On May 12, I was fortunate to attend the opening ceremonies of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  It did not truly sink in until I was there, but what an amazing event to be able to say I was there!

Having attended many NASCAR races over the past 25 years, I know a little something about NASCAR and instantly recognized several drivers and others involved in the sport. One of the first was Ernie Irvan which is a name that many won’t recognize as he retired in the late 1990’s after being involved in an accident.

Opening the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. is a great honor and opportunity for the city and region. As a sport, NASCAR has a tremendously large and dedicated fan base that has been waiting years and years for something like a Hall of Fame to open. Given where many people within the industry are from and where a majority of the teams are located, Charlotte, N.C is an ideal fit. It is a great place to not only see a race but also vacation with beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountains, including the Blue Ridge and Appalachians, being only 2-3 hours away.

As for the Hall of Fame itself, I was amazed and delighted to find that it caters to every type of NASCAR fan, from individual to family and die-hard to newcomer. It has the history and memorabilia that devoted fans want to see and engages the light-hearted fan with interactive and hands-on displays where they can change a tire, sit in a race car, or drive a simulator. The museum is also conveniently located close to several other museums and activities in uptown Charlotte that fans can walk to and enjoy.

Timing of the opening could also not have been more perfect. This week is induction week where the first 5 inductees will be honored at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The induction will flow right into one of NASCAR and Charlotte’s biggest races, the Coca-Cola 600.

I look forward to hearing more about the NASCAR Hall of Fame and having the opportunity to visit it regularly. That being said, I will never forget the experience that I had attending its grand opening and will undoubtedly make many more memories there. But my fondest memory will always be of the opportunity to visit with Ernie Irvan, who is considered one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

-DJ Stephan