Charlotte Motor Speedway Just Opened Gearhead Heaven
(HHP/Jacy Norgaard)
NASCAR tracks don't survive on race weekends alone. While the roar of stock cars brings in packed grandstands and lucrative TV deals, the reality is that modern racetracks have evolved into year-round businesses with a variety of revenue streams—everything from corporate events and driving experiences to concert venues and rental opportunities. But Charlotte Motor Speedway has just unveiled a new venture that puts all the others to shame.
If you are a lifelong gearhead, a lover of speed, or the kind of person who thinks the best sound in the world is a naturally aspirated V12 screaming at 8,000 RPM, then welcome to what might just be your version of heaven: Ten Tenths Motor Club.
Opening this week next to Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ten Tenths isn't just another storage facility for people who have garages bigger than most of our homes. It's an automotive utopia, a playground for those lucky enough to own the kind of cars the rest of us spend our free time drooling over on YouTube. And yet, it's more than just a clubhouse for the rich—it's a shrine to speed, to racing, to the kind of motoring passion that makes you wake up early just to go for a drive with no destination in mind.
The vision for Ten Tenths began over a decade ago when Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, saw what was happening with exclusive driving clubs around the country. "I thought, man, what a great concept this is," Smith recalls. "I love cars. I'm a big race fan and a big sports car fan, and I just thought there must be some application here for us." He wasn't alone. A quick conversation with his neighbor—who just happens to be Rick Hendrick—sealed the deal. "I said, 'Do you want to do this together?' and he said, 'Yeah, let's do it.' In about half a second."
NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick and Marcus Smith, Speedway Motorsports, Inc., President & CEO ... More (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Ten Tenths offers something beyond mere car storage. It features a world-class driving circuit designed by former F1 and Le Mans racer Alex Wurz, a bespoke lounge, private wine storage, a cigar lounge, and, of course, access to some of the finest driving experiences money can buy. It's a place where you don't just own a Ferrari—you actually get to drive it the way Enzo intended. Whether you crave the grip of a mid-engined masterpiece slicing through corners or the sheer brute force of a big-block American muscle car thundering down a straightaway, this is a place where horsepower is truly celebrated.
And to kick things off, the club is hosting The Heritage Invitational, a high-octane festival that aims to be America's answer to the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed. More than 60 of the world's most sought-after collector cars will be on display, including legendary Porsche racers, an array of Lamborghinis, and Rick Hendrick's personal supercar collection. There will also be historic Trans Am racing, a Celebrity Pro-Am race featuring legends like Jeff Gordon and Kyle Petty, and enough motorsport action to make even the most jaded car enthusiast grin like a kid in a candy store.
But this isn't just a static display of automotive excellence—it's a full-throttle experience. Expect to hear the unmistakable wail of a vintage F1 car echoing across the speedway, the guttural roar of classic V8s ripping through gears, and the shriek of modern hypercars proving their worth on the track. The Heritage Invitational isn't just about looking at cars; it's about feeling them, hearing them, and—if you're lucky—riding shotgun in one of the world's most breathtaking machines.
"What's been really fun is that we've been able to build this without having to pre-sell anything," Smith says. "We're just building it. We haven't even opened up membership yet, but we're already fielding a lot of calls." Translation: If you have the means to join, you probably should get in line now.
Ten Tenths Motor Club features a world-class driving circuit designed by former F1 and Le Mans racer ... More Alex Wurz, (HHP/Jacy Norgaard)
Of course, for the rest of us—those whose car collections consist of one or two reasonably fast machines and a pile of dreams—Ten Tenths might seem like an unreachable paradise. But Smith is quick to point out that the facility won't just sit empty between private driving days. "We'll have some of the Ford Performance driving schools on-site, we're already booking manufacturer residencies, and we'll have nights where enthusiasts can come out and drive," he explains.
And that's where the magic of Ten Tenths extends beyond its exclusive membership. It's not just a retreat for those who can afford to fill a warehouse with supercars—it's a hub for automotive culture, a place where passion meets performance, and where car lovers, no matter their budget, can experience the thrill of high-speed driving. Whether you're behind the wheel of a McLaren or a Mustang, there's a place for you here.
So while we may not all be able to afford a garage there, we can still experience a taste of what it's like to drive at full throttle in a place built for people who believe cars should be driven—not just admired. And that, my friends, is worth celebrating.
