Hi Everyone.....
I know it's been awhile, but I'm back!! LOL The past couple of months have been very busy for me here in Charlotte, so I haven't had much time for sight seeing. But I am back to my road ways again!!!
On Thursday the 26th...I went up to Lowes Motor Speedway to finally check it out. I've been seeing this monster track from the highway for the last 4 yrs. I finally went in to check it out! They have a tour that runs daily for $5.00. It's a 40 min tour and IS A MUST if you are in the area!! We had a tour guide who's name was Ron. He took us to a van and started around the outside of the track. He was full of interesting facts about this terrific arena. As we made our way around the outside you could view all the open areas that are filled to capacity during race weeks, with RV's. Ron told us that the track holds approx. 173,000 fans and about 30,000 can be on the infield. He also said that during race week the Speedway swells to a quarter of a million people making it one of the largest cities in NC during that week. Now I know he speaks the truth...cause I've been in area during race week and the hub-bub around here is totally amazing!!!! RV's, vendors, and people for as far as the eye can see- all around Rt 29 in Concord.
After going around the outside we drove into the track area itself. We saw the bays where cars are kept and serviced, the hospital, and P.D. station located there. We even got to visit winners circle!!! The Richard Petty driving school was there that day. There were about 12 race cars at the track taking participants around the track. It was very cool listening to the sounds of the cars roaring by......These were the actual race cars. I got a few pics of them before we had to move on. We were then taken in the van, onto the track itself so we could feel 1st hand what it was like to be out there....we could only get up to 90 mph...much slower than the 200+ mph the actual cars go...but it was still very thrilling. A good time was had by all. I was also able to get pictures of the cement blocks of fame that lead up to the entrance of Speedway. Each of these blocks had the hand & foot prints of retired drivers, plus their signatures. I also saw a Plymouth Roadrunner in parking lot. I took its picture cause it reminded me of the Charger, I use to own (minus the fin of coarse LOL).
After the tour I decided to grab a bite to eat at a local Mexican Restaurant. It is called the TiJuana Flats. It is located at 3130 Driwood Court, Charlotte, NC. The food and service was great. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is fun!! You can tell the people like working there....so if you get the chance- check them out!
Pictures #1 - # 63 are of speed way....#64 - #75 are of TiJuana Flats
Well I'm off for now....hope you are all doing well...Please take care...and until next time...CIAO- Love Donna
