The entire ride along racing experience (from arrival at the track to departure from it) generally lasts about two hours. When you aren't prepping for the ride of a lifetime or zipping around the track in an authentic Sprint Cup stock car, you'll enjoy time to snap photos on pit road and take in the atmosphere of a real NASCAR race track from right on the asphalt!
The duration of your ride along time in the stock car depends on factors like track length and conditions, as well as the opted for lap-count package. Harnessing a 600 HP stock car, a pro driver typically covers a lot of track territory in a very short amount of time—which is what this experience is all about! For example, a 3-lap ride along can often be completed in an estimated 90 seconds. But remember, times vary given a track's characteristics, as well as accounting for safe acceleration from and braking into pit road, as part of the ride along's first and last laps.
For any track time in-between, get ready for the most heart-pounding MPHs and G-force filled experience of your life! Stock car ride alongs are often compared to the extreme thrill of skydiving: while the experience may not take very long to execute in "real time," the sheer adrenaline rush and intensity of the atmosphere at hand go entirely unrivaled, making time almost seem to slow as participants are absorbed in the mind-blowing moment! While any lap-count is a worthwhile option, opting for a 6-lap ride along (when/where offered and available) always comes highly recommended, in order to take advantage of the most dazzling amount of track time possible.
Who can participate in stock car ride alongs?
Height, weight and age requirements often vary across NASCAR racing schools and track locations. So a good rule of thumb is to contact Virgin Experience Gifts prior to purchasing or booking a ride along, to confirm participation eligibility at a track of choice — especially if this experience serves as a gift or surprise for someone other than yourself. Rider requirements can also be found under the "Key Info" section of the stock car ride along experiences listed in specific regions here on our website.
Fun fact: stock cars do not have doors! So apart from individual rider specifications across racing schools, participants must be able to climb through the car's window with minimal assistance, which sits about 36" off the ground and is 15" high x 30" wide.
Can family and friends come watch?
Absolutely! Some NASCAR racing tracks that host stock car ride along experiences offer a special seating area for spectators. Others welcome guests, but recommend they bring their own lawn chairs. More information regarding spectator accommodations is often offered under the "FAQs" section of the listings for ride alongs in specific regions on our website.
Where do participants go once at the track?
NASCAR racing tracks are often very big places. Racing schools do their best to provide parking info and navigation tips in advance, which are then communicated to participants (if available) by Virgin Experience Gifts in all booking confirmation emails. Some tracks will also offer temporary signage, if possible. And should you have any doubts upon arrival, just ask! The track/office personnel will be happy to help direct you to parking and/or pit road — which is where all stock car racing experiences ultimately start and end.
