CONCORD, N.C. -- If you’re a race fan craving that up close and personal experience, how about actually living at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
“Most people probably wouldn’t expect that you could live at the track,” said NASCAR fan Randy Linker. “It’d be cool, but a lot of people wouldn’t expect that you could do that.”
NewsChannel 36 talked to Linker outside one of two First Turn Condo Towers at the track. Inside the high security building, there are six units for sale, including one that belongs to real estate broker Mary Walters’ good friends.
“This one is owned by Patti and Rusty Wallace,” Walters said. The Wallace family used to live next door to her.
For sale for $485,000, Walters was in the two bedroom, two bath condo when it was hopping with activity.
“They used it for entertaining corporations and sponsors,” she said. The 55 time race winner turned auto racing commentator bought the condo in the late 1980s.
Retired from driving since 2005, Walters says the family just doesn’t need the place like they once did.
“I think the selling point is the view of the track,” Walters added. The entire living area faces the track with clear view of the newly installed HD Screen. She’s marketing to corporations who may want to entertain here. But she also sees another potential buyer, one focused on their favorite driver. “I’ve had some interest from a group of race fans going in together and buying it as a group,” said Walters.
The unit, one of 40 in the building, is being sold furnished. The Wallace’s just put in new televisions that’ll remain in the condo. Everything stays except for the racing memorabilia, including trophies and posters from Wallace’s career on the track.
“A lot of people have wanted to see it and said ‘Take me up there. Let’s have a meeting there,’” she added.
Walters agrees with Linker. A lot of people still don’t realize the condos are there.
“I think they probably think they’re box seats. It is a well hidden secret.”
But when the right person, group or company does come along, Mary Walters’ sales pitch is simple.
“I think it’s the best seat in the house,” she laughed.
