Glad you got to experience this! I did 50 laps driving the car at Gateway and it was insane. Made me have a new found respect for the motorsport when you realize how bare bones the cars are and the forces you feel. Best was when you shifted into 4th got to speed and when you let of the accelerator the engine brake was crazy. Yeah that brake pedal? It's like stomping on a cement block.
I’m 6’4” and when I went to TMS and did the Nascar experience they line you up by height. Shortest to tallest because the seats are not adjustable. Each car is set for a certain persons height. One thing I liked was being the tallest put me in the back which allowed for more passing!
I’ve ridden around talladega and driven Bristol/Atlanta. It’s wild to think that the cars you get in at these racing experiences are still 20-40mph slower than the actual cup and xfinity cars. Makes you really appreciate what these drivers do each weekend.
I had the opportunity to do the driver experience (putting you behind the wheel) a few years ago, originally scheduled for Talladega, but as it was rained out, they upgraded me to Daytona. An amazing experience. It really gives you an appreciation of what these drivers have to go through. I topped out at about 150 nowhere near what these guys are doing and had the realization of oh my God lol TLM
That seemed so exhilarating! You got a really cool simulation of life on the track and endurance these drivers face multiple times a year. Fortunately, except for the flips.
As someone who has done the Richard Petty Driving School at Richmond Raceway (as the driver), I personally recommend this to all NASCAR fans. My personal average lap speed at Richmond Raceway was 103 mph in 2015. The actual drivers that year averaged 121 mph at Richmond.
I took this ride along several years ago in Daytona. What I took away from it was great respect for the drivers. Going through the corners seemed like driving on a narrow ribbon of pavement. I couldn't imagine it even being possible to drive 3-wide through them! I later did the driving experience at New Smyrna Speedway. Driving on this short track was so much fun! Don't wait to get behind the wheel!
That is awesome.... I don't think people realize the demand that these drivers have on their body and mind... the top level athletes these drivers are is highly underappreciated and underrated....
It is a great experience. I did the ride along in Daytona back in 1999. Can't believe it was 25 years ago. I suggest doing it at Atlanta, the speed sensation is greater. Good video.
My wife bought me the driving experience for 8 laps on my 70th birthday at Daytona. It was Sunday morning on race weekend when she told me and I was in shock. I heard about the ride around but never knew you could actually drive the car yourself around the track. I was a bit freaked out because there were teams and fans all over the place and all I could think of was spinning out and hitting the wall in front of a bunch of people. As it turn out my fastest lap speed was 154.4 mph when the rev limiter kicked in or I would have gone for more. After the 8 laps my arms ached for three days, but wow what an experience that was. I think Richard Childress had his eye on me until he saw my grey hair.
I did this at Autoclub speedway back in 2023 with the Rusty Wallace racing experience and man, I've never had such a dopamine rush in all my life. Hope you had a great time Eric, looked so good
Eric, when you decide to drive the car, try it at Texas Motor Speedway! They put you in a car with a professional in the passenger seat with ten other cars and you actually get to pass cars as you race. Some tracks make you stay behind a specific car, but not at TMS. They also film you while you’re driving and give you the video after your experience.
I did the Ride-Along at the Brickyard oval a number of years ago and it was one of the highlights of my life. Speeds were similar but I didn't have the banking to experience. The coolest part was when we were running the wall coming up behind a much slower car, dove down, went around him at a much higher speed and then shot back up to the wall again. I was smiling for days afterwards.
One of these days, I'll ride along at Daytona. I was fortunate enough to do so at Auto Club when it was still there (alongside driving my own car around the track when the opportunity presented itself for charity)
I did this at Texas in 2010. Had a fire suite and a headrest that you did not have. Can't believe you did it without a headrest. 170 mph in the turns had my head slammed against the headrest.
I did a ride along at Myrtle Beach in 2015. I recommend a short track next to feel the acceleration and braking forces. Insane that the car even makes the corner at those speeds.
I did a ride along in Michigan back when it was Richard Petty Expwrience, or whatever it was back in the day. My dad went to drive as a birthday gift and he bought me and my sister a ride along spot while we were there.
