My wife and I recently went to Las Vegas on a fun getaway. We were able to spend four days there exploring and discovering the area. I was able to go on a Ride a-long at the Richard Petty Driving Experience on the Las Vegas Speedway. Here is my review.
I love speed! I love cars! And the only thing better is speedy cars! I’ve always (just like millions of children) dreamed of driving in a racecar. Ever since I can remember I’ve loved to go for rides with Mom and Dad in the car and I always wanted them to let me drive. I played with toy cars and trucks growing up and I remember countless times digging into the side of Moms flower bed or garden to create that perfect racecar track. I craved the ability to one day drive a machine that could speed around a real racetrack just like the one that I was trying to create in the dirt. I would even go as far as hooking my toy car up to my slingshot and pretending I was in a drag race launching the car into oblivion at lightning fast (wrist rocket) speed. And just like most kids, I grew up, and put the whole superstar racecar elite driver on the back burner of my bucket list.
Over the years I’ve attended multiple races loving the atmosphere and enjoying the awesome sound of the engines echoing as the cars rip past the stands at 165+ mph speeds. I’ve only ever wished to sit in one let alone drive one, and guess what? My wife, the wonderful sweetheart that she is surprised me with a ticket for a ride-a-long in a professional NASCAR racecar. We flew to Las Vegas for our trip and part of that was being able to drive to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Prior to this I’d never been to the Vegas racetrack. Absolutely beautiful stadium and track. Much bigger in person if you’ve only ever seen it on T.V. The minute we got there we were checked in and completely guided through the process of getting ready to ride in the racecar. I had my choice of going on a ride-along with a pro driver, or getting behind the wheel myself. As much as I wanted to climb behind the wheel, I wanted to start off experiencing the track with someone who knew and understood how to drive fast.
Once I chose my options, the staff members who were extremely nice helped me into a fire retardant jumpsuit, issued me a helmet, and then took several pictures of me as I got into the car with the pro driver. Wow! I’m impressed at how easy the pros make it look to get in and out of these cars through the window. With the help of the staff it was doable, but not an easy task. I’m 6’0 tall and with my feet entering first I was able to move and maneuver myself down into the seat…pause………deep breath……………long pause …………………… I ……….. CAN’T ……….. BELIEVE ………. I’M IN A RACECAR!!! Yep, that was me. Screaming like a little girl who just got a new pet bunny rabbit for her birthday. Excited, but not really understanding what she is getting herself into. Before the driver started the car he told me his name, and shook my hand. Obviously safety is always #1, so they made sure I was buckled and ready to go.
The driver started the car with a wild roar, gave me thumbs up, and when I gave him the thumbs up with a giant smile on my face he took off, peeling out as he went. 3 awesome heart pumping laps at approximately 165 to 180 mph around the track. I want you to think of a time where you have experienced your highest adrenaline rush ever. Now, come to the Vegas Speedway, hop into a car, whether it be riding shotgun or driving, and I’ll bet you that the adrenaline rush that you experienced prior, will fly right out the window, and be pushed aside with the excitement that you will experience while in a Nascar. All I can say is that my days of dreaming as a kid have been reignited with the passion that I once had to become a pro driver, and even if I can’t become a pro, I can sure enjoy myself in the future as often as I want with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. And with my addiction to speed rekindled, I plan on going back for more and more!
We had a great time at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. This is a MUST DO if you are in Vegas. So much fun. We also got a plaque with my picture and some other info on it to bring home and hang up. They are available for a minimal fee – along with other picture options. They also record you on the driving experience and you can get that video as well if you want.
You can learn more about the Richard Petty Driving Experience here:
WEBSITE | http://www.drivepetty.com/
FACEBOOK | http://www.facebook.com/richardpettydrivingexperience
TWITTER | http://twitter.com/DrivePetty
We received a complimentary ride in order to do this review. This did not affect our opinions and they are % our own. We only recommend products or services that we believe will be beneficial to our readers.
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