It takes a special kind of person to love a car. For some, it’s the dream of attaining the ultimate machine–sleek, fast, indomitable. For others, it’s the sensation of racing life–the smell of the octane, the rumble of the ground, the squeal of the tires, the streaks on the ground and in the air, the flutter in your heart. If you want perfection, cars can achieve it. If you want passion, cars rely on it. If you want connection, cars deliver it.
Perhaps that’s why so many car enthusiasts flock year after year to the unassuming, surprisingly under-the-radar city of Roxboro, North Carolina. Known for years to insiders as the preferred racing destination of the south, Roxboro is perfectly situated at the hub of five counties worth of premium racing action–most of which happens in the heart of Person County. Best of all, Roxboro’s car culture is home to a host of car and motorsports related action nearly every month of the year. Here are a few of our favorites.
Dreamworks Motorsports
At the far end of the car enthusiast spectrum is the high-end customs shop, Dreamworks Motorsports. Located in Roxboro but known to a growing international clientele, this North Carolina anomaly is lauded as the finest customs retailer in the Southeast. Their celebrity client list reads like a who’s who of the combined NFL, NBA, MLB and PGA.
Notable recent projects include specialty vehicles for Michael Jordan, Jeff Gordon, Odell Beckham Jr., Chris Paul, Larry Fitzgerald, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Jerry Stackhouse, Mario Williams, and Kyrie Irving, just to name a few. You can see samples of their work–along with a name-drop list of clients and fans–online at:
http://www.dreamworksmotorsports.com/.
Roxboro Motorsports Park
If you’ve never attended a drag race before, then you’d be hard-pressed to call yourself a racing fan. Roxboro’s history with the strip is nearly as long and storied as the sport itself. Today, the beloved Roxboro Motorsports Park is home to sanctioned IHRA drag events, test-and-tune racing, bike drags, tractor pulls, mud bogs and just about anything else that can vibrate your eardrums as it explodes off the line.
Located a blink away from downtown in Person County’s Timberlake community, the Motorsports Park is a must-see for anyone who’s ever driven a car. Open most Friday and Saturday nights, fans are welcome to tour the paddock for an up close and personal view of the cars, racers and general excitement. Check the schedule for dates and times, or to plan your next group outing.
Tickets start at $20 for spectators, and often are as low as $25 to compete (just saying). Check out the details on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/roxboromotorsportspark/
Rox ‘n Roll Cruise-Ins
When the love of cars runs deep, everything old is new again. Motorheads and casual fans alike will love Roxboro’s quirky tradition, Rox ‘n Roll Cruise-In nights. These monthly outdoor festivals attract the finest in fantasy, refurbished, and pristine vintage cars from hundreds of miles around. The vibe is like the town itself–genuine, friendly, big hearted and relaxed, just the way an evening stroll should be. Depending on the schedule, you’ll find theme cars, specialty items and live music, street food, games, prizes and the occasional impromptu shag dance. Kids in strollers get their first taste of downtown. Proud owners gleam like shiny chrome. And the next generation takes photo after photo (just one more photo) of the cleanest inline six they’ve ever seen. The Rox ‘n Roll Cruise-In is an evening not to be missed. And they happen all summer long. Find the details and schedule your plans now. Visit us online at:
https://itsbetterinperson.com/events/
Cars and Coffee
New(ish) to the scene is the local Cars and Coffee meetup, held monthly in downtown Roxboro at the charming Hall’s Way shopping and art emporium. Gearheads can gather to drool over specialized hot rods, geek-out over the latest customs, and generally marvel at the stunning array of personal passion projects.
Coffee and pastries are usually on the menu from Tricia’s Espresso. Local shops and browse-worthy boutiques are open and welcoming. Even neighboring businesses pop in to offer fans a snack or two. But let’s be honest. The only reason true diehards are downtown this early on a Saturday morning is for the cars (and trucks, and occasional bike). See all the details and let organizers know your interest on their Facebook page:
