I have been to several of the race team shops in the Charlotte area. As far as the shops go they are somewhat similar. What sets this one apart is the RCR Museum. It is a history of RCR and NASCAR all in one. Much info on the evolution of RCR and of course number 3 Dale Earnhardt. Don't miss this fabulous shop/museum if you are in the area
Amazing museum. Wonderful exhibit of Dale Earnhardt cars and memorabilia. We spent 3 hours and probably could've spent longer. Great gift shop on sight also. Friendly staff as well. Overall an excellent experience and only 12.00 admission. More than worth the price.
I am a big fan of Childress, especially Jeff Burton, so I enjoyed viewing the shop. You get to see the haulers being loaded (assuming you are there at the right time of week) and the viewing area from the 2nd floor lets you look down at the different work areas of the shop floor.For me the best part of the RCR complex was the museum - the older shop that was converted. You get to see all the history of Dale Sr. and also the wildlife and hunting passion of Mr. C.It is hard not to get emotional when you see the 1998 Daytona 500 winning car. Very cool. When you get further into the tour and see the first victory for Harvick after Dale Sr.'s death that is also a touching moment.I am also a Skinner fan so to see the 3 truck near the end of the tour was fun.We were there when the shop first opened and it was mid-week so it was not very busy. We got to spend time talking to the woman running the museum are and got some neat stories about the times she spent on the road with the 3 team. Well worth an hour-ish of your time.
If you love the "Old Iron Head" era of NASCAR, you'll love the collection of RCR's collection and display of how they developed one of the greatest dynasties of NASCAR... You can see all of the cars that Dale Earnhardt drove to his 7 NASCAR Champships, also cars and trucks of all of the drivers of the RCR stable today. Great stop while in the Charlotte area.... Just a little bonus, Chocolate Meyers is the curator of the museum ,former gasman for Dale Sr. and Sirirusxm radio show host of Tradin Paint is right there to greet you.
We had visited several race shop museums prior to RCR and I thought I knew what we were getting into. I was wrong! This was the only museum we had to pay to see, but I can understand why. There is so much more here than at the other locations. Most of the other shops have their museum housed in the same buildings as their race shops or fan stores and they consist of a few trophies, fire suits, cars, pictures etc. This was housed in the same building as the store, but it was the old fabrication shop. There were more cars here than I have seen in all the other race shops combined! (Of course most of them are Dale Earnhardt's) You can see the Daytona winning car, as well as the 1987 Wrangler car, plus several other cars for RCR past and current drivers. You can also see a section dedicated to Richard Childress' other passion, hunting. It was enjoyable, and for any race fan it is must see! A person could easily spend at least an hour, or more in the museum, and then also go to the race shops. We didn't visit the current shops as we were pressed for time, but if you want to I would allow for at least 2 hours to see it all
This was our second visit, this time with friends. One in our group hates racing but was fascinated with the museum. We were sad the shop was not open on weekends but they do a great job explaining the racing business. This is a must visit. The man running the museum is full of interesting tidbits so definitely engage him and you will not be disappointed.
We took our 13 year old grandson to visit RCR. It is a large complex with many, many race cars, indoors and air-conditioned. We also could view the prep area of large big rigs preparing to go on the road for the next race.......quite complex. The museum itself was enjoyable with some videos as well. Visit all 3 available sites ( to the public) while on the property. We spent about 2 hours total on the property.
It is very interesting to see what is involved in the entire Nascar industry. I am not a big race fan but I did enjoy this visit especially the workshop areas where you can see the Cars & Haulers being prepared for the races. For actual fans this would be amazing. I learned a lot and have a new appreciation for the sport.
We have been here multiple times, before the tragedy and after. Climbing in Dale's hauler, sitting where he may have sat, signing that wall, walking through the museum with tears overtaking me at various stages. Thank you Richard for us, the true way back race fans. We were there @ Daytona when we lost our racing legend, your Sir, and your wonderful staff, tug at my heartstrings every single time. Folks, this isn't for your little one in strollers, this isn't for the young ones that want to run rapid, this an adult (or at least act in a pleasing manner), so as not to disturb the history and solace of a peaceful stroll. Long live #3 !!
The museum is the original race shop for Earnhardt's team, you can wander from room to room that are not usually accessible to the fans only employees. On display are the original cars driven by Earnhardt all throughout the shop along with a hauler and some wild game near the end. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Lots more race shops in Charlotte that are closer together. A friend and I hit 12 in one day.