My parents got me the ride along at California Speedway for my high school graduation. My biggest takeaways from that were how tight turn 3 looked as we came down the back straightaway on that first lap and how quickly the wall came at you on the exit of turn 2. This makes me wanna go do it again somewhere!
I drove at Las Vegas, only 147mph. But I did realize at those speeds it drove more like a go-kart than an automobile. You turn hard and it moves. I'll never forget it, and that was 25 - 30 years ago.
Thanks for sharing that. I'm a 75-year-old NASCAR ban for 50 years. And that was exciting for you and me too. So thanks for doing it. I'm fromspywa and we race out here short tractor I'm a fan of lyrics, so keep on keeping on here you get better every week.
This is on my bucket list , I did get to ride in the two seat sprint car at Knoxville Iowa 🏁 I can’t believe you rode in that race car at speed without a fire suit🫢
The experience is amazing! I did it in 2022 at autoclub (rip 😞) and i loved every second of it. My driver even cooked the left front so i got a pit stop as well 😂
I drove at California before they started tearing it down. It was such a cool experience to have at my home track before it went away. If I had to sum up the experience in three words they would be: hot, bumpy, and loud
I did both a ride along and a session where I drove by myself at Atlanta back in March. I will say the g-forces are different from the drivers side. I highly recommend driving one by yourself it’s so much fun!
I drove Daytona with the Racing Experience, and it was awesome, 140 on my own was crazy. Then I rode along at Talladega and that was even crazier at 170mph!
Eric....you gotta do the actual driving experience. I wasn't even a NASCAR fan but ended up doing a ride along in Phx years ago. That led to driving Phx....what a complete rush. Turned out to be expensive tho...driving Phx led to driving Charlotte, then Vegas, then Dallas...Talladega...Daytona...AutoClub... So much fun....I'm now a NASCAR fan....and a fan of your channel. As cool as the ride along is....the driving is even better....just do it. 😊
I did the ride along at daytona a few years ago and was put in the same car, nothing else can match the feeling of being pushed downwards into your seat while driving sideways at 170 mph. I even did the ride along at homestead but those cars were so limited and would top out way before you reach the turn. Daytona is definitely the place to do the experience at
Cool. I have driven at Charlotte, Rockingham last . It was smoking hot. great track and Xfinity and trucks back next year. I'm going to Darlington Monday Labor day. Bristol is on my list for next. year.
I did the Richard Petty Racing Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway in 2003 and it was amazing, we only got up to like 145mph, but was intense.
A coworker who raced drag trucks surprised me with a ride along as a retirement present years ago. I remember not being able to press record on my camera when he hammered it. Fun experience, glad you got to go!
I did this years ago at Fontana (RIP) and I just about passed out every time the car went off into the corner because of the G's. Great experience overall, though!
Now Eric ya gotta DRIVE ONE. We're wondering why you didn't do that. I drove a lowes nascar race car. And a ride in a nascar craftsman dodge truck and a old busch car back in the 1990's.
My wife bought me the driving experience at Texas Motor Speedway about 10 years ago. It was great. They had the cars speed limited to 150mph but it was still fun. Got the certificate saying I drove 150mph average for one lap.
Do the driving. I did the Mario Andretti Experience (open wheel) along side the Richard Petty Driving Experience (stock cars) at Charlotte for my 50th birthday. It was a blast. Amazed at how quickly they would give you the keys and turn you loose in a race car!! I must not have looked like I was going to do anything too crazy.... And the open wheel was definitely scarier. LOL
out of the groove is now literally going out of the groove fr
But when will DennyDelivers actually deliver me pizza? (I miss the Hamlin Dominos commercial)
But he was actually in the groove
"Don't disturb this Groove"
Eric is flabbergasted in that thumbnail 😭
Glad you got to experience this! I did 50 laps driving the car at Gateway and it was insane. Made me have a new found respect for the motorsport when you realize how bare bones the cars are and the forces you feel. Best was when you shifted into 4th got to speed and when you let of the accelerator the engine brake was crazy. Yeah that brake pedal? It's like stomping on a cement block.
