Shore Speed cruises into Milford
The writing was on the floor the moment Cotty Edgens walked through the doors of the future home of Shore Speed indoor go-kart track.
“It already had the checkered floor,” he said. “It just seemed to be the place we needed to be.”
Located in the former 40,000-square-foot First State Manufacturing warehouse in Milford, Shore Speed is home to a twisty-turny quarter-mile track that tests any driver's racing abilities. The Edgens family opened doors Sept. 6 and hope folks of all ages stop by to check out their new business.
“Everybody you see leaving the karts has a smile on their face,” Edgens said. “They're just a lot of fun to ride.”
The path to opening a go-kart track is a long one. While on a trip to Myrtle Beach more than a decade ago, Edgens had the idea to open an indoor track somewhere in southern Delaware.
“Every time we passed an empty building we'd always say, 'Man, that would make a good go-kart track,'” he said.
About four years ago, he made the first big leap when he bought karts from a track in Ohio going out of business. He also procured a portion of the track from the company as well. The next step was the biggest one, though: finding a place to open.
“Somebody just mentioned there were buildings back in this development, so I rode by and called to talk to them about it,” he said.
The track is located on East Masten Circle behind the McDonald's on Route 113. Egdens said he is happy with the location because it is central to nearly everywhere in southern Delaware.
Unlike tracks in Rehoboth and Lewes, he said, Shore Speed will be open year round. They plan to start racing leagues this winter and host birthday parties and corporate events. The building is also equipped with a rock wall, arcade area and a remote control car track for young children.
The electric-powered karts give drivers maximum speed almost instantaneously and more than enough speed that drivers must use the brake throughout the course.
To settle any arguments about who's the fastest, Shore Speed times every lap of every driver and displays their times on a big screen over the track. Fast times of the week, month and all time will be recorded and displayed.
“You can really tell who won and who lost,” said Scotty Edgens, Cotty's son. “It's not always based on position; it's based on time.”
Prices are comparable to other indoor tracks in the region, Edgens said, with varying packages offered for race enthusiasts or a family just stopping by for the evening.
Shore Speed is located at 971 East Masten Circle in Milford. For more information, go to Shore Speed's Facebook page.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
