My partner likes anything with a throttle that goes fast. Going fast and pushing the limit is his thing. He was gifted a Rusty Wallace Racing Experience for Father's Day. An opportunity to go 150 mph was beyond exciting for him. Race cars and racetracks are ok for me. My previous experience was sitting in the stands with loud slightly inebriated fans on hard seats losing track of whatever car I thought was cute. His excitement was fun and infectious. As the day grew closer my curiosity grew. This time it would be my guy behind the wheel. I definitely wouldn't lose track of his car.
The big day finally arrived. True to form Mother Nature had other plans. They sky was dark and gray, moody looking. Rain poured and poured from this moody sky. I was already preparing for a moody, gray partner, if this event was canceled. After a quick check in with the site we were on the road to the Michigan International Speedway. The race was still on!
Sports including racing are lost on me. I have no real reason. Just is. However, turning in the MIS my excitement increased. The energy and magnificence on a non-race day was palpable. Wow, what an amazing place. As we were winding our way back, I caught a glimpse of the track. First of all, wow! Secondly, there were "regular" cars and trucks flying around the track. I was more than a little confused. Was there a different event before the Nascar event? In mind my mind "regular" vehicles weren't allowed on the track. During check-in I overheard or eavesdropped, your pick the staff saying the "regular" cars were driving the wet track to dry it. Apparently, it's an acceptable option. As an absolute novice I have no idea. It looked impressive, fun and I was engaged. Even an ambulance took some laps.
Once David completed check-in we head to the driver's class. I say we like I had a real role in this class, I didn't. I don't even like to drive my own car at any speed. But I am nosy. I wanted to know what this class was all about. It felt like it took forever. This man talked about when to accelerate, how to take the curve and how to exit the track. Somewhere between his instructions and corny jokes he caught my wandering attention. He told a story about a driver who drove his laps at 25 mph. While everyone else was chuckling, I was relating to that driver. I could possibly manage the track at 25 mph, maybe.
Finally, it was race time. David donned his gear and waited for his turn. This group of young girls donned in driving gear entered the line. They were happy, laughing and talking as only young girls can. I couldn't stop watching them. At some point I'm sure I was staring. My decision to join the races came when one of the youngsters flipped her hair and said, "let's do it". I watched David take off and accelerate into curve one. Before I knew it, I was at the counter purchasing a ride along. I didn't want to give the instructor and his cronies any additional fodder by driving.
I donned my race gear. Yeah baby! I was waiting to get in a car with a stranger, albeit a hot stranger, and go 180 mph in a car. What in the world was I thinking? I wasn't thinking. I was acting a middle-aged woman unwilling to be out done by twenty somethings. A red car pulled up for me. How did they know red was one of favorite colors? Even though my decision was hasty. This was a positive sign. The driver moves toward the car. My Dwayne the Rock Johnson driver easily climbs thru the window as I was ushered to the other window. This is the moment I remember; I am awkward as hell. I felt like all eyes were on me. Whew, I did it! I sat on the window opening, holding my helmet, cheesin. The smile was equal parts the experience and I didn't fall.
Photo op completed; I slide into the seat. Crap! This was a tight fight. Reminding me it is time to get back the gym. The crew buckled me in and said a lot of stuff I still don't remember. I look over at my imitation Rock and recite the anthem I used for my kids on road trips. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Going fast was amazing!
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