North Carolina’s Race City USA lives up to its name
MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA–NOVEMBER 2024–Mooresville, North Carolina, is known as Race City USA and it certainly lives up to its name. Its vibrant downtown, filled with local shops and independent restaurants, offers the perfect setting. And Mooresville’s diverse list of attractions includes a slate of activities that will thrill any racing fan.
The racing fun begins with a walk through downtown, where the celebration of the region’s rich racing history begins. Visitors can walk among the legends on the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame (215 North Main Street at Charles Mack Citizen Center, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-663-5331). Sidewalk markers honor the members of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, who represent some of the most influential and well-known names in NASCAR. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson and many more are commemorated with markers.
The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame (119 Knob Hill Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-663-5331) includes a museum, art gallery, visitor center and gift shop. The history, growth and evolution of the motorsports industry is showcased here, where more than 35 race cars represent all types of auto racing, from stock cars to drag racing. Displays of memorabilia throughout the museum and a chance to relive racing’s greatest moments in the Goodyear Mini-Theater bring the stories of racing, and its most prominent stars, to life.
Nearby, the Memory Lane Motorsports & Historical Automotive Museum (769 River Highway, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-662-3673) features the world’s largest private collection of retired NASCAR and vintage race cars on display. These one-of-a-kind items include a large collection of antique toys, pedal cars, bicycles, gas pumps, movie cars, tractors and vintage motorcycles.
For an up-close experience with racing’s current stars and latest technology, there are two attractions not to be missed. JR Motorsports (349 Cayuga Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117; 704-799-4800) is a 66,000-square-foot facility owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. that offers free shop tours. Visitors can also tour the “Dale Jr. Fan Experience” room that chronicles the life and racing career of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and shop JR Nation, a retail store with more than 500 items exclusive to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team Penske (200 Penske Way, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-664-2300) is Penske Racing’s state-of-the-art facility which houses its NASCAR teams as well as the Indy Car and ALMS teams. Fans can view the NASCAR race shop through the viewing windows and then move upstairs to the 330-foot fan walk to view the race shop, where employees prepare the race cars. Fans may even catch a view of their favorite driver as he walks through the shop.
Mooresville also has options for those who want to take on some racing action for themselves. Trackhouse Motorplex (130 Motorplex Drive, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-696-2926) is open to the public and offers racing on a .7-mile track built by industry professionals. Kart drivers relish the thrill of reaching speeds up to 55 miles per hour on the only outdoor rental karting track in North Carolina. Modeled after a famous and historic kart track in Parma, Italy, Trackhouse Motorplex gives a nod to racing history while writing its own. (All drivers must be 16+ years old with a valid driver’s license.) Drivers can also experience an adrenaline rush at the nation’s largest indoor kart track, The PIT Indoor Kart Racing (346 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-799-3470). This 100,000-square-foot facility features karts that sit only an inch off the track and are capable of speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Visitors can also have a blast at the PIT’s arcade, mini-golf, laser tag and more.
Taking in a race is also an option here. Mooresville Motorsports Complex (1255 Wilkinson Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-663-4685) is a drag racing motorsports venue and is home to weekly test and tune sessions. Touted as a family-oriented, fun attraction, this is North Carolina’s longest running drag strip facility.
Where to stay
Mooresville’s lodging options make any stay comfortable and worry-free. Familiar regional and national brands offer options for everyone. Aloft Mooresville (109 Alcove Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 980-296-3200) pairs comfort with sleek design, modern style and technology. Other options range from Tru by Hilton (117 Alcove Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 980-296-2600) to Carolina Inn & Suites Lake Norman (124 Regency Center Drive, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-662-6188) and many more.