NASCAR Hall of Fame ready for green flag

Previews have begun for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Dignitaries and national media are now touring the facility and next Tuesday it will open to the public. Executive Director Winston Kelley says the NASCAR Hall of Fame is expected to bring millions of tourism dollars to the region. He expects families, tour groups and, more importantly, conventions. For example, Kelley says the NASCAR Hall of Fame played an important role in luring the National Rifle Association to host its annual convention in Charlotte next week. In addition to the museum, which features car replicas and a state of the art racing simulator, the new complex also includes a ballroom and parking structure. The City of Charlotte raised hotel and motel taxes by 2 percent to cover the $195 million price tag for project. NASCAR officials say that financial commitment sealed their decision to locate the museum in Charlotte. Kelley says exhibits in the museum will change to reflect current events in racing, which should help lure more of the sport's 70 million fans on repeat visits.