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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