Earnhardt Jr.’s Winning Car Brought To Hall Of Fame

Just eight weeks after its doors opened, the NASCAR Hall of Fame has a new piece of history: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s winning racecar from less than two weeks ago.

“I could not have been more elated,” Winston Kelley, the hall’s executive director, said.

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Kelley said the car is first example of new and rotating exhibits, meant to keep fans coming back.

Initial estimates anticipated 800,000 visitors visiting the hall in its first year. Soon after opening, though, officials dropped the number closer to 600,000.

“We didn't do as good of a job articulating the range of the attendance," Kelley said. "So we've got very solid attendance."

Kelley said the hall planned to make $11.4 million in attendance money in the first year. If they don't hit that number, he said he’ll have to make adjustments.

“We've got a budget, and we've got expenses," he said. "If we don't meet some of those revenue targets, we'll dial the expenses down."

Still, Kelley said fan feedback continues to be positive.

In less than 20 minutes this morning, Eyewitness News met fans from five different states who are visiting Charlotte to see the Hall of Fame.

Yesenia Birkenfeld drove to Charlotte from Kansas City with her husband and children, named Lincoln and Chevy.

Kyle Birkenfeld said the Hall of Fame was the reason they chose Charlotte.

“Otherwise, I would’ve stayed up near I-40 and around that area,” he said.

Earnhardt Jr.’s car will stay at the Hall of Fame until Sept. 19.

Kelley said he's planning new exhibits for race week in October.