Meet me in Charlotte

The annual convention of the Official NASCAR Members Club will be in Charlotte, N.C., the few days prior to the All-Star Race.

Members have some terrific activities on tap. If you aren’t a member and would like to get in on the events, there is still time. Join by April 25 and register for the convention by April 26, and you’re in.

On Wednesday, May 13, members visit Victory Junction and participate in the 2nd annual ONMC Bowling League Open.

There’s also the ONMC 500 – a kart race between members at the NASCAR Speedpark!

Thursday, we really gear up with a tour of the NASCAR Research and Development Center and shop tours around town. Personally, I want to head straight for Stewart-Haas and the Childress Vineyards.

Friday night is the big convention event and the Ultimate Tailgate.

Of course, we always take in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Members can get $5 off tickets for the fun of watching crews battle it out. It will be shown at 9 p.m. on SPEED.

You also get discounts for tickets to the All-Star Race on May 16 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. ONMC gets 20% off Pit Passes to each race.

In addition, and this is really cool, you get a track garage tour on Friday (free!) and access to driver introductions to the All-Star Race (free again!).

In addition, and this is really cool, you get a track garage tour on Friday (free!) and access to driver introductions to the All-Star Race (free again!). Oh, by the way, there’s a trip to JR’s place, Whiskey River and shop tours include JR Motorsports and Gibbs Racing and two more. (Crossing fingers, Stewart-Haas, Stewart-Haas, Stewart-Haas.)

But you have to be a member! And be registered for the Convention.

If you are interested in that, and discounts and special VIP events at every NASCAR track in the country, visit www.nascar.com and click the ONMC tab. Read over member benefits. If you are interested go to the chapter locate and search for Huntington, WV. Chapter number is 257052. You can get a discount on membership at the Huntington or Charleston, WV sites.

Membership is $59 for one year through the site, $25 off the regular price of $89. Convention is $99 for all three days, or $69 for just Friday. The full convention cost includes five meals.

Then, you’re on your way to be the envy of your racing friends.