The Carolinas have been a hotbed for auto racing since the early years of the automobile. The sport’s deep roots here – which were planted by moonshine runners during prohibition – have only grown over the years, thanks to the advent of stock car racing and the organization of NASCAR as its governing body. From the foothills of Wilkes County to the short track at Darlington, NASCAR has left a strong mark on the cultural landscapes of North and South Carolina, and the region has produced plenty of racing talent. And the stories of legends who have sped their way into the hearts and homes of fans everywhere are told right here in Charlotte, the unofficial capital of stock car racing.

NASCAR was founded in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1948 and was the progenitor of American racing, quickly becoming a dominant force in the South. Tracks sprung up around the region, with NASCAR running races at legendary spots like Occoneechee Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Bowman Gray Stadium. For much of its early history, stock car racing was centered around North Carolina and its passionate base in the Piedmont.

But it wasn’t until 2010 that NASCAR would finally construct a shrine to the drivers and promoters who helped shape the sport into what it has become today. Opening alongside a new headquarters for the association, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in the heart of both uptown Charlotte and racing country as a whole.

Fans are greeted in the main atrium by an embankment of historic and contemporary cars that have been turned and burned by the likes of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bobby Labonte. As they venture deeper into the museum core, visitors are educated on the inner workings of NASCAR as a sport, learning about everything that goes into race day preparation and track operations. Exhibits here include a full-size hauler and an interactive pit crew challenge.

The Hall also features racing simulators where folks can race against 14 other drivers using the innovative iRacing software, with the track that the field races on changing weekly based on where the Cup Series will be held that weekend. A massive 50-foot video screen broadcasts each race to interested onlookers.

The museum’s main focal point is the Hall of Honor, a dimly-lit gallery that features panels celebrating all of NASCAR’s distinguished inductees. The room is also filled with some of the most exquisite memorabilia, including a race-used stock car used by Dale Earnhardt.

Other exhibitions touch on the history of the sport’s most memorable drivers, highlighting their accomplishments through the display of numerous trophies and awards. Cases are also filled with artifacts from the many different NASCAR competitions that have been held, emphasizing the unique tracks – from Dover to Sonoma – that have been a part of the annual schedule.

Whether you’re a diehard who knows every track by heart or just a casual observer, the NASCAR Hall of Fame offers an engaging experience that takes you from the nitty-gritty of the early years to the high-octane present. A tribute to the machines and the culture that made stock car racing a true institution, the Hall is a worthy detour in the Queen City that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for speed and the Southern spirit.