CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In a secret location, for security reasons, bits of NASCAR history are preparing to debut in Charlotte.

From black and white photos to colorful racing programs to golden trophies more than 50 years old, items that could fill the NASCAR Hall of Fame being built in uptown Charlotte are piling up.

Historian Buz McKim is looking nationwide to pick which of the countless pieces of NASCAR memorabilia will make it into the hall of fame.

McKim will have to figure out exactly what will be displayed alongside the race cars and uniforms, what will be put in storage and what will be eliminated all together.

"We have to become a one-stop shop. Not only preserve the history through artifacts, but to preserve the history through statistics and stories and that sort of thing," he said.

The first batch of potential exhibit items is now in the Queen City. McKim has brought it here from NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The items include trophies that belong to the family of Glen "Fireball" Roberts, the first true NASCAR legend in the '50s and '60s. Many others are also coming forward with their artifacts.

McKim says the interest in the hall of fame is immeasurable.

"We're getting that sort of response from drivers' families, drivers themselves, car owners, even fans who just happened upon different items who feel that it is significant, feel there might be a place for it in the hall," he said.

Dozens of those fans are here in Charlotte. Already 40 to 50 people have shown interest in donating authentic items to a hall of fame still taking form in designers' minds.

The hall is expected to open in January 2010.

IMAGES: SLIDESHOW: Sneak Peak At Hall Of Fame Memorabilia