• Ceremonial Plaza: Located outside the entrance to the facility, it will be the site for induction ceremonies which will include commemorative fan brick pavers and may include water features, iconic sculptures, outdoor dining and special display areas.
• Full Throttle Theatre: This is a 250 seat, state-of-the-art theatre which will feature a 12-15 minute film serving as an introduction to the history of NASCAR. This attraction can be rented out to groups for special occasions or presentations or can be used to offer the race fan a special raceday experience.
• The Great Hall: Called the “Heart of the Hall of Fame”, it is a large, open area just inside the facility which will greet visitors as they enter. The area will include rotating displays and a signature “Fan Billboard” featuring large video scenes, lively graphics and the latest NASCAR news.
• Glory Road: This is a ramp leading to the second floor of the facility which will start at 0 degrees of banking on the ground floor and progress to 33 degrees at the top of the ramp representing the banking of all NASCAR speedways. It will feature 15-18 historic NASCAR race cars and slabs of racing surface from many NASCAR race tracks.
• Hall of Honor: The Hall of Honor will house the NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees. “The Heart of a Champion”, an emotionally inspiring film showcasing the champions of NASCAR, will be featured.
• The NASCAR Vault: The Vault is a rambling glass-enclosed area that weaves through the Hall of Fame and will house historic artifacts from NASCAR’s past.
• A Week in the Life of NASCAR: The visitor will experience a behind-the-scenes look of what each member of a NASCAR team goes through to prepare a car for an event.
• Transporter Simulator: A full-size team transporter which will give the visitor a first-hand look at the team’s nerve-center at the track.
• Racing Simulator: A racing simulator is proposed for the facility. This area could include a state-of-art attraction which would give the visitor a realistic idea of what it is like to race in a NASCAR event.
• Heritage Speedway: This area features three separate sections which will cover the history of NASCAR with interactive components to bring NASCAR’s 60+ year history alive. An adjacent theatre will highlight stock car racing before the formation of NASCAR in 1947.
• Tribute Space: A memorial area where the visitor can pay honor and reflect on deceased heroes of the sport.
• Rookie Raceway: A large-scale, state-of-the-art slot car track which can wind throughout the facility. Great for kids and grown-ups alike.
• Restaurant and Retail Outlets
• TV & Radio Studios and NASCAR Newsroom

• Charlotte is an important link to the roots and heritage of the sport.

• The region’s rich racing history and the presence of the majority of NASCAR team headquarters, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, three driving experiences and so many other racing related support businesses creates synergy for a compelling fan experience. Imagine the opportunities available with most of the teams located in the Charlotte region, drivers and their families being so involved right in their ‘own backyard’ and the partnerships of so many providers of services….the possibilities are endless.

• The emotional and financial commitment made by the City of Charlotte and its partners such as Bank of America and Wachovia, to ensure construction of a first class facility and long term success of the Hall of Fame represented the best fit for NASCAR, the industry and the fan base.

$20 million bank loan backed by sale of land contributed by the State of North Carolina

$15.5 million in COPs financing supported by the existing hotel/motel room occupancy tax dedicated to convention center facilities

$16.5 million in private contributions backed by a bank loan

• Architectural firm, Pei Cobb Freed and Partners hired to design the building.
• Exhibit designer hired; Ralph Applebaum and Associates will design the exhibits.
• Winston Kelley hired as Executive Director in August 2006.
• NASCAR Plaza plans finalized; 19 stories high with 390,000 square feet of space, 600 parking spaces (see No. 9)
• A Public Forum was held in December 2006 to garner input from citizens and fans on design elements
• First staff members hired between the months of December ’06 and March ‘07 - Carol Weeks, Executive Assistant; Project Manager George Hite; Leslie Horne, Sales and Marketing Manager and Albert “Buzz” McKim as Historian.
• Official groundbreaking ceremonies were held on January 25, 2007.
• NASCAR Hall of Fame logo was unveiled – May 16, 2007.
• Construction excavation began in May 2007.
• Just Marketing International hired to assist with sponsorship development and sales.
• Marketing plans being finalized – the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and NASCAR, will be developing and producing the first marketing plan for the Hall of Fame.
• Significant progress has been made toward building design and initial exhibit development concepts.