Icons from the worlds of NASCAR and music came together at Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday when Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick and Ray Evernham helped unveil one of Elvis Presley's most prized vehicles, which will be on public display during the Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair hosted by OldRide.com, April 3-6.
The car was unveiled after undergoing an extensive preservation to restore it to the condition it was in when Elvis last drove it in 1976.
Rumored to be among Elvis' favorite cars, the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III was also well-known as being the last ride for The King of Rock 'n' Roll, who was last photographed driving the car into the gates of Graceland just hours before he died. Before Earnhardt Jr. drove it into Monday's press event, no one had driven the car since Elvis.
Hendrick's love of cars is no secret, but even he admitted being more than a little awestruck during Monday's event. Hendrick rode in the passenger's seat as Earnhardt Jr. drove a couple of laps around Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of the press event.
While the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III will be the centerpiece attraction of the Nationwide Insurance Classic Car Showcase Pavilion, the AutoFair will also feature an Elvis tribute artist contest, an Elvis-themed menu at the Jailhouse Rock Cafe and additional Elvis memorabilia from Graceland.
You can see all of this plus other cool events like lawnmower racing, an Elvis impersonator contest and pinstriping from East Coast Artie!
Hours for the April 3-6 AutoFair hosted by OldRide.com are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Ticket prices are $10 per day for adults, and children 13 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Fans who buy three tickets get the fourth day free. Parking for the event is $5. For more information on the four-day event, contact the speedway events department at (704) 455-3205 or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.