L. A. Racing could be the ideal setting to bring out that inner-racecar driver from within you. While there are various driving academies that offer a similar "behind the wheel" experience, this one offers up a wider variety of selections than most other facilities.
The L.A. Racing team educates participants with classroom sessions and the opportunity to drive an actual late-model NASCAR stock car at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in Southern California. The course is a one-half-mile, 12-degree banked oval track. There is a course for those who would rather be driven instead of driving as well as a 10-lap, a 20-lap, and a 40-lap experience that provide classroom and in-car instruction. The 10-lap adventure is priced at $299 per driver, and the 20-lap run costs $399. The supersize 40-lap day is $699.
The driving academy’s most extensive program is an all-day affair that puts participants in cars and subjects them to real competitive conditions. Students take a NASCAR-level stock car on the track and drive side by side with up to three other students driving identical-built, 3,300-pound racecars. A five-lap time-test qualifying session also is included in the curriculum. The price of the Competition course per driver is $1,895. These special classes are limited to only four drivers.
For an extra $36, a daytime driver can return to the track that evening with three guests and watch the races. The L.A. Racing crew also offers a five-lap drive around the track for the "not-yet-ready to drive but still want to catch an adrenaline buzz" type at $159. For more information, visit LARacingX.com.
