I'm really getting into NASCAR these days! It's not that I want to be a driver, but I'd like to be able to experience some of the thrill of racing. Any way I can ride a NASCAR car?

ANSWER:

You’re in luck, Goggles Paisano!

Not only will NASCAR let you ride on an official Sprint Cup track in a fully loaded 600-horsepower stock car, but -- depending on how many points you have on your license -- the organization will actually let you sit behind the wheel and drive. And if you’ve got it in you, you can get up to speeds close to those of your favorite drivers.

As long as you’re at least 18 years old with a valid license, you can sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience and follow in the King’s tire tracks. With a price range of $449 to $3,499, the wheel deal lets you put your pedal to the metal for eight laps in one session, or as many as 40 laps over 40 sessions.

After a five-minute orientation and video, they’ll hand you a racing suit and you’ll get driving instructions from a crew chief, 25 minutes of mechanical and safety instructions and the comforting warning to buckle your seat belt.

You have the option to burn rubber on such hallowed ground as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bristol’s high-banked bullring or the drafting meccas of Daytona or Talladega. Go to DrivePetty.com or call 1-800-BE-PETTY to get track schedule information and details on scheduling and requirements. Dashboard Jesus not included. 

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