About the Venue
Memphis Motorsports Park is a multi-track facility located just 15 minutes from Graceland in Memphis. The 400-acre complex features four venues: a .75-mile paved tri-oval, a .25-mile drag strip, a .25-mile dirt oval and a 1.77-mile road course.
In 1997, a .75-mile paved oval was added on the site of the old dirt track, and a new dirt track was built. The name changed in 1997 to Memphis Motorsports Park. The new paved tri-oval was opened in June 1998. The front and back straightaways are 60 feet wide; and the turns are banked at 11 degrees. The back straightaway is banked three degrees, while the front straightaway is banked at four degrees.
Venue Pictures
City Guide
Memphis
From the clubs on Beale Street to the back alley barbecue joints and upscale restaurants, Memphis is pure soul. The Memphis music scene is has irresistible musical vibes, from street corner live music performances to downtown Memphis blues clubs.
Downtown and Beale Street
Downtown Memphis grew from the warehouses that stored cotton and other goods shipped up and down the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a beautifully restored trolley car up Main Street—parallel to the River— and see several of Memphis’ attractions and landmarks including, the Pyramid arena, Pinch Historic District pubs, Orpheum Theatre, and the Civil Rights Museum, located in the old Lorraine Motel, site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.
Brought back from a downward spiral in the 1960s and 70s, Beale Street - "Home of the Blues" - features lively bars, clubs, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can visit Elvis Presley's restaurant, and shop for souvenirs and watch videos of “The King”. Additionally, you can visit B.B. King's Blues Club and the Hard Rock Café for music, food and dancing. Or, go to the “smaller-side” of Memphis' fabulous musical heritage at the original Sun Studio, just a short distance from Beale Street. This studio, made famous by Elvis Presley and B.B. King, still records major musical acts.
Victorian Village
Victorian Village is situated on the east side of downtown and features homes built at the turn of the century, still standing in their original, tree-lined setting. Some of these homes offer public tours.
Midtown/Central
The Midtown area stretches from I-240 on the west to the University of Memphis area on the east, and from Southern Avenue to Jackson Avenue. This lively neighborhood harbors beautifully restored residential areas.
Getting to Memphis
Memphis International Airport (www.mscaa.com) (MEM) is one of the most successful and well respected airports in the world. MEM is unique in that it is a dual hub serving as both a passenger connecting hub and a cargo super-hub. It is distinguished for its leadership in such areas as airport management, economic development, community partnership, minority participation, and as a hassle-free facility for customer convenience. MEM is serviced by all major airlines and car rental agencies.
What to Do
Graceland (http://www.elvis.com/graceland/)
Graceland is a one of a kind journey through Elvis’s humble beginnings and rise to superstardom with up close and personal looks at the influence that forever changed our music and our lives. Discover the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll experience through videos, photos, personal mementos and artifacts, movie memorabilia, stages costumes and much more. Experience life as Elvis did at Graceland Mansion with an audio-guided tour featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie.
The Graceland Mansion tour includes the living room, music room, Elvis's parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and jungle room. In addition, behind the house, you will be able to tour Elvis's racquetball building and his original business office. The Graceland Mansion tour lasts approximately 60-90 minutes. Visit website for admission prices. Open Mon-Sat 9-5pm; Sun 10-4pm. Located at 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116; (800) 238-2000.
National Civil Rights Museum (www.civilrightsmuseum.org)
The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination, chronicles key episodes of the American civil rights movement and the legacy of this movement to inspire participation in civil and human rights efforts globally, through their collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Open Mon-Sat 9–5pm; Sun 1–5pm; closed Tuesdays. Summer Hours (June–Aug), Mon-Sat 9–6pm; Sun 1–6pm; closed Tuesdays. Adults, $12; Seniors, $10; Students w/id, $10; kids (4-17), $8.50; kids (3 and under), free; Free period, Mondays after 3pm. Located at 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103; (901) 521-9699.
