NASCAR Speed Park - Myrtle Beach
The NASCAR Speed Park is a bigger, better version of the standard local go-kart races. If you like those, you're going to love this. It's got everything ranging from smaller, slower karts designed for younger children to a 5/8th's scale race car that you have to have a driver's license to race on the Thunder Road track. The diversity makes it great for families, as you can ride for awhile with your kids on the family tracks and then go a few laps on the adult one for the really fun stuff. They also have a lot of real NASCAR drivers stop by periodically (though usually only for a few hours), and you can see the schedule on their website here. They've also got a few other attractions for if there's anyone going with you who doesn't like racing - an arcade, a climbing wall, and some kiddie rides.
Race tracks are the central focus of all the Speed Park attractions and the one in Myrtle Beach is no exception. Tracks are designed for different age groups and some allow family members to ride together. The centerpiece of this expansive 26-acre fun park is Thunder Road, a half-mile course that is home to what the park notes is some of the most technologically-advanced cars available in the theme park industry. The cars are ½ scale versions of the Nextel Cup cars on the professional circuit and allow guests to experience the feel of a real NASCAR race. Drivers on Thunder Road must be at least 16 years old, 64 inches tall, and possess a valid driver’s license from their state of residence.
Other tracks at NASCAR Speed Park include The Competitor, an oval track with high banking for those 62 inches and taller; The Intimidator, a similar track for those at least 54 inches tall; Slide Wayz, an indoor slick track that’s shaped in a tight oval and is appropriate for those more than 54 inches tall; Family 500, appropriate for experienced and novice racers alike, where families can ride together in two-seater cars (height restrictions apply); The Champions, a 725-foot track for drivers at least 4 feet tall; and The Qualifier, specially designed for small children of at least 40 inches tall and a good introduction to the world of NASCAR.
Other attractions at NASCAR Speed Park in Myrtle Beach include double-seated speed bumper boats, a kiddie speedway for little visitors at least 3 feet tall, and a cool simulator ride called NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, which uses state-of-the-art full-motion simulation techniques to provide a realistic experience. There’s also a kid-sized NASCAR-themed Ferris wheel, the Slick Spin tea cups, and 2 NASCAR-themed miniature golf courses. Families can also spend time in the Speed Dome Arcade, which includes more than 50 interactive arcade games, both video and traditional.
NASCAR Speed Park welcomes birthday parties for 10 or more children and the packages offered include all-day wristbands, game tokens, invitations, a party host, pizza, souvenirs, and more. Parties should be scheduled in advance.
It's open for most of the year, usually from 10am to 8pm, but the NASCAR Speed Park stays open until 11pm in the summer months. For people under 13 and over 55, it costs $16 for entry. For everyone else, it's $25. One tip is that if you can, you should go in the fall - they sometimes lower prices and there are a lot fewer people there because the vacation periods are over. You also generally get to ride a lot more often because it's less crowded. The address is:
1820 21st Ave. North Ext.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
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