The real question is how did you fit in this thing??!! 😂
Barely, is the answer lol
I was coming here to type this and I’m glad it already was typed lol
I’m 6’4” and when I went to TMS and did the Nascar experience they line you up by height. Shortest to tallest because the seats are not adjustable. Each car is set for a certain persons height. One thing I liked was being the tallest put me in the back which allowed for more passing!
💀
Remember Mikey Waltrip is 6ft 5.,
I did this a while ago, it feels like you're in a ball in the turns. It's mesmerizing. I'm glad you loved it like I did!
Me too. My driver never went over 100 MPH and he stayed low the entire time. Eric was blessed with special attention and that is good.
The groove is strong with this video
the fact eric fits in the car is amazing
3:57 fast forward 5 years and Eric is a driver/ owner in the xfinity series 😉
Double E Racing
I’ve ridden around talladega and driven Bristol/Atlanta. It’s wild to think that the cars you get in at these racing experiences are still 20-40mph slower than the actual cup and xfinity cars. Makes you really appreciate what these drivers do each weekend.
Eric! It’s Chad! Thank you for coming out! It was a lot of fun…we’ll do it again February!! - and yes, you are driving, too!
Eric out here doing side quests. 😂
Dang!! I can't believe it took you that long! That's when I truly had respect for NASCAR drivers. Thanks for sharing. Dover is a must!!!
Wow. This is my dream to do someday. Looks very fun. I hope you had fun!
I had the opportunity to do the driver experience (putting you behind the wheel) a few years ago, originally scheduled for Talladega, but as it was rained out, they upgraded me to Daytona. An amazing experience.
It really gives you an appreciation of what these drivers have to go through. I topped out at about 150 nowhere near what these guys are doing and had the realization of oh my God lol
TLM
That seemed so exhilarating! You got a really cool simulation of life on the track and endurance these drivers face multiple times a year. Fortunately, except for the flips.
Eric said “Woah” even before they were off pit road. 😂good stuff
Really brings it to life. AMAZING
I'm glad you got to do this!! Driving is a whole new experience, too... go for it!!
wearing my racing experience shirt today. did it this june, i had so much fun. a great gift!
Did one of those in a two-seater IndyCar some time back at IMS. Really awesome experience.
As someone who has done the Richard Petty Driving School at Richmond Raceway (as the driver), I personally recommend this to all NASCAR fans. My personal average lap speed at Richmond Raceway was 103 mph in 2015. The actual drivers that year averaged 121 mph at Richmond.
I did this about 2 years ago at Daytona. It was freaking awesome I have to do it again!!!
The look on your face was hilarious, congrats on doing that experience.
Cool video, Eric.... Thanks for bringing us along.
Seems absolutely unforgettable! I want to do one here in the future!
I took this ride along several years ago in Daytona. What I took away from it was great respect for the drivers. Going through the corners seemed like driving on a narrow ribbon of pavement. I couldn't imagine it even being possible to drive 3-wide through them! I later did the driving experience at New Smyrna Speedway. Driving on this short track was so much fun! Don't wait to get behind the wheel!
Did a ride along at least 15 years ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Any fan should get to experience it at least once.
That is awesome.... I don't think people realize the demand that these drivers have on their body and mind... the top level athletes these drivers are is highly underappreciated and underrated....
It is a great experience. I did the ride along in Daytona back in 1999. Can't believe it was 25 years ago. I suggest doing it at Atlanta, the speed sensation is greater. Good video.
That onboard cam was incredible ! It actually scared me 😅 which is no easy feat !
My wife bought me the driving experience for 8 laps on my 70th birthday at Daytona. It was Sunday morning on race weekend when she told me and I was in shock. I heard about the ride around but never knew you could actually drive the car yourself around the track. I was a bit freaked out because there were teams and fans all over the place and all I could think of was spinning out and hitting the wall in front of a bunch of people. As it turn out my fastest lap speed was 154.4 mph when the rev limiter kicked in or I would have gone for more. After the 8 laps my arms ached for three days, but wow what an experience that was. I think Richard Childress had his eye on me until he saw my grey hair.
