Lowe's Motor Speedway

Lowe's Motor Speedway Review

This state-of-the-art facility, holding 167,000 fans, is considered the heart of NASCAR. An estimated 90% of driving teams live within 50 mi. Hosting more than 350 events each year, this is one of the busiest sports venues in the United States. Racing season runs April to November, and tours are offered on non-race days. The Speedway Club, an upscale restaurant, is on the premises. When there's a race, the population of Concord can jump from 60,000 to more than 250,000. Make sure you book your lodging well in advance.

If you want to indulge the driver in you, you can take lessons through the Richard Petty Driving Experience (704/455-9443. www.1800bepetty.com). You can drive a NASCAR-style stock car at speeds up to 155 mph around the Lowe's track. If you want the thrill of the ride without being in the driver's seat, you can ride with an instructor and go up to 165 mph. Classes are available throughout the year, though only when there's no event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Prices vary, but start at $400 for eight laps around the track. You must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a manual (stick shift) transmission car to drive, and you'll need to reserve ahead of time.

Slated to open in early 2010, the 50,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame will celebrate the only sport born in North Carolina. Visitors will be able to watch films on NASCAR history, see cars that ran the speedways, view changing exhibits, and experience simulations of what racing is like for NASCAR drivers and crews. It will also serve as the ceremony site for the legends inducted into the Hall. Martin Luther King Blvd. and Brevard St., Uptown. www.nascarhall.com.