What a thrill. Just got home and have been bouncing off the walls (figuratively) since 3 PM, when I…read moredid my 8 laps at Pocono Raceway for Father's Day. What a ride!
We arrived for the 1:30 session. You do a 30 minute classroom introduction, which teaches you about the track, the turns, the flagger's signals, the turn in points, and all necessary procedures. The instructor knew his stuff, answered questions well, was personable, yet made it clear that we were undertaking a potentially risky activity, and that we must know what we are doing.
Next, we walked to the garages, where we looked at one of the cars and got a crash course on all the safety gear, the tach, entry/exit, and driving procedures.
Off to the vans, where we were given a tour of the track once the previous session's cars were clear. Even at just 65 MPH, the track is certainly not smooth, yet we learned passing procedures (only if told to do so), entry points, exit points, apexes, and the three different turns.
Once off the vans, we suited up, grabbed a helmet, and waited on pit road. Some chose to do the "ride along" first, to get a feel for the track,while most just waited their turn. Drivers were assigned cars based on their hight, as the seats are not adjustable...so when a car that fit you was available, it was your turn!
Pictures in front of the car were taken, and then last minute instructions were given before you were strapped in and given permission to roll off. Directions were clear, simple, and necessary. Basically, one instructor drives the 'pace car", while two students follow...so you are in a group of three, playing "follow the leader". No passing, no side-by side action, no seeing who can out-brake the other. It's very simple. The instructor picks up the pace each lap, provided that drivers are hitting their marks and keeping pace with him. If the middle car is slower, the flagman will tell him to move over and let the third car past, so that he is not hindered...and if necessary, another instructor will come out to "pace" the slower car.
So what's it like? Incredible. Viceral...had to be there! Unexplainable. The sound inside the car as you work through the 4 gears leaving pit lane is amazing, and once on the track, you just trust this crazy beast will go where you point it, because your logical brain tells you that the car won't handle that well...yet it does. Putting the hammer down on the 600 horses on the front straight and hearing the RPM's scream as you finally get off the gas into turn 1 is incredible. Again, viceral...the sounds, the rattles, the g-forces pulling you to the right...all of your senses on hyperdrive...it goes by too quickly. Once the 8 laps were over, we decelerated and coasted into pit lane, where the car was shut down, the tach checked to see the max RPM (which was 8,000 for me...translates to 160 MPH) and fire suits, etc returned.
I can't express how cool this was, especially for someone who enjoys any motorsports, especially nascar. The only drawback is that being the third car in our group- which I was- puts you at the mercy of the second car...for if he doesn't petal fast enough, you may lose out on the opportunity to go faster overall. I was a bit impeeded, but I'm still happy to get to 160!
You must be able to drive a standard/manual tranny, have a driver's liscense, and wear sneakers and gloves.
Cost for the 8 lap/20 mile run was $499 Monday or Wednesday, or $559 weekend/holiday. Photos were one for $25, two for $50, or three for $55. Costly? Heck ya. Worth every cent? Today, yes. Be back? Definately, some day...at this price, it's worth it, but is definately cost-prohibitative.
In all, an experience I will rave about for quite some time!