Bucket List Check-Off

574 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Fletcher, Dec 14, 2019

highoctane

Discussion Starter · Dec 8, 2019

I have always wanted to drive a Nascar race car! My bride called the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Charlotte Motor speedway and set me up a package for Christmas! We left this morning around 630, had to be there by 1030. I live about an hour and 45 minutes from Charlotte NC.

After getting through the mandatory drivers meeting it was show time. These cars are set up on rev limiters and "you" have a personal spotter that gives you the proper line around the track. If they see that you can handle more speed they give you more "rpms". Of course you can also go at "your" own pace, if not!

I got in my car, got buckled in, and the spotter radioed me to give him 2000 rpm, release the clutch and head down pit road and at every 2000 change gears and be in 4th at the end of pit road. I done exactly that! LOL

After leaving pit road I stayed on the apron coming up to speed until my spotter told me to blend up onto the race track, and then I hammered that bad boy. Somewhere around 5000 I was almost into turn 3. Now let me tell you this. I don't know how fast 5000 in speed, I found out later, but it felt like I was on a rocket. LOL

I did not want to get off throttle on this first lap. As I approached turn 3 I knew I was going to test this car to see if she was gonna stick. I dove that car into turn 3, kept my left front tire about 3 feet off the white line and she stuck and went through that turn like it was on a rail. I knew I was about to have fun!

My spotter radioed me and gave a few spots to hit down the front stretch and I never heard fro him again. It was hammer down from there and going through those turns at 150, which is what I was told. It was one of the best things I have ever done! You cannot imagine the adrenaline rush that speed like that causes!!

I cannot imagine what those "real" drivers must feel doing nearly 50 more mph and the degree of difficulty that 42 other cars adds...

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Wapster

· #2 · Dec 8, 2019

YOU are living MY dream.... If I can ever get around to it I want to have the Nascar experience also..... good job HO

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highoctane

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 8, 2019

Wapster said:
YOU are living MY dream.... If I can ever get around to it I want to have the Nascar experience also..... good job HO

It was AWESOME!! You've gotta make the time! WE ain't getting younger my friend..LOL

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KTownKiller

· #4 · Dec 8, 2019

Good luck try'n to sleep tonight! Ya sound wired, man!!!

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highoctane

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 8, 2019

Land vehicle Vehicle Touring car racing Motorsport Sports car racing

Here's the car I got to drive!

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KTownKiller

· #6 · Dec 8, 2019

My fav, Toyota!!!!

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Rit

· #7 · Dec 9, 2019

Way to go my friend. Congrats ! Make sure you thank your bride and remember she is a gift from God!

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canuckarcher

· #8 · Dec 9, 2019

Sounds like a lot of fun!!

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highoctane

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 9, 2019

Rit said:
Way to go my friend. Congrats ! Make sure you thank your bride and remember she is a gift from God!

I've thanked her numerous times! She's my darling! My one constant in a world of so much inconsistency! She's my best friend!

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Gabowman

· #10 · Dec 9, 2019

Sounds like you had ALOT of fun. I had a first cousin that got to experience that not once, but twice in his young life. Both times were a dream come true for him. Backj in his teenage years in the 60's he LOVED those Ford Torinos.

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Munch007

· #11 · Dec 10, 2019

Yes Mr. highoctane I will agree!
One of the most awesomely excellent things to try for sure. The wife and kids got me 10 laps with the Rusty Wallace Race Experience at the local 1/2 mile track here. It was a hoot.
Tho I was mildly disappointed when they put me in a Jeff Gordon Chevy ...

Vehicle Car Sports car racing Performance car Motorsport

being a diehard Ford man LoL!

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thomaskelley

· #12 · Dec 12, 2019

Congratulations! That is one awesome experience! I’m happy you were able to do that!

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Fletcher

· #13 · Dec 14, 2019

What a great day.

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