Rusty Wallace Racing Experience- Auto Club Speedway

Great job by the school. They hosted a group of us this last weekend, and really gave great service. Super safe, great instruction, and a great time.

Killer experience! Well worth the price. The staff are great at making you feel comfortable and made it fun as well. I did the 10 lap and bought 4 additional at the door… worth the upgrade for the extra time on the track. Compared to the Nascar Experience or Mario Andretti Racing Experience this is more bang for the buck. You get actual laps and not some guy telling you how many minutes you’ve been on the track. If you are gonna do this, CHOOSE RUSTY WALLACE RACING EXPERIENCE, you won’t be disappointed. A must do for any racing enthusiast!

I bought this for my better half for our anniversary, and he got me a ride a long. He had a blast. We’ll be back with the kids

I live in Los Angeles and have been to The California Speedway in Fontana as a spectator many times. Never thought I’d ever be driving on that track! I agree with other venue reviews on here that track length is a big difference in this racing experience. The ability to go flat out on a two mile course was thrilling. I had a bit of a mix up with the third party reservation company, Rush 49, but purchased two packages, the 3 lap ride along and a 14 lap driver experience. I highly recommend doing this in that order, because I was able to experience the feel of the car and course as a professional would, just prior to my less experienced solo drive.
We arrived over an hour early and spent that time watching the current drivers race along from the VIP boxes, above pit row and directly across the grandstands. The Rusty Wallace staff were very nice, professional and the operation seemed well organized. i did not experience any long wait times and found the equipment used to be quite acceptable and working properly. The cars themselves are indeed worn, and appear to be older cars, probably used 5 – 7 years ago by various NASCAR drivers, then retired to Rusty’s enterprise or others like it. There was obvious damage to some and during the course of an hour we saw two cars overheat and another which kept returning to pit row because the car would not shift into 3^rd gear. It was 3 pm, so the cars had been out there all day, mechanical issues are to be expected. After all, 6 hours of amatuer drivers probably put more wear on a car than a professional driver does in a 2 – 3 hour official race. The track has markings placed by the Wallace team to help suggest where to apply gas and where to ease off. At California, I never touched the brake and except for leaving pit row, never required I downshift on the course.
After my 3 lap ride along, I was placed in the 11 car, which I believe was the Denny Hamlin car used in 2007. The helmet contained two ear phones, which allowed the spotters above the grandstands to talk to you, but did not afford you to communicate with them. It is immensely important that you are able to hear and understand them, because you have no ability to turn your head in the Hans device and you have no idea who is coming up on you from behind. There is no speedometer in the car and mine lacked a rear view mirror, which would have been nice to have. I found 14 laps to be the perfect number, since it took about 4 before becoming familiar with the car. The cars are quite cramped inside, barely allowed me but a few inches clearance from my chest to the steering wheel, my arms at an uncomfortable, constant 90 degree position, would have made any more laps exhausting. This was not my 750 series BMW and I wondered how the larger drivers endured racing competitively, severely restricted physically in a three hour race.
By the 8^th or 9^th lap, I was comfortable and almost all throttle throughout the entire race course, interrupted only by the occasional engine stalling activated by the electronic REV limiter. (yes, the cars are governed for speed control). That said, I estimate my speed around 130, (I don’t think they go faster) and was in a consistent line, validated by my spotter only saying «Great, just keep doing what your doing», followed by «nice job, go ahead» when coming up on a car to pass, which is primarily allowed only in the straightaways and if the spotter tells you such.
as the California sun set over turns 3&4 I was one of three last drivers out there and a few laps later, was given the Checkered Flag audible by my spotter. Despite this, I turned another two laps before coming to pit row, feeling euphoric from my surreal experience. It was difficult dismissing the notion of doing some smoke filled victory doughnut burnouts at the start/​finish line!
Looking back, these are real cars, adjusted for safer, but adequate and understandably, lower speeds that would best be compared to a go-​kart track on steroids. The thill of racing a big track in a real NASCAR really dismiss the fact that regardless how fast you go thru the turns, you stand little chance of a spin or crash, provided you follow a proper race line.
The only negative comment I had, was my disappointment that no analytics were made available, which indicated any speed, lap times or any track performance information at all, a simple sheet which is commonly given to finishing drivers at even the most basic go-​kart tracks. The mounted photo they offer you to purchase, is pretty expensive too and does nothing to verify your actual time behind the wheel. A cool thing to do would be offer your picture, mounted as they have, along side the data sheet of your performance, speed, lap time and such is what Im saying.
Thanks Team Rusty, for a memorable experience.
Steve R.
Hollywood Ca.

