Editor’s Letter

Short track racing at the Wake County Speedway is surprising.

There’s the venue itself — hidden from major roadways, situated on a humble gravel drive, occupying the same land for 61 years, with a racetrack reminiscent of a Tic Tac.

There are the fans — so many regulars, attending every single week, year after year, full of enthusiasm for the sport.

There’s the noise — a near constant roar. (Looking back, it seems obvious that racing is a thunderous sport, but as a track novice, color me surprised. Ear protection strongly recommended.)

And most surprising of all — there’s the way family permeates almost every aspect of the experience.

Driver teams made up of fathers and sons, sometimes even grandfathers, who work on the cars, travel from race to race, and tinker in garages together. Young racers with their parents serving as pit crew. And a family-friendly seating section and carnival-like atmosphere designed to attract family groups into the stands.

Read more about this long-standing Raleigh tradition, a short 7 miles north of Fuquay-Varina, on page 26. With more than three months left in the racing season, there’s still plenty of time to attend a Friday night event and cheer those Southern Wake driving teams to victory.

Happy summer, y’all. We hope this issue inspires new and surprising adventures for all.

This issue BY THE Numbers

3

Local opportunities to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks

$15

Cost of entry to race night at the Wake County Speedway

1/4 mile

Track length at the Wake County Speedway

25+

Attractions to explore in Greensboro and Charlotte — accessible via Amtrak’s Piedmont Regional line

2,000

Pets treated by DEGA Mobile Veterinary Care since the nonprofit’s creation

UHLAND SENIOR EDITOR