10 11 www.htcinc.net | Spring 2017 Spring 2017 | www.htcinc.net Fast, fun and family-friendly: The legacy of Myrtle Beach Speedway Even if you haven’t seen this iconic Myrtle Beach landmark, you may have heard it. Myrtle Beach Speedway, originally called Rambi Raceway, has had tires treading on it since 1958 — though it looked a bit different in those days. For nearly a decade, it was an oval dirt track that hosted the NASCAR Cup Series. The track was paved six years later, when an individual named Nick Lucas bought it in 1974. From 1988–2000, the speedway accommodated the NASCAR Busch Series (now called the Xfinity Series), making this site holy ground to some. Legends such as Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and four generations of Pettys have all burned a little rubber on this 0.538-mile oval track. The speedway hosted its last major NASCAR race in 2000, but it wasn’t time for it to be retired completely. In 2012, Speedway Group, Inc. purchased the facility and the 48 acres on which it sits. "We took a deteriorating facility and invested millions of dollars renovating it and turning it into a major tourist destination,” says Robert Lutz, President and CEO of Myrtle Beach Speedway. “We employ hundreds of people throughout the year and host events that have an economic impact of millions of dollars on Horry County.” Since then, families have been able to get closer to the action than ever before — like really close. Instead of watching from the stands, you can be the star of the car. In the unique NASCAR Racing Experience, you get to drive a real NASCAR race car — talk about making childhood dreams come true! Approximately 10,000 people visit the Myrtle Beach Speedway annually to experience the variety of packages offered for all ages, ranging from solo speed racing to ride-alongs and pace car rides. “We operate the NASCAR Racing Experience on a daily basis from February until mid November,” says Lutz. “We give ordinary people a once-in-a-lifetime experience to ride or drive an authentic NASCAR Cup Car around the historic Myrtle Beach Speedway at speeds of up to 100 mph.” There’s something for all ages, and you can view the full list of prices and packages at www.myrtlebeachspeedway.com. In addition to being rated the among the top racing experiences in the United States, the speedway contributes to Horry County both on and off the track. Not only has it become a staple of the Myrtle Beach tourism industry, the venue also plays host to a variety of community events. “We built an outdoor amphitheater in 2015 that holds 3,000 people, and we’ve had national acts such as Huey Lewis, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins, 3 Doors Down, Rick Springfield, Buckcherry and Chase Rice, just to name a few,” explains Lutz. “As a community partner, we use our weekly NASCAR racing events to create awareness and donations to several local charities, including local animal shelters, food banks and underprivileged schoolchildren.” The events-calendar listings range from nonprofit promotions like the Autism Awareness Night that took place on April 1 to the Traxxus Monster Truck Destruction Tour coming this June. The highlight this year, though, was the 2nd Annual Horry County Fair. Whatever classic fair food or activity you can think of, it was there! The 10-day event featured petting zoos, a butterfly exhibit, rides, racing pigs (you read that right!) and games. Entertainment included live music, comedy and even a beauty pageant. With the on-site food drive and volunteer opportunities, the event brought the community together in more ways than one. Even if you can’t make it over to the speedway, HTC is connecting you to the action. Myrtle Beach Speedway and HTC are proud to partner to bring Cooperative members exclusive coverage of select, local Myrtle Beach Speedway races by streaming video of the races LIVE on most race weekends in 2017. Tune in to the track on HTC Digital Cable Channel 4 for races that will keep you on the edge of your seat — or the edge of your couch. A schedule of races, as well as the link for audio and video to watch, can be found at www.htcconnect.com. Shops, restaurants and development around Highway 501 have created a new border for the speedway that was once surrounded by nothing but trees. But one thing that has remained constant over the years is the joy and excitement that the speedway brings to families. Call 843-236-0500 or visit www.myrtlebeachspeedway.com to book your racing experience today! ADVERTISE ON HTC CABLE With over 40 of our most popular channels to reach your target audience – plus affordable packages to maximize your ad budget – you'll never look at Cable TV the same way. START ADVERTISING TODAY. For more information, call 843-848-2166. www.intellistrand.com Images provided by Myrtle Beach Speedway. Find your ad on these popular channels and many more ...