Fast Cars, Big Stars, a Tour of History and a High-Speed Coaster
Make for a Great Vacation in Spring Season of Speed

It’s not a vacation any more, it’s a “race-cation”, where speed, excitement and entertainment meet family fun and great values. And this spring, the race-cation only happens in Charlotte, N.C., home of NASCAR and intersection of Southern hospitality, modern fun and once-in-a-lifetime events.

During May, the Charlotte region comes alive with a lineup of racing and entertainment events that will excite everyone from the dedicated fan to the thrill-seeker who just wants to be a part of history. Don’t miss back-to-back weekends of NASCAR racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the opening of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the launch of the Earnhardt Intimidator roller coaster at Carowinds, the Food Lion Speed Street festival, fan days at area race shops and special values on tickets, hotels and other attractions.

“When you’re looking for a great vacation with family and friends that combines speed, excitement, value and fun, Charlotte is your destination,” said Tim Newman, CEO, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.  “If you haven’t been to Charlotte for a race weekend, or if you haven’t been in a while, this spring is a terrific time to visit.”

Great Racing at Affordable Pricing
The ultimate race-cation centers on the biggest back-to-back weekends in racing – the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (May 22) and the Coca-Cola 600 (May 30).

• The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race features the Backyard Brawl with the stars of the sport battling it out for $1 million under the lights. It’s the fastest, most competitive racing of the season as drivers bump, bang and bash their way to the finish line.

• The Coca-Cola 600 is the Memorial Day Weekend classic, where the nation’s fans gather to honor the U.S. Armed Forces in a spectacular Five-Star Salute pre-race show. The race celebrates the combination of strategy, endurance, patience and high-speed performance over 600 miles as sun sets and the action heats up.

• Individual tickets start at just $39 for the NASCAR All-Star Race and $49 for the Coca-Cola 600. A variety of ticket packages are available including Friends and Family Four-Packs starting at just $140 for the family – just $35 per person -- for the NASCAR All-Star Race and $159 for the family – only $39.75 per person -- for the Coca-Cola 600. To purchase tickets at Charlotte Motor Speedway call 1.800.455.FANS or visit http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Exciting Entertainment
The days surrounding the race weekends are packed with events and activities, many of them free or discounted.

• The NASCAR Hall of Fame opens on May 11, 2010. Race fans can take a trip through NASCAR’s history, from the early days on Daytona Beach and Carolina mountains to today’s modern speedways and stars. The NASCAR Hall of Fame features an unparalleled collection of race cars, memorabilia, photographs, video and much more. Kids can learn what it feels like to drive a race car, explore a race car hauler, and meet the legends of the sport through interactive presentations. For information visit www.NASCARHall.com.

• Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s legacy will live on in new and exciting way this spring. In May, Carowinds will unveil the Intimidator roller coaster. This new ride pays tribute to the legendary driver by simulating what its like to be in a race car. The 23 story-tall coaster begins with a 211 ft drop at 74 degrees. It has seven breath-taking drops representing all seven of Earnhardt’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships. In total, the 5,316-foot long coaster ride will last more than three minutes.

• The Food Lion Speed Street Festival turns downtown Charlotte into an open-air celebration with free concerts, opportunities to meet the top drivers, food and games. It’s estimated that over 400,000 people attended the three-day event in 2009.

• NASCAR race teams throughout the region open up their race shops for fans to see how  teams build cars and maybe even meet their favorite driver. Many are holding special fan days in May with additional activities. For a complete list of race shop events, visit www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com in May.

Great Deals on Accommodations and Dining
To keep the race-cation experience affordable, Charlotte area hotels and attractions are offering special speedway discounts for race fans. More than 50 hotels within approximately one hour of the track are reducing their race week room rates by 15 percent and waiving the minimum stay requirements. To receive the discounted rate, fans must request the “Speedway Special” when making reservations.

Some hotels are even offering special, all-inclusive packages that include weekend accommodations, race tickets to the Coca-Cola 600, and much more. The Embassy Suites on Speedway Blvd. is offering room accommodations, special tickets in the Speedway Club and transportation for the All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600.  Great Wolf Lodge in Concord offers family fun with an expansive water park to round out the weekend activities. The Hampton Inn Uptown Charlotte (adjacent to the NASCAR Hall of Fame) is offering the NASCAR Speedweek Package with nine nights of accommodations, tickets to the NASCAR All-Star, Nationwide, and the Coca-Cola 600 races, motor coach transfers for all three races, admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and more. For a complete list of offers and hotels visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/lodging.

Tickets for the upcoming race weekends can be obtained by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. Fans can reserve their seat with a $20.10 down payment and set up customized, interest-free payment plans by calling the speedway ticket office and speaking directly to a Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket agent.