We arrived at the track about 11:30. The event was held at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. After pulling down through Gate 5 we were able to drive right under turn 3 to get to the infield. Of course at this moment I was ready to just observe but little did I know what was in store for me today....
All Tile was host to approx 30 wide-eye drivers and while we waited for everyone's arrival we were allowed to walk around and get a real good close up of the 4 cars we would soon be strapped down in. As soon as everyone was there we were treated to a lunch in the Chicagoland Media pavilion and awaited further instructions.
Approx 12:45pm I was given the terrific news that a spot had opened up and that my number was called. I did not even dream of being able to participate but once given the chance it didn't take long for me to fill out and initial the 3 page release form (Yep, it was about 3 pages :) and quickly get fitted for my racing firesuit. After a few publicity shots Joe and I made our way into the first driver's meeting to start our instructions. 
After a quick initial driver's meeting it was outside again to get familiar with the cars and the track. We started by going over the car. Our instructor explained the instrument panel, emergency procedures, and basic operation of the vehicle. 
After our car orientation we were offered a ride in the Petty Van to get an overview of the track and direction on how to drive the track. They were very thorough and explained the nuances of the track. It was a lot to take in - especially when your heart is going a hundred beats a minute in anticipation of getting things started.
Finally we attended our final drivers meeting. They reviewed our instructions and gave us communication information. No radios so you had to learn the flag system they used when you passed by the start finish line. Pretty straight forward and once we were comfortable we were ready to get racing!
In addition to the regular driving experience, they had a few other things available. Joe and I decided that we also wanted to participate in the Ride-Along experience so after our initial instruction we headed over to this area first and purchased the additional tickets.
In the ride along, you get to sit beside an experienced Petty driver in a true COT (Car of Today/Tomorrow) and they take you around the track closer to max speed then you would get driving by yourself. It was a great experience because 1) it helped ease the pre-race jitters by letting you feel a faster ride then you would drive and 2) it gave you a bird's eye view of how to truly drive the track. During the ride along you travel 4 laps (3 at speed) at approx 165-168 mph (Chicagoland's Track qualifying record: Jimmie Johnson 188.147 mph). First off, I am tremendously happy that I have already lost the weight that I did because the G-Force that you feel inside the car is completely unexpected. Secondly, anybody that contends that these Nascar drivers are not athletes need to do this experience. It is really unbelievable and I have an even deeper appreciation for what the Nascar drivers do on a weekly basis.
Next on the schedule was what we were all waiting for: The Driving Experience. The Richard Petty School has several program levels and for ours "The Rookie Experience" what it meant for us was to be strapped in our own Nascar Car and be able to follow behind an experienced driver (basically shadowing their line around the track). As you got comfortable and sped up the pace car in front of you increased their speed and away you go. 8 full laps (and they of course went by way to fast) were yours to run. If you run the laps correctly you have the potential on this experience to run between 140-145 mph. For those that think that doesn't sound too fast, try strapping in with over 600 hp at your fingertips out on a high banked track all by yourself and then tell me if you still think it isn't that fast.
So what were the final results? Well there were roughly 30 drivers and the winning speed was just over 141 mph. I am happy to announce I was in the top 5 with a top speed of 139.05 mph. (Hey the 2007 race winner Tony Stewart's average speed was 134.258 mph!) Unfortunately I must report that Joe turned in a top speed of just over 129 mph. Do you think I should let him live that down? (Neither do I :)
As you can probably tell - it was truly a unique and wonderful experience! I highly recommend it if you get the chance! As always click on the pics for a larger version and if you want: hover your mouse over the pic for a description of what you are looking at.
Want more info? Visit the Richard Petty Driving Experience website!
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