JAMIE'S SECRET ROUTES TO LOWE'S MOTOR SPEEDWAY (highly sought and closely guarded):  Okay folks, remember, this is a secret. From Charlotte, take I-85 North past Speedway Blvd./Exit 49. Remember to stay in the left lane to avoid all the stopped traffic trying to get off at Speedway Blvd. Take the next exit, Poplar Tent Rd./Exit 52, and turn right. Almost immediately, turn right onto Pitts School Rd., and then turn right onto Highway 29. The is a "backdoor" entrance to the Speedway, in an area the DOT says rarely sees raceday congestion. You'll get to the parking lots much more quickly.

Another trick is to take Highway 49 (University City Blvd. in Charlotte) to Morehead Rd. in Harrisburg.  Highway 49 rarely experiences congestion on race day and traffic on Morehead Rd. is much-lighter than on Speedway Blvd.  Morehead Rd. provides access to the south side of the Speedway. 

JAMIE'S SECRET ROUTE TO MYRTLE BEACH (Confidential) -- There are dozens of different routes between Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, but almost every route includes Highway 74 through Monroe, a heavily-congested choke point.  Many routes also include Highway 501 in Conway, another choke point.  My secret route bypasses both of these areas.

• Take I-485 to Exit 44/Highway 218 in Mint Hill.
• Follow Highway 218 east through Union County into Anson County, continuing to Polkton (this bypasses the Monroe congestion).
• In Polkton, turn left onto eastbound Highway 74 (toward Wadesboro).
• Follow the Highway 74 bypass around Rockingham and Hamlet.
• Exit onto Highway 38 and turn right, heading south toward Bennettsville (the cheapest gas is often in Bennettsville).
• In Bennettsville, Highway 38 will make several turns, so pay attention.  Each turn is clearly marked as you continue traveling south through town.
• After passing the I-95 interchange, Highway 38 will merge with Highway 501.  Continue traveling south.
• Just past Aynor, turn left onto SC 22 (Veterans Highway).
• SC 22/Veterans Highway ends at Highway 17 in Myrtle Beach. 
• As an alternate to the congestion on Highway 17, use SC 31/Carolina Bays Parkway (this runs parallel to Highway 17 and provides access to the entire Myrtle Beach area).

BRIAN STICKLEY'S SECRET ROUTE TO MYRTLE BEACH (Confidential) -- Brian Stickley has been covering Charlotte-area traffic for almost 30 years, and is a frequent visitor to Myrtle Beach.  We've twisted his arm to obtain his secret route.  Brian says the best part of his secret route is avoiding the dangerous stretch of Highway 601 south of Monroe.

• Take Independence Blvd./US 74 to Monroe.
• On the Charlotte-side of Monroe, turn right on Rocky River Rd.
• Rocky River Rd. becomes NC 522 and continues into South Carolina.
• In Lancaster County, turn left onto Flat Creek Rd./SC 903.
• Follow SC 903 to SC 151 in the town of Catarrh.
• Turn right on SC 151 and follow through McBee and Hartsville.
• In Darlington, turn right on US 52.
• Take I-95 North to Exit 170 (about 6 miles).
• At Exit 170, turn right on SC 327.
• Turn left on US 76.
• In Marion, turn right on US 501.
• Near Aynor, turn left on SC 22 and follow to the Myrtle Beach area.