I’ m at the motor racing circuit dubbed the“ World Centre of Racing” – the Daytona International Speedway.
The world’ s biggest motorsports stadium and America’ s most celebrated, it can accommodate 105,000 fans in its vast, tiered stands, another 5,000 in VIP suites and thousands more camping out in RVs( what motorhomes are called on this side of the pond) on the infield and is home to the Daytona 500 race.
But I’ m not here as a spectator. I’ m about to do three high-speed laps of the banked circuit riding shotgun in one of the brightly-coloured NASCAR racing cars thundering around the track. These 700hp beasts can do 0-60mph in under four seconds and snarl menacingly at each other like angry territorial lions when their engines fire up.
Daytona is one of several NASCAR( it stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits where the Richard Petty Experience offers the public the chance to see and feel their raw power as a passenger with a professional driving instructor at the wheel.
After signing my life away with waiver forms, I join a line of expectant fellow petrolheads. First, though, we have to don fireproof overalls and a protective helmet. As my turn comes, I am led out to a red vehicle. With no doors, the only way to get into the car is by clambering inelegantly through the window opening. Once strapped in, my driver, Justin, introduces himself and after the engine roars into life we motor down the pit lane … then turn around and head back to where we started!“ Sorry, out of fuel” Justin explains, sheepishly. ng’ s epicentre
Photo: Peter Ellegard
After extricating myself from the stricken vehicle I am soon climbing into a blue one that has just pulled in and disgorged its passenger. My new driver, Greg, makes it past the end of the pit lane this time and then guns the car straight towards
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