As a present for my 50th birthday last Sept, my hubby presented me with a 4 lap ride along and a 20 lap drive around the Monster Mile at Dover, DE. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had!
We drove to Dover on Friday with my driving experience to be early Sat morning. We arrived at the track well before 8am and just took in the empty track and stands. It is very surreal to see it that way. Slowly the others that were also going to be taking part started to arrive. Up to the last minute, I was the only female participant. Shortly before we were given the tour, another younger lady arrived. They had 2 large vans, one for those driving and one for the guests. I got the passenger front seat and the others piled into the back. We were given instructions as we slowly, and I do mean slowly, made our way around the track in the van. At one point, the van was stopped at the top of turn 1 and let me tell you, you can not appreciate just how much banking there is until you are up next to that wall!!! We were told where to run on the track and to watch the flagman on the starters stand at the start/finish line. We also were told that since there would be video cameras taping us, we may want to watch what we say. Of course, me being the wise arse type, I asked if we got fined money and points! While we got this, our guests were driven around the track in the other van. We made our way down to the end of pitroad and unloaded and went into the media center. There we were given some other instructions and received our firesuits. Then out to the track.
Those that were taking ride alongs got helmets and we lined up. I was so worried about climbing into the window, but that wasn't as difficult as I thought, the problem arose getting back out! The next thing I know, I am being strapped in. The driver asked me if I was ready, before I knew it, we were off and I was plastered back into the seat! I remember trying to yell and no sound coming out. I don't know exactly how fast we were going, but that is the fastest I have ever gone outside a jet plane. The laps went by so fast and the next thing I know, I am trying to climb out of the window. It is alot easier on that side of the car than from the driver's seat. The picture hubby took, shows me with such a grin on my face.
I had a bit of time while they finished the ride alongs and started the driving part. I was nervous about driving the car. Soon, it was my turn to climb into the car and get strapped in. We had a 'pace' car and 2 others each time out. As the crew strapped me in, they explained alot of things....this is your kill switch of anything should happen on the track, pull this pin for the fire extingusher, to release your harness - pull this, to release the window net - pull this, this is how to remove the steering wheel......as he is running down all of this, I am sitting there thinking "What the hell am I doing?" One guy reached in and turned on the video camera and put the car in gear and I got the wave to go!! I pull down pitroad and onto the concrete track that is the Monster Mile. I cannot believe I am driving the same straightaways and high banked corners as my favorite drivers, Dale Jr, Elliott Sadler, Smoke, Truex!!! Before I knew it, I was waved onto pitroad after 10 laps. They checked the car and asked if I wanted anything. Even though it was early morning and cool temps, it was very warm in the car. I cannot imagine driving one of those cars for 400 miles in the middle of summer! I got a bottle of water, the guys rehooked the window net and I got the go ahead to resume my last 10 laps. Though I never got up to really fast speeds, I can say I did it!! I drove a race car on a real track. I was so intent on getting into the corners at the best point and getting back up the track on the straights, I never got totally comfortable in the car. By the end laps, my speed was increasing. Hubby's guess was 75-80. I know we all do that at time on the interstates, but no highway driving can compare to that experience.
I know guys who are not sure they can do it and they have told me, maybe they can if I did it. Who knows.....maybe the prospect of knowing this old broad did it will get them off their duffs and onto the track!
