Full Throttle History

Sandra Dowdy has carried on the legacy her parents began back in the early 1960s. Joe and Melva Dowdy opened Dowdy’s Amusement Park in Nags Head in 1963. This is where the tradition of bringing smiles and memories to generations of Outer Banks visitors began. Dowdy’s was most famously known for their ferris wheel; now holding an extra special memory in every visitor’s heart. While Dowdy’s Amusement Park closed in 2005 the tradition lives on. . .

This tradition has been continued with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations of the Dowdy and Tillett Family holding true to their commitment. Providing family fun for Outer Banks visitors and locals. Darnell and Devin Tillett, son and grandson to Sandra, spend their year conducting annual maintenance and updates to Full Throttle Speedway. In between the tracks you will find Darnell’s wife Dawn Tillett providing sweet and savory treats for everyone!

From Memorial Day to Labor Day you will find their family working the tracks, selling tickets, and from time to time grabbing an ice cream sandwich from the concessions. So when you come to Full Throttle Speedway know this… It is more than a racetrack to the family operating it – Full Throttle is where memories are made, happiness flourishes, and a legacy is carried on.