Tour Protection: $40 per person

“Start your engines” and head for the Charlotte, NC area to take a behind the scenes look at one of America’s fastest growing sports - NASCAR racing. You’ll see Lowes Motor Speedway, visit the race shops of the top Sprint Cup drivers and see how pit crew members train to go over the wall. All this and more is in store for you so “buckle in” and race our way. A “must” trip for all true NASCAR fans!

Wednesday, January 26
We travel to Concord, NC and check into our hotel room. Then, we will board the coach and head to the Golden Corral for a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet. D

Thursday, January 27
Today we begin with a tour of Hendrick Motorsports where our guide will give us the history of their beginnings. You’ll have a presentation of the building of a Nascar race car along with what is required of pit crew members to make those lightning-fast pit stops. After browsing through the museum, we’re off to Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, which is home to Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya. We lunch at Lancaster’s Barbecue for a North Carolina barbecue delight! This is where many of the drivers and crews eat. After lunch, we’ll receive a “behind the scenes” tour of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Then, we’ll tour the shop of Michael Waltrip, and Race World USA to see the shops of Martin Truex, and David Reutimann. After an orientation film, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the race shop, fabrication department, and see the area where pit crew practice takes place. We’ll finish the day with a leisurely meal at Ryan’s Restaurant near the speedway. CB, L, D

Friday, January 28
After breakfast at the hotel, we head north for another day of racing fun! First, we head to Richard Childress Racing where you will have an audio guided tour by Richard himself through the museum. After browsing through the gift shop, we head down to the race shops of RCR where you will receive a behind the scenes tour of the race shop floor, transporter bay, etc. Lunch at the Golden Corral will be followed by a visit to the Childress Winery for a behind the scenes tour of the winery to see how it is made and packaged. After the tour, you may participate in a wine tasting (on your own) and browse through the vineyard’s beautiful retail area. Next, we stop at Stewart/Haas Racing for a look at the shop of Tony Stewart. A driving tour of Dale Earnhardt’s home town will include stories of his boyhood and you’ll see tributes dedicated to him in the downtown area. We visit Curb Motorsports and Museum where Curb-owned race cars played a huge part in Dale Earnhardt’s early racing career. You’ll see country music memorabilia interspersed with race cars here! Based on availability, you’ll meet Martha Earnhardt, Dale’s mother. You will have the opportunity to get an autograph and chat with this special member of the Earnhardt family. We will close the day with a delicious Southern dinner with all the trimmings at the Village Park building in Kannapolis. CB, L, D

Saturday, January 29
After breakfast, our guide will join us for a day of racing memories! We begin our day with early admission to the Nascar Hall of Fame prior to opening to the general public. You’ll see/participate in unique things not available to the general public. This state of the art facility honors Nascar icons and creates an enduring tribute to the drivers, crew members, team owners and others that have impacted the sport in the past, present and future. The banked “Glory Road” will greet you as you enter the hall and experience the interactive displays! Stop in the high Octane Theatre to watch a film about the history of Nascar, experience a behind-the-scenes look at how a team prepares for race day, and enjoy the transporter as well as racing simulators! It is a must see for the Nascar fan! As we depart the Hall of Fame, you will receive a box lunch that includes a souvenir cooler bag with the hall’s logo to enjoy as we travel to our next stop. After lunch, we’ll tour Memory Lane Museum, which houses one of the largest private collections of vintage race cars in existence! They provide cars for many of the movies filmed in the area. We’ll visit Charlotte Motor Speedway for an insider’s look at how they stage a major Nascar event. You’ll visit the infield hospital, a VIP corporate suite, and the members-only Speedway Club (all not normally open to the general public). Next, we’ll head to Concord Mills Mall, the mega shopping complex, for a relaxing evening on your own. You may want to visit Bass Pro Shops for the latest outdoor gear, spend time at Nascar Speedpark, or just browse the 200+ stores located here. Dinner will be on your own this evening. CB, L

Sunday, January 30
After checking out of our hotel, we will begin our journey home with a new appreciation of one of America’s fastest growing sports! CB