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There was much discussion during the two racing weeks in Charlotte regarding the new NASCAR Hall of Fame that is to open some time in 2010. Topics ranging from the showing off of the new logo, to criteria for induction to having the induction ceremonies on Nextel All Star Challenge weekend spread around Lowe’s Motor Speedway all weekend.

Ground was recently broken on the new Hall of Fame and representatives of the Hall made their way around the media outlets all weekend spreading the word about the Hall. The City of Charlotte who is responsible for the construction promises a NASCAR Plaza, an office building and an increase in tourism and prestige to Charlotte.

I agree with Charlotte as the choice for city housing the Hall. Charlotte beat out Atlanta and Daytona for the Hall. Charlotte which we all know is the base for most of the racing teams and with the roots of NASCAR found in the Carolinas, Charlotte became the easy choice for having the Hall.

The Hall will end up being more than just a historical attraction. It will become a meeting and gathering locale for race fans all during the year and especially on Charlotte race weekends. It will be interactive; it will be impressive and modern with restaurants and a mall component that will bring locals and tourists alike to the facility.

Early indications the partnership between Charlotte and NASCAR is going well with respect to building the Hall. A first class architectural team, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners who is the group responsible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the expansion to The Louvre in Paris is onboard for design.

NASCAR has long wanted to have its own Hall to celebrate the rich history of stock car racing in America. The ground is broken and construction is moving forward, we won’t have to wait long to see what will prove to be a destination attraction.

The Week that Was

Saturday we were all treated to Ned Jarrett making a guest appearance on air during ESPN 2’s coverage of the Busch race at Charlotte. Ned joined Dr. Jerry Punch, and Son Dale on the coverage. The elder Jarrett was still sharp and brought me back to earlier days of race coverage on ESPN. To me this kind of served as a passing of the torch to Andy Petree and the younger Jarrett who appear to be heading to a bright career as a broadcast team themselves. It was great to have Ned back even if it was for just one race.

The Racing Weekend Low on fuel and taking the lead late in the race, Casey Mears held on to win the Coca Cola 600 Sunday night. It was Mears’ first Nextel Cup win and another victory for Hendrick Motorsports. J.J. Yeley finished second and having his best run in over 10 years Kyle Petty finished third. Jeff Gordon remains atop the Points lead with a 132 point margin over Jimmie Johnson. Big movers in the points race were obviously Casey Mears up six spots to 29. Also J.J. Yeley moved up five notches to 15. Losers included Kurt Busch dropping two spaces to 9, and Ryan Newman falling fives spots to 18.

The Week Ahead

Up next, a Sunday afternoon race at Dover. Matt Kenseth is the defending champ on the 1-mile oval. Other drivers who have had recent success at Dover include Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, and Jimmie Johnson.

About the Author

Rick C. Limpert is a freelance writer for Nothin’ But NASCAR, and is based in Atlanta, GA. He has written for print and online publications for over 7 years. He is happy to hear from you with any comments, questions, or suggestions you may have. He can be reached at rclimpert@nothinbutnascar.com.