Cup Cars

Speed kills. Kills the senses. Kills time. Kills awareness. It kills the
ability to comprehend and before you know it you're flying around a
2-mile track at an average of about 52 seconds, roughly translated -
an average of 138 miles per hour. You peg out at 165 on the
stretches, and after a few laps you're coming out of your turns doing
165, but they won't let you take it any further, wouldn't be "safe". I
bet I could have reached 180, no problem, but my ride-along
instructor wouldn't let me, bummer. That's OK though, this ride was
definitely a thrill.

You're driving a REAL 650 horsepower NASCAR Winston Cup car on a
REAL NASCAR circuit race track, and it's all thanks to Cup Cars, a
privately owned company that provides what they call "The most
aggressive driving school in the country." I first read about Cup Cars
a couple of years ago, the owner was quoted as saying something to
the effect of "If you get in a wreck, we'll give you a few minutes to
rest, but then we're going to put you back in an other car to finish
your laps." Now that's aggressive. Used, these machines cost
$100,000, engines alone are $20K-30K, tires $400 and that's all you
have to spend, $400. Four hundred dollars gives you 10 laps. Ten
laps of adrenaline. What a rush!

It takes the first couple of laps to get the hang of it, to know the line
through the turns, to know when to punch it, when to back off, and
when to pass! Pretty soon, you're pushing the limits all around the
track, but don't worry, it's pretty safe. An instructor rides right next
to you and can take over if he has to, and these cars CAN take the
corners at the full 165 mph! All you have to do is keep her on the
track. Anyone can do it, though I would imagine you would have to
be at least 18 and have a drivers license. Our group of about 50
people had a variety of people. One guy looked about 19, a few
ladies had to be in their 50's (I think there were at least 8 or 9
ladies), one guy appeared to be in his 70's, and everything in
between. My buddy Ron and I went out with our families and Ron
and I were allowed to go out at the same time, (they also encourage
friendly competition). Ron and I pushed each other pretty well and
passed each other a couple times. Yeah, he was in front when we
were done, but he started there too. And you have to hope for an
instructor that will LET you pass that LAST time! Next time Ronnie!

They sell a video tape for $25 that is mounted inside your car and
captures it all to relive again. They also have a professional
photographer that takes several pictures which they sell in a trio
grouping for $45. Don't forget to bring someone along to do some
video taping for you. There are several racing packages to choose
from. I received mine from my wife for Christmas, a gift certificate
for the 10 lap package which was $400. For $700 you can take your
10 laps, then an instructor critiques your performance, and then it's
back out on the track for 10 more. Every car is different as is every
instructor. A couple cars were already outfitted with mufflers for
Daytona the next week. I tend to think Ron's instructor was a little
more generous with the pedal. I was cautioned every time I hit 165
and the red light started to flash, Ron was able to see his glow
brighter before a caution (at least 170). Choose from any of their
scheduled weekends and once you've booked a time you must
cancel 14 days prior to your date. They have a morning session and
an afternoon session. The afternoon session started at 1:00 and
you're on the track by 2:30. In hindsight we were glad to be the last
on the list because we ended up with two dozen laps. Don't know if
that is a common occurrence, maybe a consolation for waiting so
long, but at that point there's practically no one there to complain
about the favors. They have a concessions stand for burgers, subs
and such. And be sure to buy a t-shirt. This is one experience you
can't miss!

We raced at California Speedway in Fontana, but they travel around
the country to all of the best tracks.

Telephone (877) 287-2271

Website: www.cupcars.com