Hendrick Motorsports drivers suggest activities for Friday's day off

CONCORD, N.C. -- No on-track activity today at Charlotte Motor Speedway? No problem.

Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have some suggestions on how to get through NASCAR’s free day and enjoy some of the area.

So what do you want to do?

Stock up on Hendrick Motorsports memorabilia and check out the history for the 10-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champions? Shameless plug, maybe. But you’re in luck. The Museum and Team Store has expanded its hours for race weeks. On Friday, the facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as will the team shops. Admission is free, and it is located less than two miles from Charlotte Motor Speedway. Click here to learn more.

Want some culture with your food? Both Kahne and Johnson are fans of NoDa, Charlotte’s historic arts district. Cabo Fish Taco rates as their favorite spot there.

Go for a run? Kahne suggests Lake Norman State Park. The North Carolina state park offers hiking, swimming, fishing and more.

Grab a burger? For the best burger you’ll eat, Gordon recommends fans here for the Charlotte races build a burger at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar. There are three locations within the Concord-Charlotte area.

Feeling fancy? Kahne’s tastes are eclectic and often include a stop at Caruso’s in Mooresville for Italian fare.

Gotta race? Then the Mooresville Motorplex is for you. That’s where Kahne spends quite a bit of his free time, edging the (sometimes NASCAR) competition on the outdoor course.

And for you night owls: Head to Earnhardt’s Whisky River. Located in the EpiCentre in uptown Charlotte, the venue offers food, drinks and live entertainment. Text 980-333-3923 for more info on Friday’s festivities. 

Tailgate solutions: 

Not familiar with Charlotte? Click here for maps and more information courtesy of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce website.