Phantom Nation and Ty Maggard are bringing a unique and exciting car racing event to Fayetteville at the Motorsport Park track, 4480 Doc Bennett Rd., on Aug. 17 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s a family event that you do not want to miss.
With a diverse lineup of vehicles - from trucks and cars to motorcycles and dirt bikes — the races will be a true spectacle of speed and skill. All makes and models are welcome. Whether competing or simply admiring the stunning rides, the competitive spirit and love for all things automotive will be palpable throughout the event.
The event organizer, Joel Soto, and his team bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the community. Soto, who relocated from Puerto Rico to the mainland U.S. in 2003, escaped an environment that was unsafe with its share of crime.
He joined ROTC in high school, and from that experience, he discovered a profound passion for helping others. It was something a mentor, Colonel McCintire, told him that stuck with him to “never forget where you came from.” Soto hasn’t forgotten the tough times he experienced and is committed to giving back when he puts on community events.
Soto plans to start a nonprofit that will bring mechanics classes to local high schools, empowering the next generation with valuable skills. The Summerfest event is a testament to his vision of bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
“I love bringing people together. It’s a skill that I’ve had since I was young. With the support of my wife and brother, I’ve been able to start a business and make it grow to what it is today. I would love to start a nonprofit to give back to the community. My goal is to bring a mechanics class to area high schools so that kids can start learning new trades like changing tires, oil, and simple stuff that you need to know to maintain the upkeep of vehicles,” Soto shares.
Ty Maggard, the organizer and sponsor, is a Fayetteville native. He was fascinated by the car scene as a child. His father, a military veteran and car enthusiast, frequently took him to car shows and speed competitions. It’s fitting that Maggard owns a detailing business, Royalty Auto Spa. Maggard shares that he’s been doing car events since 2019, and close to 90% of the participants are active and retired military. He builds relationships with them, and they admit that participating in his events helps them to decompress.
“I meet so many people from all walks of life. I put a lot into making every event exciting and memorable. I love seeing different ethnicities, religions, and age groups coming together and getting along because that’s what’s missing nowadays,”
Maggard said.
Maggard recognizes that it’s the people who are responsible for his success. He admits it took some time to be business savvy while still maturing and going through life’s growing pains. Through his drive and discipline, he built and grew his business.
Maggard supports two organizations dear to him, Racing For Heroes and Whole Vet. Racing For Heroes takes vets with PSTD out racing as they believe adrenalin and excitement relieve stress and are known to save lives. Whole Vet helps transition vets into housing, jobs, and resources that support them in their civilian lives. Maggard looks back at his first event in 2019, which brought in over seven thousand people, and the event is now nationwide, bringing in people from abroad.
Both Soto and Maggard are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Summerfest event. They are passionate about bringing people together, fostering a sense of community, and giving back to organizations that support veterans. The event is family-friendly, where people from all walks come together and enjoy themselves. Over the years, the event has grown, and reviews are always positive. There will be local vendors, games, and prizes.
Maggard and Soto are passionate about what they contribute to the car shows and watching people from near and far enjoy themselves. They genuinely want visitors to have fun. As they look to the future, they want Summerfest to continue being a safe place, a fun family event.
Prepare to be dazzled by the array of awards up for grabs - Best Show Car, Best JDM, Best Euro, Best Domestic, Best Stance, Best Track Time, Best Truck, Low Car Limbo Winner, and Best 2-Step. There will be local vendors and giveaways.
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a day filled with the roar of engines, the thrill of competition, and the camaraderie of automotive enthusiasts.
For fees and registration, go to https://phantomnation.club/pages/show-registration 

(Graphic Courtesy of Phantom Nation and Ty Maggard)