Very fun! I did the driving experience and my Dad did the drive along for our birthdays! We had a great time. We’ll worth it!

I know zilch about cars and know less than zilch about race cars, but I must say this experience was pretty interesting. Purchased this as a Christmas gift for my main squeeze and I must say he was very surprised. We’re not race people, so this gift was kind of out of left field. Whether you’re a total novice or a big race person, you’ll have a fun time.
The package came with a class, a bunch of laps, and endless photo ops. Having never been to a race track, I must say I was very impressed with the whole to do. Lots of professional instructors, good equipment, and enough space to make the experience your own. The concession stands weren’t open (boo) but a food truck was at the ready for my snacking needs (yay).
If you need to get something for that very hard to shop for person, this will definitely fit the bill.

This was a total blast for a Birthday gift. I wanted to get my boyfriend something unique and memorable… how perfect was this. From start to finish we had the best day and his adrenaline was pumping all day after. Definitely recommend to friends and family to try this out and will definitely be doing it again!

In line for 3 hours because 1 driver did not show up. However, the employees are really nice, got 6 laps for the price of 3 and the driver was freaken awesome!

I got the 10-​lap driver shoot-​out as a gift, and it was one of the best gifts I’ve received in my life. I had been on a ride along before which was fun, but being behind the wheel, being strapped in, and actually driving a real race car was a thrill beyond description.
If you’ve ever been to a NASCAR race, you’ve probably wondered what it would be like to be out on the track. The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience is a great way to find out. You’ll get to experience firing the engine and revving it, rolling off pit road, finally shifting into fourth gear and going up the track into the racing line and accelerating a car to speeds you’ve never driven before. You’ll experience the heart-​pounding thrill of going through a turn and feeling and fighting and overcoming the centrifugal forces of high speed driving. There’s the roar and thunder of the engine, the ever-​present natural vibrating of the steering wheel and car, the smell of hot rubber, the warmth inside the cockpit and occasional flow of cooler air through the window net.
Even if only for a few minutes, you will be a NASCAR driver!

Doing 150+ in a car that I was allowed to drive is so awesome… I have a whole new respect for NASCAR drivers… I purchased the 10 lap drive your own car package… for $ 239, it was well worth the price…
Every staff member was friendly, educated, and made sure you left with no questions…
Drivers meeting is insightful, the cars are fun to drive, and I will be racing with them again…

Had a great time at the RWRE. I’ve been to other racing experiences but this was the best. Great staff, cool race cars and fast laps plus you get to pass. Will do it again. I’d highly recommend this to any car enthusiast.

An ear to ear grin and trembling hands from the excitement of going 170 mph as I got out of the Race Car.
The experience left me wanting more
I’ve always wondered what it would be like, now I know. I’d do it again in a heart beat.
Awesome.

I purchased a RWRE 3-​lap ride-​along through Living Social as a Valentine gift for my boyfriend. After we arrived, we had no problems with the check-​in; we requested to upgrade to a 5-​lap side-​by-​side ride-​along and were accommodated. Since we arrived early, we had a bit of a wait, but watched other participants and chatted with friendly staff members. My boyfriend had a big grin as he got into the car and a BIG grin when he got out after; he said he spent the entire trip laughing with the sheer exuberance of it all. Based on our experience, we can definitely recommend the RWRE if you have «the need for speed!» (The pro photos offered are expensive, but not out of the ordinary for similar events, and you are encouraged to BYOC and take as many pics as you want.)

