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Location(s): Richmond International Speedway; Richmond, VA
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Drive a Stock Car in Richmond

Feel the adrenaline rush that comes with racing a real, Sprint Cup style stock car around the Richmond International Speedway at speeds up to 150 mph. After a brief instructional period, strap in for the ride of your life behind the wheel of a real race car!
  • Real 500+ horse power Sprint Cup style stock cars
  • Reach speeds up to 125mph like the professionals do on Sundays
  • All cars are competition ready, one even sat front row at The Daytona 500!
  • Fulfill a childhood dream and be the envy of your friends
 Click Here to read full details.

Description:
Experience first-hand the thrill and excitement of racing in a Sprint cup style stock car.

After a short classroom session where you will learn vehicle dynamics, racing lines, and safety instruction you will head out to the track to find your 500 horse power Sprint Cup style stock car waiting.

A crew member buckles you in, checks your radio, and gives the "thumbs up" sign to your instructor. You will start your engine, hear that V8 roar, and pull onto the track! Then the green flag flies and it is "pedal to the metal".

As your Instructor coaches you over the radio you will drive at your own pace, passing slower cars when you catch them. Feel the exhilaration from flag to flag as you experience side-by-side racing, drafting, passing, pit stops and more.

You can choose from a variety of lap options, but don't be surprised if you leave wanting more!

Add a Ride Along
Select one of our options that includes a 4 Lap Ride Along and let a professional driver show you the full potential of these amazing racecars as he takes you on the ride of your life! The perfect addition for any Driving package!

Availability:
Select Dates - March through August
Click here for Schedule
AM times are typically 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00.
PM times are typically 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00.

Location(s):
Richmond International Speedway; Richmond, VA

Essential Information:
You will have a guaranteed amount of driving time. We've listed the number of laps a typical student will complete in the time allowed, however the actual number of laps you drive will depend on your speed, slower drivers may drive fewer laps.

Note the first 4 laps of all packages will be warm up laps, with the remaining laps under a full green flag.

Participants must be 18 years of age and must have had a valid driver's license for at least 2 years.

Participants must weigh at least 100 pounds. Individuals must also be able to fit through a standard size car window to enter the vehicle and may have difficulty if they weigh more than 300 pounds, are taller than 6' 7", or have a waist size over 50 inches.

Insurance on the race car and a DVD of your experience can both be purchased directly from your provider after the experience has been booked.

We recommend bringing snacks and drinks to enjoy while at the track. Some seating is provided, however, we recommend bringing lawn chairs to guarantee a seat for any spectators.

Duration:
8 - 80 Lap Options. Note the first 4 laps of all packages will be warm up laps, with the remaining laps under a full green flag. Approximately 2 - 4 hours at the track depending on the package.

Maximum Participants:
3-8 per session.

Spectators:
Allowed

Weather Dependent:
This experience is weather dependent; however classes may run in the rain. Always contact the Experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions. Should your experience be canceled due to weather, the provider will reschedule your experience at no cost.

What to Wear:
Wear comfortable clothing. No open toed shoes. A driving suit and helmet will be provided to all drivers.

Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 3-4 weeks in advance.

Cancellation Policy:
Prior to scheduling/booking a date for this experience, Cloud 9's standard return and exchange policy shall apply. Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no returns or exchanges are allowed. Outside of thirty (30) days of your scheduled class date, if you need to reschedule for any reason you will be required to pay a $50 processing fee. Inside of thirty (30) days of your scheduled class date, if you need to reschedule for any reason the fee will be 50% of your class tuition. No cancellations or rescheduling allowed within 7 days of the event for any reason. Substitutions of an otherwise qualified driver to avoid these penalties are permitted.

Experience ID:
DRI-RIC-0007

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Customer Comments (View All)
Erica Lopez Drive a Stock Car
Drive a Stock Car

Home Town:
Chicago, IL

My husband looked like a 5 year-old boy coming out of that stock car. The smile didn't go away for a few hours. What a thrill!
Erica Lopez
Dan Beach Drive a Stock Car
Drive a Stock Car

Home Town:
Long Beach, CA

What a blast! This was a surprise gift from my wife, and it was just fantastic. The staff were terrific, they really went out of their way to ensure I enjoyed the experience. Cross one off the Bucket List!
Dan Beach
John Hilton Drive a Stock Car
Drive a Stock Car

