Deep inside, you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to drive flat-out for a mile like you’ve seen‘em do on TV at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Bet you didn’t know you can do that 2,300 miles closer to home-–in Maxton in Scotland County.

The East Coast Timing Association (ECTA) was formed by two Bonneville racers seeking to provide a speed experience for east-coast enthusiasts. As luck would have it, they found the old runways at the long-deserted Laurinburg/Maxton Army Base (after 35 years, the runways had grown bushes, and even some trees!).

The ECTA course features a mile straightaway where drivers can reach speeds of more than 250 mph. And at 200 feet above sea level, the conditions are similar to those of the El Mirage dry lake in Bonneville. Which makes the ECTA course in Maxton one of the best places in the eastern United States for racers, hot rodders, and motorcyclists to see what they’ve got.

The pits are directly across from the finish line, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Land-Speed Racing-–in Maxton! Floor it!

Admission for the weekend is $5. Those interested in racing should contact the ECTA at: jtimney@ecta-lsr.com

For more information visit www.ecta-lsr.com