My boyfriend surprised me with the three lap ride along on Christmas for Sunday, February 8^th.
We arrived 45 minutes before the actual reserved time and checked in with the ladies at the desk who were more than helpful and answered any questions we had. I was really nervous but everyone was encouraging and reassuring me that I would have an amazing experience.
Once we checked in, a lady with all of the gear helped me suit up for the ride along. The suit and helmet fit perfectly but they were really hot so I’d recommend wearing light clothes, a t-​shirt and tennis shoes to protect your feet!
After suiting up, a man took my ticket and told me to wait around for a few minutes until they were ready to take me. No more than two minutes had gone by when he called me back to hop in the car!
The man who helped me into the car was Phil and was really nice to deal with my nervousness and made sure I knew I was safe in the car. Before hopping in, a woman took my picture sitting in the car and away we went!
Bill was my driver and did an excellent job! I felt safe and he made sure I was having a fun time! The turns made me a little dizzy but that is all part of the experience! Three laps go SO quickly so if you want a longer experience add extra laps! It took no more than five minutes for three laps. I was happy with three because I was already pretty nervous before getting in!
After getting out, everyone who helped me before asked how my experience was and were genuinely happy to know I had an amazing time! You can buy pictures and other souvenirs before you leave if you’re interested. The whole experience went by quick so savor those five minutes while you can!
I wish I could have remembered everyone’s names but they truly made the experience easy and memorable. To avoid any mishaps, be on time and ask questions if you’re confused with the process! Our whole experience was over even before my reservation time (on a Sunday)! If you want to save some money, purchase the experience through Groupon or Living Social too! The whole day is something I’ll never forget. Best Christmas gift ever!

Great time will do it again. Great bucket list or Xmas gift highly recommend. I did the 3 lap but should of got the next package.

This is my third time with them. The fist 2 were I’m Stockton on the ¹⁄₈^th mile fun but the one at Fontana is way better you get to go alot faster and the track itself is just awesome to be on. There’s a lot of cool stuff exotic cars and just the presence of the cars is great. Highly recommend rusty wallace. I’ll be back

Great place to bring your track bike for an all day Moto.

I had gone to a NASCAR Driving Experience at Auto Club Speedway (fall 2013), and was so impressed that, when I saw Rusty Wallace Racing was offering their six-​lap Qualifier package for $ 199 on Amazon, I decided to go for it.
Getting to the venue was a bit of a challenge; I grabbed my trusty L.A. /​Orange County Thomas Guide (goin old school!) and hit the road. Fumbling through the pages as I barreled down the 101 freeway and navigated the thickening midday traffic through the 101÷110÷5÷10 interchange, I wondered why Fontana wasn’t in the guide… oh wait, dammit, it’s in San Bernardino County! Arg. So I got off the freeway and called the Rusty Wallace Racing phone number to get directions… the office was closed, but the recording listed names and numbers of local event reps to call on race day (WIN)… when I called the Auto Club Speedway rep Sally, however, a recording said she was «not available to take my call» (FAIL). So I went to plan C and called the Auto Club! The delay made me half an hour late getting to the track but, after I filled out the paperwork, they got me into the next driver meeting (2:00pm, the last one of the day) with no problem. I declined the insurance, knowing that these cars are run well within their limits at an event like this. Plus, I had driven these machines before and knew what to expect, so I saved myself $ 60… no photo, no video, no extra laps either, thanks.
After the meeting, I got suited up, checked in with The Guy with the Clipboard (TGwtC), and took a seat in the shade by the track with the other drivers and waited for my turn. And waited. Drank a $ 4 bottle of water. And waited some more. It was a lazy Sunday anyway, and there were cool cars hurtling by, and cute ladies mincing around, but still. At almost 5:30, I was sitting all by myself; every other driver had gone out, and their various hangers-​on had shuffled off, when TGwtC came over and said he screwed up royally and forgot I was sitting there, but he’d make it up to me. So I slid into the dynamic yellow-​and-​black Car 94 and got strapped in. Net up, spotter comm check, clutch in, the engine roars, the dude waves, and I’m off, going up through the gears down pit row… came out of turn 2, jabbed the clutch, yanked the shifter back into fourth, and put the hammer DOWN as I merged onto track and roared down the back straightaway. I hit the rev limiter at close to 5,000 rpm, which I expected, but I was still able to go fast enough that I wasn’t sure those tires would stick to the track going into turn 3… but it was smooth and solid, so I rolled it on at the JumboTron and completed my first lap.
Going into turn 1 of my second lap, I narrowly missed a serious jam-​up with three other cars, but I was able to hit the brakes and move outside of the safety lines to go around them («Good job, 94, way to stay cool» said the spotter), and was given the go-​ahead to pass another car a lap or two later as turn 4 wound me up and threw me down the track like a slingshot. At lap seven or eight, the spotter informed me that all of the other drivers were done and the track was clear, so I had it all to myself as I did another few laps. But the best part was, coming out of turn 4 on lap EFFING ELEVEN, the spotter said «The checkered flag’s for you, 94!» and sure enough, a guy had materialized on the platform and was waving the olé black’n’white in the typically frenzied figure-​eight as I screamed across the finish line. I even went for a last hurrah down the back straightaway (instead of immediately slowing and dropping onto the apron as I had seen other drivers do).
But TGwtC wasn’t done yet; after getting de-​buckled and extricating myself from the car, I was left agape when he ran up and handed me an SD card with a video of my laps (shot from two different angles)! It played just fine when I got home, and was the icing on a layer cake of WIN.
If someone has rated this experience as worthy of only one or two stars, it seems to be because they misunderstood something or had a problem with the event staff. Maybe previous events had those flaws; however, everyone I dealt with on 6−15−14 was friendly, courteous, and upbeat, especially the host of the driver meeting. While getting no answer when I called RW Central en route, and then waiting more than two and a half hours to get behind the wheel after I got out of the driver meeting, wasn’t exactly my idea of a great time, they were simple issues (plus, it was a Sunday, so BFD), and RW Racing more than made up for them with double laps, a solo track and checkered flag, and a free video. I would most definitely do it again. Besides, where else can you charge into a banked turn at 140 mph?

