Every race fan dreams of having a NASCAR hard card, which provides full access to the garage area, the drivers, and all of the behind-the-scenes action at every NASCAR race. While limited only to those involved full-time at the top levels of the sport, every fan can now get a hard card just by visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Indeed, upon entry to the HOF, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, I received my very own hard card personalized. I used it throughout the building, from the opening film about the history of the sport to participating in the myriad of interactive exhibits throughout the Hall.
After hard carding my way into the Belk High Octane Theatre for a massive screen NASCAR movie adventure, I used my card to wind my way onto Glory Road. Here, poised on a race track with several degrees of banking, were actual race cars, from the Hudson Hornet to Jimmie Johnson’s most recent championship No. 48.
My hard card gave me access to go up onto the track and snap a picture of those race cars coming right at me, as well as access to try out the banking at Daytona, which I admit that I would have tumbled down without the hand rails to which I was holding on for dear life.
With my hard card in tow, I entered the Hall of Honor, which featured the five inaugural inductees: Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, Bill France, Sr., Bill France, Jr., and Dale Earnhardt. As we entered the room and paid tribute to these jewels of the sport, almost a hush fell upon us.
I also did indeed get misty-eyed when I saw that famed black No. 3 car, complete with many mementos from the Intimidator’s days gone by and glory lost just ten years ago.
After leaving the solemnity of the Hall of Honors, I took myself and my card and headed to the interactive exhibit area. This was where the fun began, as my hard card was my access to accumulating points, fueling the competition with others in everything from hoisting a gas can to removing those pesky lug nuts during a pit stop.
One of the most interactive areas in the Hall was solely designed for children, focusing on educating the next generation of NASCAR fans. The best part of that section was seeing the memorabilia from the childhoods of the likes of Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Jimmie Johnson. They were so cute as little boys and just a bit geeky, too.
Another interactive exhibit in this section allows the hard card holder to actually call a race. Donning the headsets and microphone, I suddenly discovered how difficult that actually was and have renewed respect and regard for the MRN, PRN, ESPN, and all of those broadcast professionals who call the races for us each and every weekend.
My favorite interactive exhibit was the race simulators, whereby you could race other fans sitting in actual race cars, driving like you stole it. Yes, I do realize that this is all simulated, but after five minutes, I was definitely working up a bit of a sweat trying to keep my car on the track and out of the way of all the others who were intent on either passing or wrecking me.
I am pleased to report that, after a rather difficult start, during which I did indeed pass the pace car, resulting in a trip to pit road to serve my penalty, I got the hang of it and actually stayed out of harm’s way. In fact, I finished first and then promptly ran over the official on my way to Victory Lane, a first, or so they tell me at this exhibit.
Waving my hard card, I admit that I immediately hurried over to get my picture taken with the Sprint Cup. And yes, I did hold up my index finger, strike the No. 1 pose, and yell woo. Unfortunately, thanks to my hard card and my debit card, I have the pictures to prove it.
My NASCAR Hall of Fame hard card took me inside a race team hauler, inside a race shop of days gone by, and right past the exhibit filled with various race trophies, from the Martinsville Grandfather’s clock to Dover’s Miles the Monster.
I was again moved to tears by the room honoring those lost in racing, including most recently NASCAR PR executive Jim Hunter, and moved to laughter by the staff person waving the yellow flag vociferously in the race flag display.
My final hard card stop was to purchase my souvenir pictures from my visit and shop in the Hall of Fame gift store. Unfortunately, the big-screen television there showed the NFL playoff game, but I am sure that will change in just a few short weeks when the cars return to Daytona’s track.
So, you’ve got to get your own hard card for a once-in-a-lifetime NASCAR experience. I will keep my card in a safe place in my wallet for the next time I make the trek to Charlotte, and I can’t wait to see what’s next at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
I want to buy a hard card