A Century of Speed on Display
The Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, is currently hosting an exhibit titled “From Stock Cars to Racecars,” a comprehensive look at the transformation of NASCAR machinery from its post‑war origins to the cutting‑edge prototypes of 2024.
Curated in partnership with the sport’s governing body, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, the showcase features more than a dozen historic vehicles, including a 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS once piloted by Junior Johnson and a 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE driven by William Byron.
Among the displayed machines are cars that were once raced by Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bill Elliott and Jeff Gordon, each representing a distinct era in the sport’s evolution. The collection also highlights the safety innovations and design refinements that have defined each generation of NASCAR racecar.
Roots of the Modern Era
The narrative begins in December 1947, when Bill France Sr. convened a pivotal meeting in Daytona Beach, Florida, to formalize the structure of what would become NASCAR. The first official race followed on the beach‑side course later that month, with Red Byron claiming the inaugural victory.
Today, the exhibit runs through September 27 and is included with general admission, which is priced at $17 for adults and $7 for youth ages three to twelve. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, at 3 Savoy Lane, Cartersville.
Beyond the vehicles, the display offers contextual artifacts and multimedia presentations that trace the cultural impact of stock car racing across the United States, underscoring its deep ties to regional identity and community.