Daytona International Speedway

Like many spouses out there, mine loves NASCAR. Actually he loved Dale Earnhardt and now takes that loyalty to his son Dale, Jr. From day one of our dating, I knew that I was going to have to jump on board with that interest or I would be spending many weekends alone while he watched the races.

When we moved to Florida for the first time, 7 years ago, I knew just what I wanted to give him for a birthday present -- Richard Petty’s Driving Experience. There were several tracks to choose from including Daytona, Homestead and Walt Disney World Speedway and I chose the Mac Daddy of them all, which is Daytona. I wanted to give him the “Drive Along” experience, but it was a little out of my budget.

We made a day of it at the Daytona International Speedway. We arrived early to take the tour before my husband strapped in for his trip around the Speedway. Then we visited Daytona USA, which has added even more attractions now than when we visited the first time.

I can only give you the second hand account, but the look on my husband’s face when he got out of the passenger side of the car leads me to believe that any one loving speed would love the experience. He said they got up to about 170 mph and he swore they got close enough to the wall that he could have touched it (if he had wanted to get rid of an arm). He said it was amazing and that the driver was so relaxed he actually drove with one hand at times. Now my only warning is that once he finished with the ride he was ready to start saving for the “Experience Package” where he could drive himself.

Take the time to visit Daytona USA while you are there. Take a look at the winner of the current year’s Daytona 500. They actually just drive it in off the speedway. They don’t even wash the car first. It still has asphalt, paint scrapes and dents that occurred during the race. My husband loved the simulators on Thunder Road. You can also test your family’s skill with the pit crew challenge and try out the “Daytona Dream Laps Simulator”.

It is a wonderful activity for the family. Once you finish at the Speedway head east for just a few miles and drive along Daytona Beach. Yes, I said DRIVE!!!