I finally cashed in my Christmas present this weekend, a 10 lap balls-to-the-wall drive in a NASCAR hot rod. The company that sponsored the event is www.theracingexperience.com and all of their cars are actual race cars purchased straight from NASCAR teams. All they do is move a bar on the right side so that they can fit a seat in the right side and de-tune the engines a bit. Of course, I drove the number 9 which came from the Evernham stable.

The first pic is me getting in the car. My instructor was the actual owner of the company, he is a retired oral surgeon who was a huge fan of NASCAR so he started the company 20 years ago to allow everyone to feel what it was like to drive one of these things.

The next pic is me strapped in. I couldn't hardly move a muscle because they have you locked in so tightly. There is no visibility, all you are able to see out the windshield is what is directly in front of you. There are mirrors but I don't know what they are supposed to show. You can't see anything behind you in them and besides, you are so busy with the car I don't know how the drivers look in them anyway. It was only in the 70's that morning, but I was already sweating like a Russian racehorse (I have no idea where that term comes from). It's freakin' hot in those cars.

The next pic is me running fast. I was hitting 165 MPH on the backstretch and wanted to go faster but the instructor tapped me on the knee and gave me the hand sign to slow down a little. I thought that was pretty good since later when the pro's were driving they only hit 173 on the backstretch. However, they do encourage drafting and passing, and I got to do that to 3 cars. I pulled right in on their backside and dove into the corner to make the pass. What a rush!

Next is a pic of me after the race. I was looking back out at the track thinking, "Yeah, you're my bitch now."

The last picture struck me funny, it was after I drove it. There it is sitting next to a Sunoco gas pump.

I couldn't believe how hard it was to drive those things, how the different lines affect the handling, and how uncomfortable it is to actually sit in the drivers seat. I have a whole new respect for the men (and women) who do that week after week for hundreds of laps. I also couldn't believe the g-force you receive when you are in the apex of a corner. It scared me how fast I went through the first couple of turns, but when I got more confident I went through them as fast as I could and the car didn't bobble at all. Real drivers do them waaaay faster but I now understand what they mean about releasing the throttle to plant the nose to allow the car to turn, balancing the car through the turn, and setting yourself up for the exit. It seemed like the faster I went the better the car responded.

Not only did I get to drive, but my Father came down and I was able to get him a ride along with a pro. He loved it so much that he is going to road trip to Phoenix to do it again. A damn fine weekend.

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I'm glad you finally got your ride. Sounds like a freaking blast.

Tell you're dad not to be in a big hurry to go to Phoenix. It's 112 today.

Is this what I think it is? Can it be? The first pics of BA ever to bee seen on PCApex?

Wow, after almost 6 years I finally get to see what BA looks like. It figures it took a Nascar ride to do it. Sounds like it was a blast. I've wanted to do that ever since I heard about the Richard Petty Experience out here at the track.

Yeah, I took the not being seen into consideration when I posted these photos. You know what, that got old. That's me. BigAkita.

Congrats BA, One hears how rough those drivers have it and alot of people don't give them the credit. Driving is a pain in the ask. I am glad you enjoyed the ride, I know you are a big nascar fan.

Please don't let mom see this she will want a ride too.

Quote: Originally Posted by BigAkita Yeah, I took the not being seen into consideration when I posted these photos. You know what, that got old. That's me. BigAkita.

And you're not half as ugly as I thought you would be.

I knew I have seen you before

Well, I coulda told you guys what he looked like, but:

a) You probably wouldn't have believed me anyways

b) There was the promise of serious bodily harm if the few pics I took ever came to light on this site...

Now what, BA? John Force Dragster Experience?

Glad you had fun with it!

E

Congrats on that bro. Friend of mine went down there, and he had a blast.

Looks like a lot of fun man. I have some pretty good pics from Pocono last week when I had garage/pit road access. My seat for the race was with Dave Blaney's pit crew in the pit box. I'll post a few if anyone wants to see them.

Looks like you had fun BA. Yea another thing most people dont realize is how small most of the drivers are. They are normally pretty short 5'8" and under. Now just imagine driving around for a hundred laps and see how tired you are.

Glad you had fun, BA. You certainly look different than I thought you would, though.

I'll be hoping behind the wheel of an Indy car next year. Driving alone, the car cruises around 180 mph whereas the ride along will get you up to 200 mph. I'm still trying to decide which one I'd rather do.

Rob