. "NASCAR is not chump change," she said. "Don't talk to me about tourism if you don't talk about NASCAR in North Carolina."

Richard Petty and Junior Johnson, who will both be inducted in to The Hall of Fame May 23, made an appearance at the festivities. "It ain't soaked in yet," said Johnson of the honor.

The other 2010 inaugural inductees are Bill France, Sr. (1909-1992), Bill France, Jr. (1933-2007), and Dale Earnhardt (1951-2001).

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in uptown Charlotte at 400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and covers 150,000 square feet. It honors the history and heritage of NASCAR with artifacts and high-tech interactive entertainment. It seeks to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike.

Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory admitted to sneaking into a Charlotte racing event at age 19 without paying. "It was wide open, Humpy," he said, speaking directly to H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, former President and General Manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway.

As penance he pulled out a $20 dollar bill, announcing his intention to purchase the first ticket to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. "I'm proud to pay to get in the front door."

The NASCAR Hall of Fame will be open seven days a week, 362 days per year, closing only on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Charter memberships are available as well as group sales and facility rentals.

www.wsoctv.com
www.nascar.com

NASCAR Hall of Fame Grand Opening in Charlotte Honors Race Car Drivers, Others Involved in Sport