The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) -- he NASCAR Hall of Fame is kicking off
its opening day with a star-studded ceremony.

 North Carolina governor Beverly Perdue joined Charlotte area
dignitaries and representatives of NASCAR's past and present on a
stage outside the Hall for the hour-long opening ceremony.

 The city spent $195 million on the project and is touting it as
the biggest and most technologically advanced Hall of Fame in
professional sports. The 150,000-square-foot building is a shrine
of memorabilia, exhibits that recreate old-time NASCAR lore, 154
video screens, racing simulators and interactive activities.

 The inaugural class will be inducted May 23.
 

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)