Note: Anything missing or incorrect? Email news@momscharlotte.com
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NASCAR HEAVEN: Check out dozens of motorsports shops, from Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville to Michael Waltrip’s Raceworld U.S.A. in Cornelius to Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Penske Racing in Mooresville. The N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame (www.ncarhof.com) is off I-77 Mooresville Exit 36 in Lakeside Business Park.
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CAROLINA PANTHERS FOOTBALL: It’s a big season for the Panthers, who are hoping to make the playoffs this year. www.panthers.com
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CHARLOTTE BOBCATS BASKETBALL: There’s a sense the Bobcats have developed some positive momentum with Michael Jordan helping call the shots. Tickets are usually available, and the arena is worth seeing. www.bobcatsbasketball.com
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NASCAR’S ALL-STAR RACE: If you want to give the NASCAR experience a try, this May extravaganza is perfect. It’s a great show, full of speed, sparks and stars. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com
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CHECKERS HOCKEY: Professional hockey has been a part of the Charlotte sports scene for decades, and the Checkers continue to provide terrific entertainment in the uptown arena. www.gocheckers.com
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CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS BASEBALL: Just find the big baseball in the sky off Interstate 77 in Fort Mill, S.C., and you’ve found the Knights. If you go on Saturdays, you get a fireworks show, too. www.charlotteknights.com
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WHITEWATER PADDLING: The U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center and home to the Olympic canoe/kayak team. www.usnwc.org
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THE WACHOVIA CHAMPIONSHIP: One big question about the 2008 event has already been answered – Tiger Woods will be there as the defending champion. In just five years, the tournament at the Quail Hollow Club has become one of the sparkling weeks on the PGA Tour schedule. Everything is first class. www.wachoviachampionship.com
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THE CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE PALISADES: Tennis greats such as Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Mats Wilander turn out for the Champions event each fall at The Palisades, in southern Mecklenburg. The event is for players 30 and older who have experience winning or playing for Grand Slam titles. For ticket information, visit www.championsseriestennis.com.
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MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL: The college football bowl season pulls into Bank of America Stadium, matching an ACC team against a team from the Big East Conference. The games and the crowds have been good, and somehow the weather always seems to cooperate. www.meinekecarcarebowl.com
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RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE: Don’t just watch racing. Go racing. Hop into a real stock car and drive around Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Or let a professional drive you around. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com (click on Driving Schools)
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ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL: If you need a Major League Baseball fix, scoot down I-85 to Turner Field where the Braves play. It’s our area’s designated home team. www.atlantabraves.com
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CHARLOTTE 49ERS BASKETBALL: They take their hoops seriously at Charlotte, and coach Bobby Lutz keeps turning out really good teams.
www.charlotte49ers.collegesports.com
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WINTHROP OR DAVIDSON BASKETBALL: They might not get the attention that Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams get, but these two programs have become consistent winners. www.winthropeagles.com or www.davidson.edu/athletics
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CHARLOTTE ULTRASWIM: Future Olympians pass through this event at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center in June. If you’re into hundreds of kids making a splash, Check it out in June. www.justswimmac.org
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SPEED STREET: This is where racing goes uptown – literally. During May’s race weeks, this uptown festival brings cars, music and thousands of fans to the Tryon Street district. www.600festival.com
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DALE EARNHARDT: The Intimidator lives in many ways. You can tour Dale Earnhardt Inc., located appropriately on Dale Earnhardt Highway 3N.C. Route 3 (his car number) near Mooresville. You can also head up to the town of Welcome to visit the Richard Childress Racing Museum (Earnhardt’s car owner). www.daleearnhardtinc.com or www.daleearnhardt.net
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INDEPENDENCE HIGH FOOTBALL: One of high school sport’s most winningest teams. www.cms.k12.nc.us/allschools/independence
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CHARLOTTE EAGLES: Charlotte’s pro soccer team plays a spring-summer schedule at Waddell High School. www.charlotteeagles.com
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FISHING AT LAKE WYLIE: In addition to the pure enjoyment of being on the water, you might pull in a few big ones. This is where the 2004 Bassmasters Classic was held.
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SNOW SKIING: It’s not the Rockies, but the ski business in the North Carolina High Country – especially around Boone and Banner Elk – has a lot to offer. www.skinorthcarolina.com
