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Off The Beaten Path: Beyond The Team Shops In Race City, USA
Written by Kathy Loan   
Wednesday, 14 May 2008 19:00
By: Kathy Loan Mooresville Correspondent HardcoreRaceFans.com Fans coming to Race City, USA as a side trip on their way to Lowe’s Motor Speedway races often pick up guides that tell them where all the team shops are. But hardcore race fans know there’s more to Mooresville than race team headquarters. A visit to Race City would not be complete without stopping in the local eateries, racing museums or other homegrown businesses that locals enjoy everyday. HardcoreRaceFans.com recommends that any visit include the following stops: Little Kitchen – While stories of Dale Earnhardt’s affinity for Little Kitchen’s prime rib abound, owner Joy Smith stresses there are countless drivers and their employees who have supported the restaurant during its almost 40 years in business. While allowing that “Senior was very good to us,” often calling in an order on his way home from a race or visiting on off days to eat or chat with the former owner, Smith said The Allisons, The Bakers, Ernie Irvan and many more drivers and crews know the Little Kitchen well. “Junior was just here” last month with employees from JR Motorsports. His is the only racing poster to adorn the walls. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Port City Shopping Center, 631 N. Main St., 704-664-3943, www.thelittlekitcheninc.com. Pie in the Sky – Dale Jr. helped put this shop on the map when he mentioned it in his book, “Driver 8.” This week, a Nova Scotia couple found the eatery and owner Tim Whitener is looking forward to the race week crowds. ”It’s a good time for us,” he said. Race teams and hometown regulars have adored the pizza, subs and salads since 1986. Newspaper clippings featuring the restaurant, a victory lane picture of Rusty Wallace and crew and a signed print from Dale Jr. congratulating them on 20 years in business adorn the walls. 125 N. Main St., #2, 704-663-7189 (best entered via the Wachovia Bank parking lot off of Church Street). Village Inn Pizza – Another favorite pizza place of Junior’s, who prefers pepperoni here, we\'re told. Manager Rob Anderson says many other drivers including Kyle Busch, Dale Jarrett, Derrick Cope, Ernie Irvan and crews including Penske Racing, JR Motorsports and DEI frequent. A wallet-friendly pizza, pasta and salad buffet is served daily until 9 p.m. and other orders can be handled until 10 p.m. Wednesday features a wings buffet and kids ages 4-11 eat free with paid adults on Mondays. 539-M E. Plaza Drive, 704-799-3330, www.villageinnpizza.com. Poppa’s Hot Dogs – Former NASCAR spotter Kyle Harvey offers an assortment of hot dogs including Chicago style but when in Carolina, one must have the Carolina Dog special: two dogs with chili, slaw and onions, fries and a drink. Look for photos of NASCAR stars enjoying their visit to Poppa’s and know that SPEED is always on the TV. 510 River Hwy, #15A, (across from Lowe’s near Bloom), 704-664-7677. Lancaster’s Bar-B-Que & Wings – You\'re welcome to come enjoy great barbecue, wings and their to-die-for chicken fingers while admiring all the racing memorabilia (including a school bus!) that adorns three levels of this legendary family-run restaurant. But kindly heed the menu request not to bother drivers and crew as they dine. Also has racing souvenirs for sale. 515 Rinehardt Rd. off NC 150 at Bojangles\', 704-663-5807, www.lancastersbbq.com. The Pit – Opened earlier this year, The Pit is a new addition to the must-see list but fits the bill “because it let them get behind the wheel rather than watch it and fills their need for speed,” said Kerry Possinger, Inside Sales Manager. Group rates are available for 8 or more drivers. The one-third mile track will test your driving skills and a printout of your lap times will put it in writing. Drivers Joey Logano, Erik Darnell, Travis Kvapil and Aric Almirola have been known to frequent. 346 E. Plaza Drive, 704-799-3470, www.meetmeatthepit.com. Memory Lane – View more than 150 vehicles in the museum, including race cars, vintage autos, motorcycles and vehicles rented to movie sets such as Days of Thunder and Talladega Nights. Adults $10; children 6-12, $6. Shop the unique gift shop for souvenirs and toys. If you\'re lucky, they may even tell you where to find the barn where some scenes for Days of Thunder were filmed. Open 10-5 Monday through Saturday and special Sunday 9-5 hours during race weeks. 769 River Hwy (past Target), 704-662-3673, www.memorylaneautomuseum.com. North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame – The museum, dedicated to all types of racing, features over 35 race cars. Relive racing\'s greatest moments in the Goodyear Mini-Theater featuring \"NASCAR\'s Greatest Drivers\" narrated by Dr. Jerry Punch. You can also simply stroll by the many showcases and displays ($5 adults, $3 children). Buy souvenirs in the gift shop, or pick up driver cards and information about local attractions. You also can make a good buy on race used tires and wheels. Open 10-5 Monday-Friday, 10-3 weekends. 119 Knob Hill Road, Lakeside Park, across from Roush-Fenway, 704-663-5331, www.ncarhof.com. Scrap Shack – Besides the possibility of seeing co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Elledge behind the counter from time to time, race fans can find tons of items to help complete their scrapbooks. The Scrap Shack offers an assortment of racing scrap albums, stickers, papers and much more non-racing scrapping supplies. Join their email mailing list and get regular updates on new products, a birthday discount and invites to workshops. Open 10-6 Monday-Thursday; 10-8 Friday; Saturday 10-5 and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. 2785-26 Charlotte Hwy, Marathea Plaza, 663-0207, www.scrapshacknc.com.
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