That's one off the bucket list

I had a mind-blowing day! I went on my long-awaited Richard Petty Ride-Along Experience, which took place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A shuttle picked me up at Harrah's Hotel & Casino, along with a guy who would be doing one of the actual driving experiences. Already on the board the shuttle were a couple from Florida and four Australian gentlemen. None of us had done the ride-along before, so everyone was pretty excited. When we arrived at the speedway, our group was given a tour of the Race Shop, where they maintain and repair the NASCAR race cars used for the ride-along and driving experiences. Then, it was adrenaline rush time!

Everyone was issued a protective driving suit...which was worn over our street clothes...a head covering and a race helmet. The workers there did a good job eye-balling everyone's sizes...the suit and helmet selected for me fit perfectly! There was one more important item placed over my neck before my ride...the Hans device or head restraint. This is a piece of equipment developed for drivers to protect them from fractures to the back of the skull after crashes. Sadly, this was brought to the public's attention after NASCAR racer Dale Earnhardt's untimely death in 2001. All decked out in my race gear, I was now ready for my thrill ride! I was led to the race car, and I climbed in through the window...no doors here! A worker strapped me in, and pointed out the emergency releases for my belts and head restraint. I was glued to the seat and I couldn't move my head much. The driver introduced himself...I think his name was Jim. At that point, a photographer took my photo, which would be available for purchase after the ride. In addition, there would be video cameras recording me in the car, as well as the car traveling around the track. This would be burned to a DVD as another memento of the day.

Then, the driver started the engine. It roared to life and I could feel the vibration throughout the vehicle. A pace car pulled out in front of us and we immediately gave chase. The race car quickly accelerated...and away we went! The speed was incredible...supposed around 160 mph...and the car literally hugged the banked track. The Las Vegas super speedway is 1.5 miles long with an incline or bank of 20%. As the car went around the track, I was rendered speechless. The ride was both exhilarating and scary. I found myself praying that we wouldn't crash, but I was also enjoying the experience. The car did three laps...and then, it was over. What an awesome ride! When I crawled out of the car, my legs felt a bit wobbly. It must have been the adrenaline wearing off.

After I got the gear off, I went to the merchandise trailer and found they mounted the photo of me in a nice plaque. I opted to buy it, and also ordered a copy of the DVD. After the ride, I decided once was enough, and I wanted to have something to remember the experience. I must say, now that I know what it's like to be in a NASCAR race car, I have a new found respect for the drivers who do it for a living. To go 200 or 400 laps around a track in a race car is a strenuous and stressful occupation, with a definite element of risk involved. Would I recommend the ride-along experience? Heck, yeah! It might be one of the most thrilling things you'll ever do in your life!

When I returned to the Strip on the shuttle, I enjoyed a buffet lunch at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, then drove to the Tropicana for something less exhilarating, but no less entertaining. The hotel had a special exhibit called the Las Vegas Mob Experience...a audio/visual history of organized crime in Sin City. For a sawbuck...that's 10 bucks if you don't know...I found it to be amusing and informative. The first half of the exhibit featured live actors who brought to life the activities of The Mob. The interaction with them was fun, and made this experience well worth going to.

I ended my last day in Vegas with a trip to yet another museum...the Clark County Museum in Henderson. Tomorrow, I leave town and I'll spend the day doing some outdoor stuff. It will be nice enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. After walking through smoky casinos, I can use some cleansing out.