Ride along or drive on a track for 18yo bd

berettafan · 06-10-2022, 11:52 AM

Son is turning 18 and i'd love to get him a few laps in a race car of some sort as a gift. There are a few things out there that cost thousands but trying to find something a bit more modest. Driving would be the coolest to him i'm sure but even a ride along in something fast would likely be a hoot. Any ideas out there? We are in Maryland so not terrible distance from NJMP, Summit Point and VIR.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

I would have him do a racing school, pretty sure SCCA offers some at reasonable prices.

gchappel · 06-10-2022, 12:18 PM

Check with your local PCA.
Do they do any drivers events in your area?
I gave a few kids a couple of fast laps over the years.
I did it for friends, but I suspect you could talk your way in.
Another option would be a defensive driving school- they often have a wet skid pad.
Use the actual car they usually drive- cheap, educational and a blast
gary

masraum · 06-10-2022, 12:21 PM

I've not done these.
I'd like to do this one or one like it, and know a couple of folks that have.
https://www.thextremexperience.com/

This looks like it has stuff in the east
https://circuit1events.com/

I went to the first F1 race at COTA in Austin, TX. That same week, there was a thing in the area where you could ride in a 3 seat F1 car. I did it and it was awesome.

This isn't my ride, but it's the same car on the same week at the same track. IIRC, I think it was about $1k, and it was worth it to me. But I'm sure there are other experiences that are equally good in a different way.

LWJ · 06-10-2022, 12:21 PM

I did laps with the Porsche / Alfa / BMW club years back as a passenger. It was no cost.

There is a driver school for teens (offered all over the country, last I heard) that is track centric. Don't know the name. It is all about hauling azz but with the intent on teaching car control / safety. Low cost I believe but it fills up quickly.

I bet you can network with someone local to get some passenger laps in. Going 150MPH on PIR was a pretty memorable event for me.

Rtrorkt · 06-10-2022, 05:30 PM

Potomac PCA runs a great event. Check them out. Summit original track is a good learning experience. VIR full course is a bit scary, though the south course is pretty good.

hbueno · hbueno's Garage

I did the Richard Petty racing experience years ago at the now defunct Disney Speedway. I chose the 10 lap experience. It was a blast and I had several tboughts and revelations. One, how the stock car seemed sloppy at slow speeds but became stable and responsive at speed. Two, it's one thing to follow an instructor at 3/4 racing speed, it must be terrifying bumping fenders at racing speed. Three, the sound of that engine was glorious. Four, I wanted to go faster and do more laps.

It was a great experience and professionally run. Highly recommended.

syncroid · 06-11-2022, 08:35 AM

I did the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Riverside California a few years back. I had new respect for those cars. Approaching the first banked turn at 150mph makes you feel like you're just going to shoot right over the top.

rockfan4 · 06-11-2022, 01:32 PM

The answer depends on his interest in cars, or things that go fast.

If I were 18 today I'd be thrilled if my father rented two seats in either ChampCar or WRL, or a similar series. Not in a top class car, something in a lower class, but well prepped and with a history of completing races.

berettafan · 06-11-2022, 05:45 PM

He’s started following f1 (loves it) and plans to be joining his schools formula sae club soon. Would like him to have a sense of what it really feels like so he can relate when designing or working on parts. I racing can only get you so far.

jim72911t · 06-11-2022, 08:03 PM

You’re on a Porsche forum, so I’d assume you have at least a car or two that is track worthy. If that is the case, take him to a track day and let him drive. I’ve had a lot of fun with SCCA’s Track Night in America. Great group of people, and they emphasize fun and getting to know your fellow drivers over speed. Plus, the events are inexpensive at around $150/driver. I took my GF to one last year (we shared my M3, her novice and me advanced) and she had a blast. Do it!

Otter74 · 06-13-2022, 08:39 AM

When I was about to graduate from high school, I gave myself a graduation present of a BMW CCA track event. The car that my sister and I drove in high school was our dad's E21 320iS. Event was at Road Atlanta. Despite blowing a tire in the esses on the second day, I had a great time and it was the catalyst for more track days over the years, into my early 30s or so, in the Sentra SE-R that I got about a month after that first event. I'd consider signing him up for something local in whatever car you've got that is track-worthy.

Eric Hahl · Eric Hahl's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim72911t

You’re on a Porsche forum, so I’d assume you have at least a car or two that is track worthy. If that is the case, take him to a track day and let him drive. I’ve had a lot of fun with SCCA’s Track Night in America. Great group of people, and they emphasize fun and getting to know your fellow drivers over speed. Plus, the events are inexpensive at around $150/driver. I took my GF to one last year (we shared my M3, her novice and me advanced) and she had a blast. Do it!

As talked about above, Track Night in America is great.

Skytrooper · Skytrooper's Garage

PCA HPDE is a great way to let him see if it is something he wants to do. Then you can sign him up for some of the open wheel schools. They are better if he really understands track driving already. iRacing can help hone skills in between actual on track lessons.

Flat Six · Flat Six's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbueno

I did the Richard Petty racing experience years ago at the now defunct Disney Speedway. I chose the 10 lap experience. It was a blast and I had several tboughts and revelations. One, how the stock car seemed sloppy at slow speeds but became stable and responsive at speed. Two, it's one thing to follow an instructor at 3/4 racing speed, it must be terrifying bumping fenders at racing speed. Three, the sound of that engine was glorious. Four, I wanted to go faster and do more laps.

It was a great experience and professionally run. Highly recommended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by syncroid

I did the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Riverside California a few years back. I had new respect for those cars. Approaching the first banked turn at 150mph makes you feel like you're just going to shoot right over the top.

I did the same a number of years back, at California Raceway in Fontucky. Air temp was ~110, add 15 on the track. Balls-o-fun. I especially liked the orientation ride, where one of the instructors drove us around the track at 100+. In a passenger van. Woohooo!

Alan A · 06-13-2022, 03:53 PM

Atlanta too far?
Look at the Porsche driving experiences.

berettafan · 06-13-2022, 04:47 PM

Thanks for all the ideas!

Unfortunately no track appropriate vehicles in our household. Two full size SUV's and a super duty. The 911 was parted out and the market got away from me before i could get back in. Had a miata for ax but sold it shortly before quitting my day job and going self employed.