More Than Pretty Cars: Can’t-Miss Attractions Offer Family Fun at AutoFair This Weekend

CONCORD, N.C. (April 2, 2024) – Thousands of hot rods, classics and custom cars will take center stage when the AutoFair presented by Camping World returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this Thursday through Sunday, but they aren’t the only attractions that will get guests’ motors running. Fans are in for a four-day adventure filled with Hall of Fame appearances by industry experts, fast-paced thrill rides and family-friendly entertainment.

Don’t throw a wrench in your plans, and be sure to check out these can’t-miss events:

Celebrity Appearances

Race fans and gearheads alike won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet some of the industry’s biggest names at this weekend’s AutoFair presented by Camping World.

With decades of experience working in restoration and hot rod shops and 25 years on national television, Stacey David has been showing people how to build cool cars and trucks for a long time. He’ll bring his expertise to the Showcase Pavilion at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, where he’ll meet fans and sign autographs from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-2:15 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. alongside his famed “Interceptor” car. He’ll also take part in an exclusive Q&A session at 2:30 p.m.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham will be signing copies of his book “Trophies and Scars” on Friday from 1-2 p.m., and again on Saturday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Showcase Pavilion. A racing legend turned TV personality and avid car collector, Evernham has worked with some of the biggest names in motorsport history including Jeff Gordon, and built his own race team, Evernham Motorsports, into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR.

According to Wayne Carini, master auto restorer and host of the wildly popular television show Chasing Classic Cars, “it’s all about the chase.” Automobile enthusiasts won’t have to chase for very long, as Carini is slated to appear at the AutoFair presented by Camping World.

Entertainment for All Ages

A new kind of competition will take over America’s Home for Racing as the women of Pin Ups and Pumps makes it AutoFair debut in the newly created Hot Rod Highway. On Saturday at 2 p.m., fans can watch a family-friendly pinup contest inspired by classical glamor models and actresses of the 1940s, while surrounded by a bevy of classic hot rods. New for 2024, the Hot Rod Highway will be located in front of the massive Speedway TV in the infield.

The J Creek Cloggers will stomp their way to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Smith Heritage Stage on Saturday at 3 p.m. Can’t make their first performance? This traditional folk clogging group will seek to inspire new generations three more times on Sunday, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

History Meets Artistry

Classic car enthusiasts will want to pay attention to this one. On Saturday, Charlotte Motor Speedway will display not a showcase of speed but of sophistication as the second annual Smith Heritage Invitational combines history, artistry, and the legacy of motorsports. From classic automobiles like the first ever Indianapolis 500 winning 1911 Marmon Wasp to the classic-inspired twin-turbo-powered 2021 McLaren Elva, this year’s can’t-miss collection features both elegance and high-performance from an unmatched caliber of the world’s most renowned collectors.

Happy Camper

Camping World, which operates a sales and service facility near Charlotte Motor Speedway, will be showcasing some of its many products as the area’s largest RV show pitches a tent in the track’s infield. Attendees will be able to explore the latest in units ranging from tent campers to toy hauler fifth wheels, and can take advantage of exclusive deals and expert advice throughout the four-day event. In addition, Camping World will host daily raffles for a variety of unique prizes from camping chairs and fire pits to Yeti coolers. Swing by their display outside the Manufacturers midway for details.

Fast-Paced Thrill Rides

Proving once again that the new-look AutoFair isn’t just about cars that look good, but also cars that drive well, the Ford Performance Racing School will once again offer fans a high-octane thrill ride through the infield road course throughout the weekend. Fans can strap in with a professional driver to feel the power of all-American muscle and get a new appreciation for Ford’s acceleration and handling through the twisting turns of the ROVAL™.