I went when it 4 laps and now they offer 10 laps. boo. lol.
To go around a track at 150 mph is pretty fun. Although I wish we went around more times. Thinking back it may have only been 3 laps. The best part was the other amateur drivers on the track. Since I was doing the ride along my driver was going right by them, through them, around them. lol.

My scheduled class for this ‘experience’ was at 3pm (told to get there at 2pm) and it wasn’t until 4pm that we started our class. All the other customers and I sat in a room this whole time with out any of the staff telling us what was going on. Anyways, we finish at around 4:45 and then go put on our race gear.
We wait in line outside to get into the cars and not 10 minutes later did they say they were shutting down and that no more drivers would be able to go on the track. This lead to the yelling and disgruntlement of the 20 or so drivers that haven’t been able to go yet. Keep in mind, most of these customers spent the entire day or more driving to this place only to be told ‘too bad’. They told us that we would have to all personally call their headquarters the following Monday to reschedule or get a refund.
We called up their headquarters as they requested and spoke to «John». John was totally disinterested in dealing with us expect when he occasionally would give a quick and impatient «No!» to requests. I tell John that the dates that he has given me as an option wont work because of my wife’s due date and the other date being Mother’s Day. He tells me that he will put me down on a different date and that if I can’t make it then to call back to get a refund.
Well I call back and speak to a girl who was quite polite about getting a refund. She tells me that their policy is to not issue refunds and that she can only reschedule. Eventually I hear the phone ringing, so I’ve been apparently transferred to «Bill Cody» the manager at the place.
Never in my life have I ever spoken to someone with a more condescending or arrogant ‘professional’ in my life. He must be somebody’s nephew or something because to fathom how this guy was given the title manager will likely be debated by scholars for centuries. If you ever get the chance to speak with this guy, you will likely to be told the following–
1. «Don’t raise your voice at me!»
2. «I don’t like your tone!»
3. «If you’re going to be a jerk and not let me finish, then I’m not going to help you!»
4. «We don’t give refunds!»
Please also be aware that never at any time was my voice raised, nor was he cut off. He proceeds to tell me that he is unaware of any conflicts that happened the day of my experience. Apparently this is going to take him 24 hours to figure out. I’m guessing that the company’s method of communication must either be homing pigeons or smoke signals.
I could only recommend this experience to those who want to play a practical joke on a friend… although your friendship may not survive it.