Charlotte - Part One

Dirt Track, NHRA Strip, Legends Racing, RCR, Vineyard

Dad and I love going to The Dirt Track At Charlotte. The last race we attended here we watched an incredible Modified race won by Richard Childress' nephew - he is quite the driver. It was also the first time we saw Clint Bowyer on dirt - he is a lot of fun to watch. The Outlaws were also putting on a great show with Donnie Shultz taking the honors.

The track was quite during our stay this year at Charlotte, but we will be back.
The new kid on the block - and he is going to be spectacular. Across from Lowes Motor Speedway and next to The Dirt Track at Charlotte the new NHRA Drag Strip is under construction. We hear there are big plans for the entire area within the next three years.

Now to get the work out of the way....dad has an interview with TNT's Matt Yokum at The Speedway Club - one of the best views in town.

It was time to start our race shop tour - first stop was Wood Brothers Racing where Leonard and dad had an opportunity to catch up. Of course, I forgot to take photos...

Then it was on to 600 Racing where we got to visit their new engine shop and meet some up and coming drivers in town for the kick-off of Summer Shoot-Out at LMS - photos below.

Day Two and headed to Welcome, NC to check out Richard Childress Racing. Wow!!!!! Beyond a doubt Richard's museum was the best or our entire trip - classy, sophisticated and educational. Actual shop scenes depicted and his original aero design room and much more - loads of history here. I had to include the Peter Maxx car - one of my favorites.

But what made our trip so memorable was visiting with Carole - she started as Richard's scorer and then Dale's, what a lovely lady. She is pictured below with dad.

Photo does not do justice to this plaque - do doubt one of a kind, commemorating Dale's Daytona 500 win which corresponded with NASCARs 50th Anniversary.

We caught this fellow sleeping on the job (lower left) and have been told this is his favorite hang-out.

Then on to the new - we usually don't take photos of wrecked cars, but just couldn't resist on this one. The entire cockpit is covered with at least 6" of grass (see insert) with chunks of grass stuck in roof flaps, etc. Clint took a wild ride in this one.

You know somewhere in the museum there would be a nod to Wildlife Conservation. Once again, Richard outdid himself with the Richard Childress Wildlife and Conservation Gallery. Dad had to keep pulling me out of these rooms - they are outstanding and educational.

After a quick stop at Mrs. Hanes' Moravian Cookies Bakery we headed out to Childress Vineyards in Lexington for lunch. My favorite room is shown lower left - dad was enjoying the wine and toasting an excellent meal.