Whether you are looking for a special classic car, parts for your vintage vehicle, or just a day surrounded by everything auto, this spring event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is the place to be April 19 – 22. In its 43rd year, the Charlotte AutoFair has continued to grow in popularity throughout the years, so much so that the 1.5 mile NASCAR quad-oval track and infield is too small to hold all the activities. To accommodate the cars and the expected 150,000 attendees, the AutoFair will extend outside the track to portions of the parking area. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to this classic car extravaganza.
Track Tour
Take a lap around the track to see the wide selection of vehicles on display, some for show and some for sale. With members from as many as 50 car clubs in attendance, you can indulge your passion by spending some quality time swapping car stories about your favorite cars.
As you move infield, there will be more cars, as well as a variety of commercial auto part vendors. Food vendors, kids’ play zones, an events stage, and other motorized-vehicle activities are also located infield. If you want to find out what some of these special machines are worth, head for the grandstands for daily car auctions.
Outside the track, you’ll find booths filled with car parts or anything car related you can imagine. Here you’ll find that last piece of chrome molding needed to finish your special project or the shell of a classic car looking for a new home. Treasures are here for the picking, and half the fun is finding them.
Special Planned Events
To honor the Buick, an impressive number of special and rare cars will be on display at the 2012 Charlotte AutoFair. NASCAR great, Bobby Allison, who drove Buicks to victory twice in the Daytona 500, will be at the event on Saturday to sign autographs. On Sunday afternoon, awards will be given for Most Original Car, Best Restoration, Most Creative Build, and Best in Show.
Event Details and Tips
Gates open each day at 8:00 a.m. and close at dust. Admission tickets are $10 a day for adults and kids under 12 will get in free. The parking fee is $5.
Fortunately, this car show is a four-day event, because you will definitely need a few days to see it all. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the changing morning and afternoon temperatures, and take along sunscreen and a hat for protection against the hot afternoon sun. Don’t forget your camera (and maybe an extra memory card) so you can capture enough car memories to last you until your next visit to Charlotte’s AutoFair. What’s not to like at this motor mecca, with tons of classic cars and the chance to walk freely around the Charlotte Speedway – ground zero for NASCAR racing.
Sources:
Charlotte AutoFair
AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway
