NASCAR Notables Set to Unveil New Exhibition: Short Careers, Lasting Legacy
Debut of new exhibition also launches free Open House Week at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 5, 2010) – With the new year beginning, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is set to unveil a new exhibition, Short Careers, Lasting Legacy, on Saturday, Jan. 8. The debut also kicks off Open House Week where guests can visit the entertainment facility for free from Saturday, Jan. 8 – Friday, Jan. 14 between 4 – 6 p.m.
“We made a commitment to provide new exhibits throughout the year,” said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “The unveiling of this exhibition will mark the fourth change to the Great Hall since we opened in May. In changing exhibits, we have been able to educate the public on historical and current events in the sport.”
Short Careers, Lasting Legacy is on exhibit through late June in the Great Hall. It showcases authentic artifacts that tell the story of some of NASCAR’s most memorable personalities. The exhibition recognizes individuals who left the sport in their prime or before they reached their full potential.
Family and friends of those featured in Short Careers, Lasting Legacy will unveil the new exhibition on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. in the Great Hall. NASCAR Hall of Fame 2011 Inductees Bobby Allison is among the many notable guests scheduled to attend. The event is open to all NASCAR Hall of Fame ticket holders.
“Some of the competitors and personalities who had relatively short careers in NASCAR made a lasting impact on the sport,” said Kelley. “This exhibition pays tribute to those talented individuals. We are honored that several family members, colleagues and friends plan to join us Saturday for the launch of our first, new exhibition in 2011.”
Short Careers, Lasting Legacy honors the careers and pays tribute to the legacy of those who left a unique mark on the competition and character of NASCAR. Highlighting the exhibition is Tim Richmond’s No. 25 Folgers Monte Carlo (1987), Alan Kulwicki’s No. 7 Hooters Thunderbird (1992) and Davey Allison’s No. 28 Texaco Thunderbird. Additional artifacts on display commemorate NASCAR contributors Bondy Long, Carl Kiekhaefer, Adam Petty, Billy and Bobby Myers and others.
Open House
The introduction of the new exhibition also coincides with the beginning of Open House Week at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Between 4 – 6 p.m. daily from Saturday, Jan. 8 – Friday, Jan. 14, the community is invited to see the NASCAR Hall free of charge.
“More than 200,000 people have visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame and their reviews continue to be incredibly positive,” said Kelley. “Now, we are offering a special opportunity for those who haven’t visited to see what all the talk is about. I’m sure there are some people who have been curious about the new venue but just want to look around before deciding to spend several hours or a day with us; this is their chance. Regardless of your interest in NASCAR, this is a fun, entertainment attraction that is important to the economy of our area. We hope the community will take us up on our invitation to learn more about Charlotte’s new family attraction.”
Guests taking part in the free-for-all experience at the NASCAR Hall of Fame will find 40,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing highly-interactive, hands-on exhibits and authentic artifacts telling the story of NASCAR. The Hard Card experience is not included in the Open House.
General admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which includes the Hard Card experience, is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Simulators are $5. Family packages, group discounts and Charter Members also are available. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 877-231-2010 or at www.NASCARHall.com.
About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Conveniently located in uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, opened May 11, 2010 and includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, 275-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Media Group-operated broadcast studio. The venue is opened 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week and has an attached parking garage on Brevard Street. The five-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000 square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. www.NASCARHall.com.
###