I've been going to Shady Side since I was 15 years old and I'm 62 now. This track is my favorite…read morehands down. If your a racer or just a fan make sure you visit and see for yourself the staff and track first hand,

This iconic, one of a kind, eighth of a mile drag strip was the main Sunday attraction for guys (…read moreand ladies) who have this type of racing in their blood! For me beginning in about the 1970's , myself and most of the teenagers from the surrounding towns would gather for competition racing. Trophies were awarded- no prize money granted to any of us. We didn't race for the money, we just did it because we loved it! Fast street cars of all kinds would gather every Sunday afternoon. They would be classified with their respective classifications written in white shoe polish on their windshields! Oh what a time in my history was this! Shady Side drag way is still in operation today and has made some very needed upgrades! I happened to be in the area today and just had to take that trip down memory lane! Highly recommend!

You cannot beat the Friday night dirt track racing at Carolina Speedway! My son and I have been…read morecoming to Carolina Speedway for the past few years and I'd highly recommend this track to any racing fan! This dirt track has similar racing to the dirt tracks you might have seen other areas of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. You will find this track very well managed and operated. Things that stand out for me include: - There is plenty of free parking and it's easy to get in and out. - Tickets are not that expensive (~$20) and kids 11 and under get in free! - There is plenty of seating and you are not tightly packed in. Bring your blanket, cooler, and spread out! - The Concession Stand and "Sugar Shack" both have great food at good prices. I've found the food at this track to be the best of many of the other tracks in the area! - The prayer and invocation at the start of the race is authentic and caring. - The announcing is on point, informative, and loud enough to hear. - You feel safe as there are many friendly fans. You also see friendly police officers stationed nearby in case there is ever an issue. Paramedics are also staffed to handle any issues on the track. - About an hour into racing they have an event called "Kids Meeting Time" where the kids in attendance are asked to gather near the concession stand. They then get free candy thrown out from the track mascots: Mudwagon the Dragon or Captain Carolina. My son loves this!!! - The track is well maintained, safe for drivers and fans, and seems great to race on. - And, most importantly, the racing is excellent, fast paced, and exciting! We enjoy all the divisions and there always seem to be a lot of cars in each division. I've referred to Carolina Speedway as a "gem" in Gaston County and every time I come out with my family we have a blast!!!

This track is awesome! Great racing , people and awesome concession stand. You can get real close…read moreto the cars../ great stands and fans ... parking free. It's a place you wanna go to over and over if you like dirt track racing..

Noise control is awful. Hours have been from 10 am until 10 pm for years. On July 12th they ran…read moreuntil 11:50pm. I guess they need 14 hours to get a nut in a loud car..

Racist?? Hope not!…read more This was our first time at this drag strip and there was a trailer about two car lengths long parked in front of the entrance sign which we did not see due to it being blocked. We drove in and parked thinking we would pay at the building by the bleachers. We were approached by a golf cart that had a heavy set man with gray hair and a woman with long brown hair who were extremely nasty and accusatory. They treated my family and I as though we are liars and thieves. I was taken aback at how rude and inconsiderate they were being in front of my children at that. Put more signs up (maybe at the entrance when you drive in and Stop signs on BOTH sides so people know the rules and where to stop and pay when you have huge trailers parked and blocking the one low leveled Stop sign you have. Also, maybe treat people with respect; I would really hate to think these people felt they could speak to me this way due to my skin color - that was definitely the vibes I got!! Shameful and ruined what could have been a great day.

Use to be a fun and family oriented track. Track itself is awesome to race on, especially when wet.read more

Is the BEST dirt track in the Gaston county/Lincoln county areas. They always put on a great show…read morefor the kids and the adults as well. I love the fact that they have sections marked for families, so basically the people who drink beer etc.. Have a section of their own and normally you won't see a lot of people drinking in the family section.. A few people do get a little rowdy when it comes to one of their favorite drivers wrecking or getting knocked out place but its actually funny to watch sometimes.

down south on adventure in search of some high-banked fun so I pulled in here late saturday…read moreafternoon to get some. FYI: "Cave" is an apt description because honestly, it looks a bit sketch pulling up the first time but it takes maybe twelve seconds to understand that the Slot Car Cave is totally relaxed and way friendly for all comers. the venue wasn't exactly planned (insert mid-length narrative here) and I really can't imagine it any other way; the facility has a certain je ne sais quoi - a hint of light machine oil, tiny electric arcs, and fine dust hang in the air. add four-place digital timing plus adjustable brakes and you're literally on the cool kids' race track in the garage next door. ...as a kid it was a big deal to get invited over so just like then try to make friends and play nice while you test your skill on an amazing double-extra-large circuit: two long straights, a high-banked turn and a couple flatter switch-back type things. the main track is in really good shape and the air is conditioned but the environment is not entirely controlled so you'll have to do a little work to stay in top racing form... but on the plus side you get to learn about cleaning and lubrication and electronics, and gearing, and frictions, and finances and other cool STEM-stuff. track time is a bargain precisely because the hours are limited, it's roughly the equivalent of throwing in to help with upkeep and repairs. rentals are available or bring your own car(s) and controller. there's a full service parts store on premises if you want/need to build, repair, or replace anything. staff and other racers are super friendly and want to help you live your best life (or at least the bits spent on the track) and the only improvement that is really needed here involves my ability to navigate the course.

In a warehouse only open two days a week. Parking lot shared with auto repair shop. It is not a…read morefamily place to take the kids