Exhibit at Eastern Iowa Museum Will Honor History of Auto Racing

If you have a passion for auto racing, you're absolutely going to want to attend a new exhibit opening in the corridor next month.

The Marion Heritage Center and Museum has announced they'll soon be hosting an exhibit called "Oil, Autos, and Ovals: Racing in America." However, it won't just focus on the national racing scene, but the history of the sport in Iowa, as well.

The exhibit will include information about the beginning of dirt racing at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids to drivers from Iowa competing in the Great American Race, NASCAR's Daytona 500. Over 100 artifacts will be included in the exhibit focusing on everything from drag racing to local racing, the Iowa Speedway, IndyCar, and NASCAR on ovals throughout the state of Iowa and around the U.S.

What's it feel like to put on the driver's uniform? You can find out at the exhibit and even "get behind the wheel" of a remote control car on the Marion Heritage Center and Museum's "Marion 500." Cars will be available, or you can bring your own. All winners will receive prizes.

"Oil, Autos, and Ovals: Racing in America" will open with a special grand opening on Saturday, August 6 at 1 p.m. when historian David V. Wendell will drop the green flag. Wendell will speak on "Dirt to Superspeedway: Iowans in Racing." The afternoon also includes a screening of "Days of Thunder," starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Admission on August 6 is free. According to a media release, the exhibit will close just before the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race, which is scheduled for Sunday, November 6.

The Marion Heritage Center and Museum is located at 590 10th Street. You can get more information on the exhibit by calling (319) 447-6376.