Race Country USA has always been a favorite destination for Hardcore Race Fans desiring to experience the sport on a more up close and personal level. With many developments taking place in the Charlotte, North Carolina motorsports community over the past year, 2008 has proven to be no different as hundreds of thousands of fans enjoyed their opportunity to take advantage of the best the area has to offer.

Taking the time to reflect on the changes and developments the year has brought to Race Country USA, we came up with the following list of top stories for 2008, in no particular order.

One of the biggest stories of the year would have to be the re-opening of Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. Fans were wondering if they would ever be able to witness another event at the famed speedway that is so rich in NASCAR history. Thanks to Andy Hillenburg and his fine staff for their tireless efforts in bringing racing back to the sandhills of North Carolina.

The opening of zMax Dragway in September was certainly another top story in 2008. Located across the street from Lowe's Motor Speedway and billed as "The Bellagio of Dragstrips," the facility has become a favorite of competitors and fans alike, playing to a packed house on opening weekend.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. branched out into the nightclub business, opening Whiskey River on April 18th in Uptown Charlotte. The well known watering hole features a mechanical bull and is a popular spot among fans. "I built it to come in here and hang out, come and have a good time on a Tuesday night," Dale, Jr. shared on opening night.

After much controversy over the construction of his zMax Dragway, Cabarrus County officials honored Bruton Smith with the renaming of Speedway Boulevard to Bruton O. Smith Boulevard. The name change was announced by county commissioners after Smith threatened to move the fall date from Lowe's Motor Speedway to another of his Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks. The highway provides fans direct access to Lowe's Motor Speedway from Interstate 85.

With construction crews making tremendous progress, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is beginning to take shape. All of us are anticipating the opening of the state of the art facility, scheduled for spring 2010, as it will be an exciting time for everyone in the motorsports arena.

Humpy Wheeler surprised the racing world when he retired from Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Not one to sit idle for very long Humpy, along with son Trip and daughter Patti, promptly announced the formation of The Wheeler Company, a multi-services company that will handle driver representation among other things. Wheeler is also working on a book and television show.

Last, but definitely not least, the announcement that Petty Enterprises would relocate to Mooresville, North Carolina came as big news in 2008. The family operation moved to be closer to the large pool of motorsports trained workers available in the area. With their new location a short distance from other team shops, the move also allows fans to visit the Petty shop without having to leave the area as they had to do in years past.