Ten Tenths isn't just a playground for the ultra-wealthy—it's a financial goldmine for the Speedway, transforming it into a high-end automotive destination that attracts both deep-pocketed members and enthusiasts eager to pay for premium experiences. And in the process, it helps keep Charlotte Motor Speedway's books in the black all year round.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Riley Gaines and Simone Biles Beef Online Amid Trans Athlete Debate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and former collegiate swimmer and conservative activist Riley Gaines have exchanged barbs on social media amid a debate over transgender athletes in sports. Newsweek reached out to press representatives for Biles and Gaines via email on Saturday. Why It Matters A national debate about transgender athletes escalated during the 2024 presidential election cycle, as President Donald Trump pledged to minimize transgender athletes' participation in sports that don't match their biological sex. One of his first executive orders mandated that the government only recognize the existence of two sexes—male and female—which he said are "not changeable." Biles, 28, is the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, with 11 medals, including seven gold. She has also earned dozens of world championship medals and complex gymnastic moves have been named after her. She is a prominent voice in both sports and mental health. Gaines, 25, a former collegiate swimmer for the University of Kentucky, has been outspoken in her opposition to transgender policies in sports and is the host of the Gaines for Girls podcast. What To Know On Friday, Riley Gaines reposted a message from the Minnesota State High School League on X, formerly Twitter, of the Champlin Park High School's championship win, writing "comments off lol. To be expected when your star player is a boy." Her comment follows reports that Marissa Rothenberger, a 17-year-old member of the team, is transgender. Newsweek has reached out to the school for comment via email on Saturday. Biles reshared Gaines' post, calling her "truly sick." @Riley_Gaines_ You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender... — Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) June 6, 2025 The post continued: "all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead... You bully them... One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!" In 2022, Gaines tied for fifth place in a competition with swimmer Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete during a collegiate competition. In another post Biles said to Gaines "bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male." Gaines wrote in response: "This is actually so disappointing. It's not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women's sports with YOUR platform. Men don't belong in women's sports and I say that with my full chest." (L): Simone Biles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (R):Former collegiate... (L): Simone Biles, of the United States, holds up her medals after the women's artistic gymnastics individual apparatus finals Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (R):Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines stands following a news conference after the House passed a measure that would ban transgender women and girls from school sports programs aimed at female students on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington. More AP Photo/Charlie Riedel/Mark Schiefelbein In a separate post she added, "My take is the least controversial take on the planet. Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls' dreams? Didn't have that on my bingo card. Maybe she could compete in pommel horse and rings in 2028." In a third post, Gaines wrote, "And the subtle hint at "body-shaming" ???? Plzzzz I'm 5'5." Early into Saturday, Gaines began posting about Biles and the sexual abuse of former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison in 2017 over child pornography charges, and in 2018 plead guilty to criminal sexual conduct in Michigan. Gaines shared a clip of Biles testifying about Nassar's actions next to her X post to Gaines, with the caption: "Simone Biles when she had to endure a predatory man Vs Simone Biles when other girls have to endure predatory men." Gaines has continued to share various generated images jabbing at Biles. What People Are Saying Alex Cole, an influencer on X with over 300,000 followers, wrote on X: "Simone Biles has 11 Olympic medals. Riley Gaines has 11 Fox News appearances complaining about people who actually win medals." Payton McNabb, former high school volleyball player and sports ambassador at Independent Women, told Newsweek in an email Saturday: "Female athletes train hard, sacrifice, and compete with heart. They deserve a level playing field, not a rigged system that favors male strength and biology." Brandon Wolf, press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, said in an X post: "Simone Biles is the GOAT. Riley Gaines is the poster child for turning failure into grift. And that's that on that." President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post earlier this week: "A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so. As Governor Gavin Newscum fully understands, large scale fines will be imposed!!!" White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Newsweek on Tuesday: "President Trump is protecting women in sports and restoring common sense. Those who choose to violate federal law will be held accountable." What Happens Next The Trump administration has launched multiple investigations into whether sports governing bodies and educational institutions have violated federal antidiscrimination laws, particularly under Title IX.
UPI
an hour ago
- UPI
Trump order seeks to boost U.S. drone industry
The DJI Zenmuse XT drone with aerial thermal imaging camera is displayed at the at the 2016 International CES, a trade show of consumer electronics, in Las Vegas. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo June 7 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump is taking aim at drone technology from two directions -- boost the U.S. industry and crack down on malicious activity. Trump on Friday signed executive orders on efforts to spur U.S. production relevant to drone technology, increase U.S. drone security and regulation efforts, and an unleated one to promote design and eventual use of commercial supersonic aircraft. "Unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America's leadership in global innovation," an executive order titled Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty read. "But criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland. Another order, titled Unleashing American Drone Dominance, declares that "building a strong and secure domestic drone sector is vital to reducing reliance on foreign sources, strengthening critical supply chains and ensuring that the benefits of this technology are delivered to the American people." There are more than a million registered drones in the United States, according to the FAA with more than 400,000 commercial drones and more than 350,000 for recreational use. In a press release, the Commercial Drone Alliance said it has "believed that innovation