I’ve said it before I’ll say it again. I’m here for any and every Estepp road trip. Outstanding content
I did this at Autoclub speedway back in 2023 with the Rusty Wallace racing experience and man, I've never had such a dopamine rush in all my life. Hope you had a great time Eric, looked so good
Eric, when you decide to drive the car, try it at Texas Motor Speedway! They put you in a car with a professional in the passenger seat with ten other cars and you actually get to pass cars as you race. Some tracks make you stay behind a specific car, but not at TMS.
They also film you while you’re driving and give you the video after your experience.
That was great. And people say NASCAR drivers aren't athletes!
Any taller you'd need a NASCAR convertible 😅
Great video didn't expect this
I did the Ride-Along at the Brickyard oval a number of years ago and it was one of the highlights of my life. Speeds were similar but I didn't have the banking to experience. The coolest part was when we were running the wall coming up behind a much slower car, dove down, went around him at a much higher speed and then shot back up to the wall again. I was smiling for days afterwards.
One year talladega had a fan day and you got to drive around the track, that was fun.
I did this at Texas a year ago. Absokute fun, and gave me a new perspective of thr track.
That was Awesome! 'Rubbin is racing!
I got to do the Milwaukee Mile ride along from a Christmas gift from my family, I felt the adrenaline and it reaffirmed my love for racing
One of these days, I'll ride along at Daytona. I was fortunate enough to do so at Auto Club when it was still there (alongside driving my own car around the track when the opportunity presented itself for charity)
I did this at Texas in 2010. Had a fire suite and a headrest that you did not have. Can't believe you did it without a headrest. 170 mph in the turns had my head slammed against the headrest.
I did an experience at Chicagoland driving myself and hit 155. This makes me jealous! So cool!
Open face helmet in street clothes is insane
I did a ride along at Myrtle Beach in 2015. I recommend a short track next to feel the acceleration and braking forces. Insane that the car even makes the corner at those speeds.
I did that at NH motor speedway and actually drove a cup car. Was nice to do recommend it to people who like to experience something like it.
If Eric was any taller they would've had to cut a sunroof in a Nascar! 😂
I did a ride along in Michigan back when it was Richard Petty Expwrience, or whatever it was back in the day. My dad went to drive as a birthday gift and he bought me and my sister a ride along spot while we were there.
Daytona is a monument to racing, and to the fans and drivers.
Wow cool Eric! I always wanna be on the NASCAR Racing Experience in my life I hope one day I can have the same experience you had as well!
I did the Richard Petty experience in '06 on vacation in Vegas from Canada and what a blast...🤯
We got Eric in the rainbow warrior before GTA 6
My parents got me the ride along at California Speedway for my high school graduation. My biggest takeaways from that were how tight turn 3 looked as we came down the back straightaway on that first lap and how quickly the wall came at you on the exit of turn 2. This makes me wanna go do it again somewhere!
I drove at Las Vegas, only 147mph. But I did realize at those speeds it drove more like a go-kart than an automobile. You turn hard and it moves. I'll never forget it, and that was 25 - 30 years ago.
You picked the right car to do the ride along. I love the rainbow warrior paint scheme. 😊🌈
I liked seeing the wow factor on your face as the revs increased.
Yet another reason to love Eric 😂
The rainbow Dupont is the greatest paint scheme I've ever seen in NASCAR, so glad Eric went in that car even if he roots for Kenseth
out of the grove more like in the groove
Thanks for sharing that. I'm a 75-year-old NASCAR ban for 50 years. And that was exciting for you and me too. So thanks for doing it.
I'm fromspywa and we race out here short tractor I'm a fan of lyrics, so keep on keeping on here you get better every week.
This is on my bucket list , I did get to ride in the two seat sprint car at Knoxville Iowa 🏁 I can’t believe you rode in that race car at speed without a fire suit🫢
I was still at the hotel and heard you guys go by! I got my fix at K1 next door. 🏁
Did the ride a long Petty experience in Las Vegas. It was awesome. I can only imagine what Daytona would be like.
