Richard Petty Driving Experience

Absolutely one of the best experiences I have had.
I went up to the track with my dad and a group from his company. We joined the other 27 future race car drivers in our driver-​training meeting in the media center at Texas Motor Speedway to get our instructions and safety lessons. We were met by Kirby (aka Big Block), who taught us the ins and outs of what we were about to experience, and how best to safely speed around the course.
When we went outside, we were suited up, given a helmet, and we made our way to pit wall where we were paired up with an experienced driver who was going to take us around the track at 165 mph for a few laps. The ride-​along was a blast. You really get to experience the stress that is put on your body going into a banked turn in a stock car. How the pros do that going 30-​mph faster for 400 miles is absolutely beyond me.
It was then our turn. Big Block had taught us that as long as we follow the line of our pace car, and keep a 3-​car length following distance, then they will go faster, and therefore we can follow going faster. Unfortunately for my first couple laps we got caught behind someone who wasn’t quite comfortable with the 600-​horsepower they were controlling. But after we passed them (safely of course), we really opened up. Each lap I got faster and faster, and topped out over 135mph!
It was incredibly fun, and the staff there really makes the day enjoyable. Everyone who I met not only loves their job, but makes you love the whole experience.
You really get an appreciation for what the NASCAR guys do week in and week out. I really recommend anyone to have this experience.