Things To Know Before You Go

Some personal observations about visiting NASCAR shops that you may find helpful if you haven't been to a shop before:

• Price of Admission - Most shops have opportunities for fans to visit and see both memorabilia and shop operations for the price of zip, zero, nothing. The exceptions I've found are the admission fee for RCR's museum, the Petty museum, and track tours.


• Timing Your Visit - I've indicated that some visits were made on Friday's before a race weekend and found shops that don't have displays had little to view and see. On the other hand, this also could be a good opportunity to chat with shop employees while things are not busy. Hours of operation will vary from shop to shop, and some may close down completely at lunch time. The hours to view the operations may differ from the shop/museum hours and hours may be extended if a race is being held nearby. It wouldn't hurt to call the shop and confirm its hours before heading out. Also, when races are held at Charlotte Motor Speedway twice a year, a lot of local garages use this opportunity to hold Fan Appreciation events. These events offer opportunities to see the drivers and owners, see sponsor displays, get sponsor information and freebies, and see special demonstrations and displays that are unique to this event.


• Openness - I was surprised at how open some shops are. For some shops you walk right into the reception area of the main offices for the team and there is someone there that directs all visitors and answers the phones. Don't expect this person to go out of their way to greet you, but feel free to ask any questions you have about what you can do and where you can go around the shop. Also, this location adds an additional opportunity to run into other individuals that have business at the shop besides the fan tour. Some shops will provide displays to give you a feel for the areas of the shop you can't see, but others may just leave you free to look around and see almost everything that is going on.


• Location, Location, Location - Most NASCAR race shops are within about an hours drive of each other in an area north of Charlotte, NC. In some locations, you can walk between shops or drive to the next closest shop in minutes. This makes it easy to see several shops in a limited amount of time and helps with enjoying the experience despite any change in plans that may occur.


• Pit Crew Practice - Don't be surprised if you hear the unmistakable sounds of a quick tire change being made when you're around a shop. Most shops have a practice on a regular basis at the shop and this can occur throughout the day at shops with a number of teams. Some shops offer opportunities for visitors to get an up-close view of practice, but the majority of shops I've been to have these in areas off limits to the public. Even so, they're usually held somewhere that can be seen from the parking or street. Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars if seeing this appeals to you. This gives a raceday experience during a weekday visit.


• Special Events - As mentioned before about timing your visit, some shops host additional special events that may make the visit more memorable. When planning a visit, search around to see if any events have been announced or where held last year that may be repeated this year. This are wonderful opportunities and, with few exceptions, are also free.


• Tour Packages - Since most shops can be viewed for free, paying to be with a tour group may not sound like a good deal upfront. However, you may find this a terrific chance to be guided by someone very knowledge about racing that can answer just about any question you have and can get you into places or situations that you otherwise couldn't. I haven't taken a race shop tour, but did take a motor coach trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway and PIT Instruction and Training. If I hadn't taken this trip, I never would have known about PIT and certainly would not have gotten the same presentation if I'd walked in off the street. Considering the experience we recieved, this was money well spent in my opinion.


• Shopping - The quality and size of team stores varies considerably between shops. Some offer only a few t-shirts, hats, and trinkets, while others offer a full compliment of just about everything you could think of. In addition you may find some unique items, like used tires and other parts that you would be hard to find available for sale elsewhere. The prices are usually not discounted, but you may find sales items, and I've even found some items that were practically given away when a driver change occurred.


• Other Businesses Nearby - Keep your eyes open on the way to the shop for other businesses that may add something to the trip. Restaurants and other businesses located near the shops may offer opportunties to meet folks tied to racing or cheap souvenirs.