Beale Street (www.bealestreet.com)
The redevelopment of Beale Street is considered a catalyst in downtown Memphis’ rebirth. In the late 1970's the City of Memphis bought nearly all of the properties along three blocks of Beale Street, and the Beale Street Management Corporation was formed with the charge of creating an entertainment district. Today, Beale Street is thiving with over 25 clubs and shops to choose from. You could slip into Wet Willies and get some of the best daiquiris on the street or you could mosey on down to Blues City Cafe and sample some of the best ribs in the world. Art galleries, t-shirts, good music, getting your fortune told, strange cargo, you name it and Beale St. probably has it.
Pink Palace Museum (www.memphismuseums.org/museum.htm)
The Pink Palace Museum is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Southeast. Explore the cultural and natural history of the Mid-South through exciting exhibits, dioramas and audio-visuals. Trace Memphis' development from the time of Spanish explorers through the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemics. You will also see how dinosaurs and fossils dramatically chronicle our ever-changing planet. The Museum also hosts a number of touring exhibits for you to see and experience throughout the year. Open Mon-Sat 9-5pm; Sun 12-5pm. Adults, $8.25; seniors, $7.75; kids (3-12), $5.75. Located at 3050 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38111; (901)320-6320.
Shopping
Oak Court Mall (www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=197)
Oak Court Mall is surrounded by exquisite landscaping in a beautiful wooded area. A unique courtyard full of flowering plants and ivy-covered trees makes Oak Court Mall a must see spot in Memphis. Equally as beautiful on the inside, Oak Court Mall is an upscale, two-level center featuring Italian marble, skylighting, and original bronze sculptures. Anchored by Dillard's and the regions' largest Macy's, Oak Court Mall offers a full complement of high-end specialty stores including Aveda, Ann Taylor Loft, Pac Sun, Banana Republic, Starbucks Coffee, Jos A. Bank Clothiers, Godiva Chocolatier, Cache', Bailey Banks & Biddle, and many more. Open Mon-Sat 10-9pm; Sun 12-6pm. Located at 530 Oak Court, Memphis, TN 38117; (901) 682-8928.
The Shops of Saddle Creek (www.shopsofsaddlecreek.com)
Its curving lines, archways and fountains, as well as its exciting mix of famous name shops and unique restaurants, have attracted the area’s most discerning shoppers since 1987. You’ll find the finest of national specialty shops and restaurants, including The Apple Store, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, J.Jill, J.Crew, Sharper Image, Talbots, Talbots Mens and many more. The Shops of Saddle Creek offers a shopping experience tailored to today’s lifestyle with plenty of convenient parking and distinctive architecture. Conveniently located four miles east of I-240 on Poplar Avenue at West Farmington; Memphis, TN 38119; (901) 761-7604.
South Main Historic Arts District (www.southmainmemphis.org)
The South Main Historic Arts District, located in downtown Memphis, is a culturally rich and unique neighborhood anchored by the historic Central Station and the famous Arcade restaurant on the south end, the beautifully restored Orpheum Theater on the north and on the east and west by the National Civil Rights Museum, art galleries, hip restaurants, renovated warehouses-turned-lofts and trendy shops.
The South Main Arts District offers Memphis galleries that represent local, regional, national and international artists. The shops and galleries offer art, objects and apparel from local craftspeople and designers as well as internationally known artists. Additionally, you’ll find all types of cuisines to satisfy your hunger pains from fancy to casual, outdoor patio dining to “diner” eateries. Located in Downtown Memphis, TN, 38101; (901) 578-7262.
Wolfchase Galleria (www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=840)
The Wolfchase Galleria features Dillard's, JC Penney, Sears and Macy's plus 130 of the most exciting stores in the Mid-South. Stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Hollister Co., Fossil, bebe, Brooks Brothers, Wet Seal, Guess, Banana Republic, Gap, Pottery Barn, dELiA's, Journeys, and Thomas Kinkade Gallery. While you're shopping at Wolfchase be sure to enjoy a variety of delicious foods at your favorite eateries located in the Food Court or one of two restaurants located in Wolfchase Galleria. To make your trip complete, take in the latest movie at the Malco Theatre or a ride on the fantasy carousel. Open Mon-Sat 10-9pm; Sun 12-6pm. Located at 2760 N. Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133; (901) 381-2769.