and security are two sides of the same coin. Outdated regulations have long impeded technological innovation and hindered transparency in our airspace." Lisa Ellman, chief executive of the Commercial Drone Alliance, also lauded the executive orders for aiming at both innovation and security simultaneously. "We fully support the long-overdue steps taken by the Trump administration in these Executive Orders -- establishing a framework to scale safe and secure drone operations while enhancing drone security and airspace transparency -- to modernize our domestic drone policy and assure American aviation leadership into the next century of flight," she said in the release. Drone dangers Trump has warned that drones have been used to smuggle drugs across borders, and could threaten large public gatherings, such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both in the United States. "It is the policy of the United States to ensure control over our national airspace and to protect the public, critical infrastructure, mass gathering events, and military and sensitive government installations and operations from threats posed by the careless or unlawful use of UAS," the security related order reads. Chinese-made drones from companies like DJI or Autel are not outright banned, but the Federal Acquisition Security Council has been called on to "publish a Covered Foreign Entity List ... identifying companies that pose supply chain risks." In 2022, the U.S. Treasury added DJI and seven other companies to its Chinese Military-Industrial Complex list, which indicates some level of national security concern. The includes a ban on U.S.-based companies exporting technology to them. The majority of drones are estimated to be built in China, The New York Times reported. The Justice Department and FAA were told to enforce civil and criminal penalties for drone operators who violate laws or airspace restrictions. There will be grants for state and local law enforcement to access drone-detection and tracking equipment. The Federal Aviation Administration requires all drones weighing more than 0.55 of a pound to be registered, in addition to restricting how high they can be flown without authorization. The Justice Department and FAA were told to more robustly enforce civil and criminal penalties for drone operators who violate laws or airspace restrictions. Grant programs are planned for state and local law enforcement to access drone-detection and tracking equipment., the order also indicates Drone industry growth In his first term, Trump sought to increase the use of drones and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been directed to promote exports of U.S.-made drones, in addition to federal agencies being ordered to prioritize purchases of them. "The United States must accelerate the safe commercialization of drone technologies and fully integrate UAS into the National Airspace System," the order reads. "The time has come to accelerate testing and to enable routine drone operations, scale up domestic production, and expand the export of trusted, American-manufactured drone technologies to global markets." The order directs the FAA to allow commercial users and public safety officials not to fly drones beyond their range of sight, meaning that a user must be able to see the drone they are operating. "Building a strong and secure domestic drone sector is vital to reducing reliance on foreign sources, strengthening critical supply chains, and ensuring that the benefits of this technology are delivered to the American people," the order says. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy was directed to initiate artificial intelligence tools to assist in and expedite the review of a UAS waiver application, and the Transportation Department was told to develop an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Pilot Program to accelerate the deployment of safe and lawful eVTOL operations in the United States. Supersonic flight An additional executive order titled "Leading the World in Supersonic Flight" seeks to promise planes that travel at supersonic speeds, which are greater than the speed of sound at approximately 768 mph at sea level, or Mach 1. "The United States stands at the threshold of a bold new chapter in aerospace innovation," the order reads. "For more than 50 years, outdated and overly restrictive regulations have grounded the promise of supersonic flight over land, stifling American ingenuity, weakening our global competitiveness, and ceding leadership to foreign adversaries." The order noted that "advances in aerospace engineering, materials science, and noise reduction now make supersonic flight not just possible, but safe, sustainable, and commercially viable." The order repeals regulations prohibiting cross-country supersonic flights, which for decades have precluded nonmilitary air travel over land at faster-than-sound speeds. The Concorde was manufactured from 1965 to 1979, but are no longer flown by airlines, however, Boom Supersonic and NASA are currently developing new supersonic passenger jets.
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Dodgers' offensive struggles continue in loss to Cardinals
ST. LOUIS — The Dodgers' offensive woes went from worrisome to a five-alarm emergency Saturday when they were lost their second game in less than 24 hours, falling 2-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Nolan Gorman started the winning rally with a ground-rule double leading off the ninth. He gave way to pinch-runner Jose Barrero, who moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Nolan Arenado's pinch-hit single off Dodgers reliever Ben Casparius (4-1). The Cardinals appeared to have won the game in the eighth when Alec Burleson hit a one-hop comebacker that ricocheted off Casparius with two out. Casparius chased after the ball and made a hurried throw to first that pulled Freddie Freeman off the bag, allowing Masyn Winn to race home. But the Dodgers matched that in the ninth on consecutive one-out singles by Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. Freeman then struck out swinging, but the ball got away from catcher Pedro Pages, allowing Ohtani to score to tie the game. The Dodgers left 12 runners on base and were hitless in 12 at-bats with runners in scoring position. They are one for 25 with runners in scoring position in their two games in St. Louis. The slump couldn't come at a worst team for the Dodgers, who begin a three-game series Monday in San Diego. The Padres entered Saturday a game back of the Dodgers in the National League West. The Dodgers wasted a splendid performance from starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who allowed four hits while striking out nine in six scoreless innings, lowing his earned-run average to 2.20. No Japanese pitcher has ever led an American major league in ERA; the Cubs' Yu Darvish came closest when his 2.01 mark in the COVID-shortened 2020 season was second-best in the National League. Only two NL pitchers have better marks than Yamamoto this season. The right-hander won four ERA titles in seven seasons with Orix in the Japanese Pacific League. Only Kazuhisa Inao, who debuted in 1956, won more. Three times Yamamoto had ERAs under 1.69 and his career mark in Japan was 1.72 in 188 starts.
