Date of Award
Summer 2021
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Department
History
First Advisor
Gabrielle Kuenzli
Second Advisor
Kent Germany
Abstract
This thesis focuses on the relationship between the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Charlotte, North Carolina, and how the geography of the Charlotte area was a catalyst to the growth of the motorsports industry in the Queen City. Specifically, this thesis investigates the roles of NASCAR teams, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in creating and continuing to grow the presence of NASCAR in Charlotte. The Hall of Fame in particular has strengthened the position of Charlotte in NASCAR history, after officials selected Charlotte over Daytona and Atlanta for the site of the Hall. Additionally, I contend that NASCAR historians have generally overlooked the prominent role of Charlotte in NASCAR history, and seek to remedy this oversight.
Rights
© 2021, Hannah Thompson
Recommended Citation
Thompson, H.(2021). Charlotte's Glory Road: The History of NASCAR in the Queen City. (Master's thesis). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/6539