Outside the Track – Charlotte ROVAL

We will have multiple staff at the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series races, both as media and fans. Hopefully, you will catch one of us, and don’t forget to watch our social media for content from the track!

Activities

• Don’t walk, run to the NASCAR Hall of Fame! From the casual fan to the most loyal and dedicated, there is something for everyone at the Hall. With Glory Road, curated exhibits, hands-on activities, and simulators, you can spend hours learning about the history of NASCAR and more about the different facets of the sport.
• With the Charlotte area being the hub of NASCAR, there is no excuse not to drive around and visit a few team shops and museums. Many have observation areas for fans to watch the crews working on the cars and also small museums and sometimes, cars of your favorite drivers on display.
  • For observation, I think Penske Racing is the best. For a museum, my vote is RFK Racing. Make sure to check team websites for current times open to the public!
• Want to race your friends or family and show you are the best in a kart? How about trying your hand at axe throwing? Do you just want to beat all the kids at arcade games or bowling? Head to Victory Lane Karting! Victory Lane has all that and more! Huge plus – they have a bar and grill on-site for everyone’s food and beverage needs. Check out all they have to offer here.

Restaurants

• OMG Donuts & Bakery is located right down the road from the racetrack on Weddington Road. This is my go-to place for a sweet treat. They are open every day but on Mondays, they unlock the doors early in the morning with freshly baked donuts and pastries. They close at 4pm or when they sellout for the day. I’m a sucker for an apple fritter and they bake massive Long Johns! The best part? They fill the donuts to order. You pick from the available fruit and custard fillings and watch them fill your donut right in front of your eyes!
• Pinky’s Westside Grill is the place to go if you find yourself in Huntersville checking out Joe Gibbs Racing. Head right up the road from the JGR compound for lunch or dinner. It is my favorite place to grab a bite to eat off I-77. I dream about their Korean Pork BBQ tacos. (No lie. It’s an addiction.) I also recommend the Chicken Philly Sandwich and Fried Squash. Don’t skip dessert! Ask for the banana pudding!
• The Smoke Pit has multiple locations, but the Concord location is the best! You don’t want to pass up the brisket or smoked chicken. Their mac ‘n cheese and collard greens are delicious. Don’t want to sit in the restaurant? Order online for easy pickup!
• Finally, if you’re craving Italian, check out Mama Ricotta’s. It is located near downtown Charlotte, only a couple minutes away from the NASCAR Hall of Fame. I was told their stuffed ravioli and meatballs are amazing. You can’t go wrong with anything on their dessert menu either!

Let us know your favorite places to eat and visit when you’re in Race City, U.S.A.