An Up Close & Personal NASCAR Experience

Sliding the helmet over my head I’m surprised at the weight of the noggin protector. As I walk towards the waiting area I adjust my center of balance and work on not walking like I’m drunk. I’m anxiously waiting for my NASCAR experience turn to take a spin in a car around the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.

Doesn’t that helmet just scream stylish?!?!

I’m a bit apprehensive about this ride, the doors to the race car do not open which means climbing in and out through the window. I’m not as flexible as I used to be nor am I as thin. I think about things like “Will I be able to get my leg up high enough?”, “Will my hips fit through the window?”, “How in the world am I ever going to get out?”. Yes, these are the things that are making me a nervous wreck. I think I worry too much for no reason whatsoever.

Making my way into the car

Before I know it I’m being led to the passenger side of the car. Deep breath in. I grab a hold of the car frame and swing my left leg up and over without any issues (thank goodness!!), I duck my head to the side and into the car and pretty much let gravity help me from there. I try to chat with my NASCAR experience driver while I’m being quickly and very securely belted into the car. He’s not the chatty type {i.e. doesn’t say a word} and before we know it we are off and he is pedal to the metal, which I complete love.

In the car, ready to roll.

There just happens to be a race car driving school going on at the same time so there are other cars out on the track with us. Having other cars on the track puts our speed into perspective.  My favorite time in the car is when we are banking high while passing cars and then pulling out of the curve and topping speeds of around 150mph+. I do have this need for speed and I absolutely love it!!

All smiles and so happy after the ride!

Just as quickly as it began we are pulling back up to pit row and my time in the car is over. Quite honestly, I’ve not had nearly enough time in the car, but 3 laps is all the ride along experience provides. I’m so giddy with excitement that it doesn’t occur to me to be worried about getting out of the car. The most difficult part is getting my head out of the opening with the helmet on. After that, it’s a simple matter of grabbing the frame again and pushing my body out of the opening. Back on solid ground I remove the helmet and walk away from one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. This is definitely one for the memory books.

I can’t speak highly enough of this NASCAR experience. If you are looking for a unique experience or unique gift I really recommend a ride along experience. I’m by no means a NASCAR fan and, until this trip, knew very little about the sport, but I still loved it.

Next, I need to experience a dragster race car ride along!

NASCAR EXPERIENCE FAQ:

1. Do I have to put on a jumpsuit? No, you can wear your street clothes. The only requirement is that you have on closed toe shoes.
2. Will I fit through the opening? All I can say is I fit and I’m by no means a tiny, little size 6. Girls, just walk up to that car and own it! According to what I’ve read, if there is a problem they will work with you to find an alternate experience. If you’re still concerned give the ride along company a call before booking.
3. Will I be able to get my leg up and over the window opening? You don’t have to be very flexible, but doing a few stretches probably won’t hurt. There is a person there to help you so if you are having some issues they can give you a little boost and let them. Who cares, you’ll never see these people again 🙂
4. Weren’t you scared to go that fast? Heck no! I loved it and wish we would have gone faster. I’m not an adrenaline junkie by any means. You’ll never find me on a roller coaster or on a zip line, but the speed of a race car is totally my thing!
5. I want to go! Where do I learn more? In Concord, NC there are two different NASCAR experience options. You can ride along with the Richard Petty Driving Experience or the NASCAR Racing Experience.
6. Sounds great, but what is this going to set me back?  Prices average between $100-$130 for 3 high speed laps. Now, before you say NO WAY remember that I’m one of the most frugal people on the planet and I would happily pay to do this. Watch for sales, groupons, etc to save a few bucks.
7. Ok, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Be honest, how safe is it? I felt completely safe during my experience. I did, however, have to sign a liability waiver. You have a helmet and are pretty snuggly belted into the car. The cars are constructed to withstand a pretty serious impact so I felt as safe in the ride along as I do in my minivan on the highway. The ride along is probably safer since you are on a closed track with an experienced driver.

Note: This NASCAR experience was provided complimentary so I could experience it and, if I choose, share it on the blog. Big thanks to Visit Cabarrus for hosting me.