The Smithsonian of Stock Car Auto Racing
A Sneak Peek Look at The NASCAR Hall of Fame
Words and Photos By: Kevin Thorne
The bucket list for race fans has just been increased by on; The NASCAR Hall of Fame. Even if you are not a race fan, this is one that you should visit.
From the time you walk through the door, this is a wonderland of the history of NASCAR from the early days of the moonshine runners to the high tech big business it is today.
The first thing you will se is Glory Road. Cars form the such stars as Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Jack Ingram, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon and more are on display for fans to view as well as a interactive history of the historic value of each one.
After Glory Road fans can move into a high tech area that will show what it takes to bring their favorite sport to a track near them.
A full size transporter for fans to tour and walk through along with detailed displays to explain all the tools and equipment.
Exiting the transporter visitors are encouraged to take part in a pitstop.
Fans can jack the car and change a tire like the pros do every Sunday.
Everyone can then try their driving skills in an wide variety of simulators, or even take their photo in Victory Lane.
After all of that if that wasn’t enough we move on to the third floor. This was my personal favorite. I could spend days examining all there was to see.
From the evolution of helmets and fire suits, to personal effects that the drivers and others have donated to the HoF for race fans to marvel at.
You will see artifacts such as Super Wrench, Smokey Unicks famous hat, Different trophies from the past, and one of my favorites, The godfather of stock car photography; T .Taylor Warren’s yellow hat and black photo vest.. The family were kind enough to also give for permanent viewing one of Mr. Taylor’s cameras. This is an early 70’s model Hasselblad.
For me, having grown up in the sport from the late 60’s, the HoF brought back memories I haven’t thought about for years. Seeing the “Ironman” Jack Ingram’s copper colored number eleven car made me think of all the great battles he and Bob Pressley, and Harry Gant had at Hickory Motor Speedway back in the early to mid seventies. Jerry Cook’s orange modified brought back that unreal finish at Martinsville Speedway when Jerry and Geoff Bodine tangled coming out of turn four heading for the checkered flag. Jerry went into the catch fence and still won.
Alan Kulwicki’s helmet reminded me of the 1992 Atlanta race where he won the Championship and the total surprised look on his face when he pulled into Victory Lane. That was a fun Victory Lane!
The NASCAR Hall of Fame has something for everyone from the fan that pulled for Richard Petty in his heyday to the soon to be fan that just went to their first race.
Grand opening is scheduled for May 11th . For more info visit www.nascarhall.com
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The Smithsonian of Stock Car Auto Racing
