Admit it, you’ve always wanted to zip around a race track and experience just how fast those cars go. If you’ve ever been to a NASCAR race, or even watched one on TV it’s amazing how fast those cars go. A typical race can top speeds of 200 miles an hour, and the banking on the track is extreme.
While in Charlotte, NC for Disney and Pixar we got to experience riding in a NASCAR at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Yes, you actually ride in a NASCAR car on an an actual NASCAR track. While the thought of driving the car may be appealing to some, just the thought of whipping around the the track at the high rate of speed was a little intimidating. The speeds and the banking (or angle) of the track would make it not easy for anyone to do their first time out.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway offers not only the track we know from the current NASCAR races, but are actually starting a new figure 8 style track that will launch for the sport soon. On the property is also a drag strip track is used as well. We were given a tour of the property before our ride along, and that included a trip around the track as well as a drag strip race with the other tour bus. Anything for speed!
You’re not allowed to do the NASCAR Racing Experience without wearing the proper safety gear, and a head sock that is very stylish. The ride along experience does require you to sign a few liability waivers, but they will take every effort to make sure you’re safe on your ride.
NASCAR cars don’t have doors – this is something that fans probably know. Riders, and in our case passengers have to climb in through the window. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, but once you’re inside the car it is surprisingly roomy. Inside the cab is extremely loud, really the stock car doesn’t have any insulation or anything that could add weight and possibly slow the car down. This means the driver really has their instrument panel, seat, harness and a cooling system. Because of the lack of interior construction and insulation – it can get to around 130 degrees inside the vehicle and often CO2 can get inside after a long duration of driving. I was shocked at how loud and how warm it was inside, and I couldn’t even hear my driver when he did talk to me.
I noticed that once I got into the car, all apprehension melted away. We took off and made it around the first corner the speed became a thrill and it was amazing how fast the whole experience way – both in time and speed. We topped 170 miles an hour, and I found myself smiling like a fool. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, that I would do any day of the week!
While it’s fun to ride around the track a few times, the amount of heat and noise the driver experiences is amazing. The endurance NASCAR drivers need to not only maintain their speed but their awareness while they race isn’t something that everyone can do.
Check out more images from our ride along experience and find out how you can experience it on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ride Along website:
Cars 3 Trailer:
About the Cars 3 at home release:
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is
suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race
technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late
Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a
champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!In honor of world-champion racer #95 on his date-sake 9/5, Disney•Pixar is proud to announce the in-home arrival of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3”! “Cars 3” surged to the front of the pack opening weekend with audiences racing to see the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and spirited trainer Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo) team up to beat the new generation of blazing-fast racers. Now, this summer’s high-octane hit cruises home—loaded with bonus features like the all new mini-movie starring the demolition derby legend Miss Fritter— Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ on Oct. 24, and on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD™ and Blu-ray™ on Nov. 7.
Race fans of all ages are invited to ride along with the “Cars 3” crew for hilarious and heartfelt extras, including an exclusive new mini-movie, “Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool,” taught by the queen of the Crazy 8; a feature detailing how real-world race training influenced filmmakers; the journey taken by voice actor Cristela Alonzo and team while shaping tech-savvy trainer Cruz Ramirez; behind-the-scenes access to the story team who crafted Lightning McQueen’s third chapter; deleted scenes; and much more.
“Cars 3” is Disney•Pixar’s first in-home title released in stunning 4K Ultra HD format, the next-generation viewing format with four times the resolution of HD and exceptional high dynamic range (HDR), resulting in brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays than ever before. With 4K Ultra HD, viewers will feel like they’re at the center of the action—holding their breath during the dramatic crash that launches Lightning’s journey, feeling the pulse-pounding action at the Florida International Super Speedway, and getting down and dirty at the Crazy 8 demolition derby.
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