Above: Kristin Wicklund is ecstatic after her 165 mph RideAlong in a NASCAR-style stock car at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
PHOTOS BY IAN CURCIO
the Richard Petty Driving Experience. “Are there any other ladies participating today?” I ask him. “Actually, only 8 to 10 percent of the Ride-Along participants are women, but that number is increasing,” he says. “Interestingly, 80 percent of the people who call us for info or purchase the tickets are women buying the experience for loved ones.” Standing near the track, I suit up in a fireproof racing suit, and a friendly man fits a helmet and detachable neck brace on my head and neck. Then, with a thundering “vroom, vroom,” my ride pulls up. It’s a red Budweiser stock car with a big “8” painted on the side – a replica of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former vehicle. “Our cars are much like authentic NASCAR cars,” McKee says. “The only differences are they’re made of fiberglass instead of sheet metal, they have two seats
instead of one, and they’re 600 horsepower instead of 700.” I’m introduced to my driver, Eric, and I climb in the passenger seat through the 15-by-30-inch window. At this point, I’m getting nervous. “Try not to kill us,” I tell Eric, only half joking. He just grins. And with a rumble of the engine, we’re off. The acceleration feels much like the nosedive of a roller coaster drop, but once we’re cruising – well, roaring – around the track at 165 miles per hour, I’m sitting pretty in my seat enjoying the thrill. All too soon, I see a checkered flag signal the end of our ride. The car slows to a stop, and I climb out, dumbfounded by what I’ve just done. It’s that kind of edge-of-your-seat adventure that brings thrill-seekers to North Carolina by the thousands each year. And it doesn’t stop with NASCAR. You can also make haste by riding jet boats on Fontana Lake or motorcycles on the Tail of the Dragon SEE VIDEO ONLINE visitnc.com/2008/outdoors, whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River or hitting the slopes at one of North Carolina’s ski resorts. Once back home, my family and friends are amused – and impressed – by my Richard Petty experience. “You must be crazy riding in a car going 165 miles per hour,” says my grandmother, on the verge of scolding. “I am,” I retort. “And I think I’m gonna do it again.”
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NORTH CAROLINA TRAVEL GUIDE