Written by Martin Poteralski
poteralski@juno.com

Web Posted July 04, 1998
Updated August 05, 2000

Charlotte's long history of fascination with both firepower and horsepower have naturally made it a leading center for autodueling in the Southeast United States. From the development of the city in its turbulent colonial period through its modern fortress city status, Charlotte residents have always been that dangerous combination of well-armed and paranoid. A capital of American auto racing for over one hundred years, the more recent inclusion of vehicular combat has only caused the popularity of racing events to skyrocket. Professional autoduelists and race drivers can expect an unusually warm reception from the normally suspicious and reserved populace.

Charlotte (population 320,000) is different from most contemporary American cities in that the primary threat to its continued existence comes not from barbarian hordes, but from the hostile expansionist regime of a neighboring state. The neo-fascist government of nearby South Carolina has made repeated threats against the territory of both North Carolina and Georgia, and in such a "War Between the Carolinas" Charlotte could be devastated by a surprise attack of elite South Carolinian mechanized forces. For this reason, Charlotte maintains a strong Federal military presence on 24-hour alert, including alcohol-powered assault jet aircraft based at the municipal airport, and the placid-looking farms of the surrounding counties disguise the missile silos of North Carolina's nuclear deterrent force.
 

History

Charlotte has been known as "The Queen City" for its association with namesake Queen Charlotte, and became known as "The Hornet's Nest" during the Revolutionary War because of the fierce fighting of its independence-minded patriots. Charlotte was the primary staging area for North Carolina's preemptive invasion of South Carolina in 2020, and it remains heavily fortified along its southern and western borders to this day.
 

Dueling Facilities

Dueltrack and straight racing events are both extremely popular at the New Charlotte Speedway, one of the largest and most heavily attended in the United States. There are also five arenas of varying styles -- the best known are the gigantic Metrolina Fairgrounds and the Hornet's Nest Arena. The headquarters of the Dixie Duel Circuit relocated to Charlotte in 2046, and for that reason the east side of town boasts a brand new, spacious AADA regional office.
 

Other Facilities

Charlotte has numerous garages, truck stops, hospitals, and television stations. The Uptown District in central Charlotte has been closed to vehicular traffic to stem the increasing rate of road fatalities.  Non-residents who wish to enter this labyrinth of inter-connected commercial and government buildings must apply for a visitor permit. Charlotte is also the site of the New University of North Carolina (which was formerly called "UNC-Charlotte" when there was more campuses).

Crossing the border between North and South Carolina is almost exactly like passing through the demilitarized area of a combat zone. Travelers will be stopped and checked for weapons, explosives and other contraband, so expect lengthy delays at the border patrol stations.
 

Gang Activity

Charlotte itself is a relative safe haven from gang activity due to its fortifications and military presence. Most of the local gang activity is centered to the west and north of Charlotte, and the nearby town of Gastonia, which lacks the defenses of Charlotte, is vulnerable to periodic gang attacks. Travelers should exercise extreme caution in the outlying areas, especially on the less-traveled roads, as western North Carolina remains essentially lawless.