Has any one done the Petty racing experience?

[Bitter Clinger]

I'm going to Vegas for the race in March. Has any one here done the Richard Petty racing experience? Is it worth the $500? Seems to me this is a once in a lifetime chance for most average joe's. They claim you can do 160+MPH. But only 8 laps. Or have any of you done any other race related things in Vegas, there are several.

[Mazin]

I think it would be awesome for sure, but I'm a speed (mph) freak anyway.

[stodg73]

When I was in Arizona, I would go to PIR and be there for them as medical. They would do multiple laps several times during the day. Each time the mechanics would increase the horsepower of the cars. I thought it would be great to do the Experience, just never had the time or money.

[Vitesse304]

I did...got it as a birthday gift from the wife. Keep in mind, I'm no NASCAR fan, so,take what I say with a grain of salt.

The "classroom" training is a way to scare you into buying the insurance. If you are a decent driver, you don't need it. I was the only person in my "class" that didn't buy it. NOBODY crashed and I didn't see or hear of anybody crashing during the day.

You literally get 8 laps. That's it. You spend maybe 15 mins in the car and 10 mins of that is posing on the door for your picture.

You get to pass slower drivers. That's the fun part. Most of the time, the cars are spaced far enough apart that you never really see another driver, but if you maintain speed instead of "coasting" in the corners, you will get close enough to be told to pass. Don't coast through the corners, maintain gas, but don't floor it. Makes for a better experience instead of putting around a track.

The "experience" is being in a race car, having a spotter talk to you through an ear piece, and driving alone around a banked track. That's cool if you've never raced before, or if you've never driven a performance machine before. I'm glad I did it, and it's a unique gift from my wife, but I wouldn't do it again. If you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, give it a shot. But it's not a "OMG, you gotta do it!" Kind of thing.

[Harley-FXDWG]

Its not worth the amount of money they charge. Plenty of other, much better entertainment you can get in this town for $500.

[Colorado Fatboy]

Depends on what you like and are in to. A co-worker of mine who is a NASCAR fan, into fast cars and such did it and had a GREAT time and said it was worth every penny! All depends on you and what you like.

[ray1970]

$500 to spend in Vegas? I could think of better things to do.

Honestly, I thought about doing it at Daytona. But Daytona is a more iconic track and that was part of the appeal to me. Unfortunately, at Daytona you don't get to drive. It's just a ride along with an experienced driver which totally steered me away from it.

I say spend the money on hookers and cocain.

[ray1970]

Honestly, I'd shoot some full auto stuff instead. But I'm more of a gun guy than a car guy.

[O2HeN2]

Save up for Zero-G (https://www.gozerog.com/) instead. :)

O2

[MED]

It is fun if you just want to scratch an itch. I was heavy into racing back in my twenties and I had a lot more fun auto-crossing as well as dirt track racing at Rocky Mountain Speedway before it closed. I went ahead and did the Richard Petty thing because I figured it would be my only chance to drive one of those race cars. It was fun but very brief and not really enough time to get a feel for it. The money involved is nothing compared to what goes into your own vehicle. If you think shooting is bad, racing bled me dry.

[Dave_L]

I did it as my graduation present from high school. I thought it was a blast but I'm also into going fast. Cars were very easy to drive and a lot of fun. I did it at PPIR so unfortunately, it wasn't a huge track but was still a lot of fun. Cars are only 4 speed manuals. Pretty cool. I had some trouble getting as close to the wall as they wanted me to. Haha. Come out of the turn and they want you getting close to the wall like a real racer but natural instinct keeps you from pushing that limit.

[ray1970]

If you think shooting is bad, racing bled me dry.

Amen. Drag racing was what drove me to firearms because shooting was a much more affordable hobby.

[gnihcraes]

I watched a friend do it down at Pueblo years ago. He enjoyed it, but wasn't super crazy about having done it. The top speed was only like 120 or something I think. 3rd gear max if I recall. A lot of time involved for not much driving time. Been faster in production cars that you can drive each day or even rent in town.

[COShooter]

The Richard Petty driving school has come to Colorado! It is at Pike's Peak International Raceway. I cannot speak as a customer, but I briefly drove for them as a ride-along driver. The cars are definitely 600hp and haul ass! PPIR is pretty small for an oval but still easy to reach 130+mph.

[buffalobo]

Yes at PPIR.

My experience very similar to Dave and Vitesse. Actual time on track went by too fast, 8 laps only made me want more.

Was a gift from my wife, I am too cheap to buy for myself.

She has said next time we attend one of the Vegas races she wants to drive. I will spring for it for her, but probably not myself (unless I happen to win at gambling, which never happens anyway).






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[Guylee]

Check out http://www.oxotic.com/ here in Denver. Way cheaper, and I did 180 in a Lambo on E-470...