22. Auto Racing
The thrill of victory as the checkered flag waves is auto racing’s finest moment. NASCAR, a uniquely American version of auto racing, is said to be the country’s most attended sporting event; its tickets outsell the NFL and Major League Baseball. Carolinians have a long love affair with NASCAR. The largest Carolina tracks are in Charlotte, N.C. and Darlington, S.C. Countless additional tracks dot the Carolinas and include smaller but equally important race courses, including the one entertaining crowds in Myrtle Beach since 1958 when it first opened as the dirt track Bambi Raceway. Decades later, now known as the Myrtle Beach Speedway, and under new ownership for the past several years, Myrtle Beach Speedway entertains tens of thousands of spectators in a variety of series races and even outdoor music concert events. The Speedway offers a do-it-yourself racing experience in actual NASCAR vehicles. For the less adventurous area go-cart tracks offer the same thrills in smaller cars. Start your engines! The Speedway offers a do-it-yourself racing experience in actual NASCAR vehicles. For the less adventurous area go-cart tracks offer the same thrills in smaller cars. Start your engines!
Driving your own real NASCAR around the D-shaped, asphalt, half-mile oval track at Myrtle Beach Speedway is no longer just a dream. After a brief safety and equipment class, you’ll don a fire suit, radio and helmet and climb feet first through the driver’s window ready to test your skills. A driver’s license, and nerves of steel, are all that are required.
Since the late 1950s vacationers and locals have heard the call of roaring engines from just across the Intracoastal Waterway on U.S. Hwy 501. Home to the Busch Series for more than a decade, this important track has been a proving grounds for the NASCAR stars of tomorrow. All the greats have raced here including four generations of Pettys, two of the Earnhardts, Jeff Gordon and many others.
While NASCAR tracks require one long left-hand turn, Grand Prix, the Rolls Royce of auto racing, evolved from road courses, with a series of turns and straights. Broadway Grand Prix follows this noble racing tradition and offers Grand Prix-styled go-kart racing, and NASCAR-styled racing at seven tracks. With mini-golf, kiddie rides, rock wall climbing, an arcade, and the Skycoaster, what more could you hope for in a Myrtle Beach vacation?
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