The experience is amazing! I did it in 2022 at autoclub (rip 😞) and i loved every second of it. My driver even cooked the left front so i got a pit stop as well 😂
I drove at California before they started tearing it down. It was such a cool experience to have at my home track before it went away. If I had to sum up the experience in three words they would be: hot, bumpy, and loud
My wife got me the ride along at Pocono last year for our anniversary it was awesome!
Eric, your channel is awesome and ver informative
I did both a ride along and a session where I drove by myself at Atlanta back in March. I will say the g-forces are different from the drivers side. I highly recommend driving one by yourself it’s so much fun!
Looks super fun! I'm afraid I would have been squealing!
That's a bucket list item for sure... but it's a long way to the big tracks from Edmonton, Canada!
I drove Daytona with the Racing Experience, and it was awesome, 140 on my own was crazy. Then I rode along at Talladega and that was even crazier at 170mph!
Eric....you gotta do the actual driving experience. I wasn't even a NASCAR fan but ended up doing a ride along in Phx years ago. That led to driving Phx....what a complete rush. Turned out to be expensive tho...driving Phx led to driving Charlotte, then Vegas, then Dallas...Talladega...Daytona...AutoClub... So much fun....I'm now a NASCAR fan....and a fan of your channel. As cool as the ride along is....the driving is even better....just do it. 😊
I got todo the ride along and got to drive the car and Texas Motor Speedway. Fun stuff!!
Glad you did that. Thank you.
I just did this a few weeks ago at New Hampshire. One of the coolest things I’ve ever done!!
I did the ride along at daytona a few years ago and was put in the same car, nothing else can match the feeling of being pushed downwards into your seat while driving sideways at 170 mph. I even did the ride along at homestead but those cars were so limited and would top out way before you reach the turn. Daytona is definitely the place to do the experience at
Great idea for a video Eric
imagine if Matt Kenseth gave you the ride
That’s so fantastic!
God bless your soul Eric, you’re the best 😂
Cool. I have driven at Charlotte, Rockingham last . It was smoking hot. great track and Xfinity and trucks back next year. I'm going to Darlington Monday Labor day. Bristol is on my list for next. year.
Awsome views at Daytona race track
I did the Richard Petty Racing Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway in 2003 and it was amazing, we only got up to like 145mph, but was intense.
That looks like so much fun, I always wondered what it would feel like to be in a car reaching 180 MPH
Looks awesome!
I got to do the Richard Petty Racing Experience at Atlanta several years ago! It was WILD!!
I really appreciated you checking out the number 48 as you went by lol I would’ve done the same
That looks totally awesome. The GeForce must be great. What a feeling can you imagine what NHRA driver goes through? Nitro driver.
A coworker who raced drag trucks surprised me with a ride along as a retirement present years ago. I remember not being able to press record on my camera when he hammered it. Fun experience, glad you got to go!
I did this years ago at Fontana (RIP) and I just about passed out every time the car went off into the corner because of the G's. Great experience overall, though!
I did this at Phoenix, it was a blast.
I did the Richard Petty Driving Experience at LVMS in the early 2000's. It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Now Eric ya gotta DRIVE ONE. We're wondering why you didn't do that.
I drove a lowes nascar race car. And a ride in a nascar craftsman dodge truck and a old busch car back in the 1990's.
My wife bought me the driving experience at Texas Motor Speedway about 10 years ago. It was great. They had the cars speed limited to 150mph but it was still fun. Got the certificate saying I drove 150mph average for one lap.
Do the driving. I did the Mario Andretti Experience (open wheel) along side the Richard Petty Driving Experience (stock cars) at Charlotte for my 50th birthday. It was a blast. Amazed at how quickly they would give you the keys and turn you loose in a race car!! I must not have looked like I was going to do anything too crazy.... And the open wheel was definitely scarier. LOL
Drove the cars at Pocono it was amazing!
This is a bucket list item for sure. I wanna do this soooo bad at dover
I have always wanted to do that!😊
Awesome video looks like fun