MYRTLE BEACH SPEEDWAY

Owner arrest clouds future
Hardee says legal troubles won't affect track's plans
By Kurt Knapek
The Sun News

Billy Hardee is adamant that there is a future for Myrtle Beach Speedway.

"Nothing's gonna happen about the speedway," the co-owner said.

Nick Lucas isn't so sure.

"That's a good question," said Lucas, the other owner. "And to be honest, I don't have the answer. I just don't know."

The track's future is again being discussed because Hardee was arrested Wednesday and charged with a felony count of hit-and-run involving death in the Oct. 16, 2006, crash that killed Roy Simmons on Sea Mountain Highway in Little River.

Hardee, also an owner of Hardee Construction, was freed on $35,000 bond. If convicted, he faces one to 25 years in confinement and $10,000 to $25,000 in fines.

Hardee refused further comment Friday night.

Others were left just as speechless.

"I'm shocked as much as others are shocked," Lucas said. "I'm assuming he's innocent until proven guilty."

But at the same time Lucas is concerned the publicity from Hardee's arrest could reflect negatively on the track. "The only thing I know is that Myrtle Beach Speedway didn't run over nobody," Lucas said.

Rick Smith, who won the late model division championship at the speedway last season, said he was "surprised" to hear the news of Hardee's arrest. And he is concerned about the future of the speedway.

"If he gets in trouble, I don't know what's going to happen," Smith said.

This much is certain. Myrtle Beach Speedway will begin hosting races for its 50th anniversary season in early April, according to Bill Hennecy, speedway general manager and promoter. And that will include the two Hooters Pro Cup races on June 23 and Oct. 6.

"Nothing has changed for us at this point," said Tony Cox, Hooters Pro Cup vice president and series director.

And it seems nothing has changed in how Hardee and Lucas view Myrtle Beach Speedway. Amid speculation of a potential sale in October because of declining attendance, Lucas said he wasn't attached to the track, that it was merely an investment.

Hardee, though, was already making plans for the 2007 season and beyond.

"We're hoping for bigger and better things," Hardee said in October. "We're definitely going to try to do something special being the 50th year."

Lucas confirmed Friday he received "some interest" from potential buyers for the speedway, which includes the 46-acre lot it sits on, last fall but no offers. Lucas would not name the interested parties nor speculate on the price of the property.

And if an offer arises, Lucas said he won't attempt to pressure his longtime partner Hardee into selling during his legal troubles.

"We've had an excellent partnership," Lucas said. "I'm not going to push him into making a decision one way or the other. From what I understand, he's made a total denial. We'll just see what happens."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© 2007 The Sun News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.charlotte.com