Home Town:
West Sacramento, CA

I had the greatest experience and time doing this. All the people were outstanding and friendly. This was one of my things that I was able to take off my "Bucket List". If I had the opportunity, I would definitely do this again!
John Hilton
David Meyers Drive a Stock Car
Drive a Stock Car

Home Town:
Wheeling, IL

I had the best time ever! It was an unbelievable experience that I hope I can do again one day soon.
David Meyers
Adam Shepherd Milwaukee Mile Drive a Stock Car
Drive a Stock Car

Location:
Milwaukee Mile

One of the best times of my life!
Adam Shepherd
View More Comments >>

I drove one of your cars at Richmond this past weekend and thought it was an excellent experience! Overall, it was really fun! Having driven twice before with 2 other companies, your company was far superior. None of the others provide instruction, none had insurance policies, and both had pace cars to keep speeds well below an exciting level.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Chicago, IL

My husband looked like a 5 year-old boy coming out of that stock car. The smile didn't go away for a few hours. What a thrill!

4.5 / 5 stars

From Long Beach, CA

What a blast! This was a surprise gift from my wife, and it was just fantastic. The staff were terrific, they really went out of their way to ensure I enjoyed the experience. Cross one off the Bucket List!

4.5 / 5 stars

From West Sacramento, CA

I had the greatest experience and time doing this. All the people were outstanding and friendly. This was one of my things that I was able to take off my "Bucket List". If I had the opportunity, I would definitely do this again!

4.5 / 5 stars

From Wheeling, IL

I had the best time ever! It was an unbelievable experience that I hope I can do again one day soon.

4.5 / 5 stars

One of the best times of my life!

4.5 / 5 stars

What a great time I had at the Milwaukee Mile for the drive a stock Car experience! My wife bought it for me as a 40th birthday gift. I had a excellent car to drive and great instructor. I would highly recommend it. Thanks for the memory!

4.5 / 5 stars

My wife and daughter surprised me with this perfect gift. I loved it! I'm used to being a NASCAR fan on the other side of the fence at New Hampshire Motor Speedway - this experience gives me a brand new perspective.

4.5 / 5 stars

Two generations about to go 150 miles an hour...It was awesome !

4.5 / 5 stars

It was an all around awesome experience. I felt like I had a crew member assigned to me and only me that helped me with everything from getting in the car to explaining EVERYTHING! By the time we got to our cars there was no unanswered questions. The whole process was great! Thanks Cloud 9, for one of the most exciting experiences I have had...can't wait to do it again!

4.5 / 5 stars

this experience was a one i will never forget i am still smiling every time i talk or think about it....i will do this again!!!!!only through your racing school...my wife wants to try it and also a few friends....thank you for making my day a great memory

4.5 / 5 stars

From Roanoke, Va

The permanent grin has been enough endorsement to get multiple friends and family to ask, "When's the next chance to do the racing experience?". The staff and cars were outstanding.

4.5 / 5 stars

Excellent value. Top-notch!

4.5 / 5 stars

Exceptional customer service when I needed to book and then adjust my reservation. I liked when calling in that the representative helping me remembered me from a previous conversation. She was very helpful.

4.5 / 5 stars

Very good experience.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Manchester, New Hampshire

"A truly unique way to view the world. We had a great time and will definitely come back again..."

4.5 / 5 stars

From Los Angeles, CA

Thanks for the greatest thrill of my life!!! I will never forget when the plane door opened and my time to jump came. The best!!! Special thanks to Eddie for being sooooo cool. I?ll be back!

4.5 / 5 stars

Thanks! Just wanted to thank you guys for my amazing first experience!!!!! Please thank Jimmy for being so great and helping me thru my first jump. You guys are so helpful and comforting.. and my friends and I will definitely be back really soon!!! Thanks again.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Tampa, FL

We had so much fun; what a great time. Our pilot was the best!

4.5 / 5 stars

From Tampa, FL

We had so much fun; what a great time. Our pilot was the best!

4.5 / 5 stars

We made it to your site Friday and were totally impressed with your facility and staff. My wife was worried about participating and now she can't wait to go again. Your selection of equipment covered my 5'2" wife as well as my 6' heavy frame. We'd also like to thank Juan for a great job. See you again in April.

4.5 / 5 stars

From Paris France

It's been a great experience, I just want to keep diving now. I'll come back for sure, Thank you!

4.5 / 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars - based on 22 reviews
  1. What is the typical day like?
    All of our classes start with small classes, no waiting for a racecar. You'll start with a ten-page handout and a one-hour orientation in a classroom setting. Here you will learn vehicle dynamics, racing lines, and safety instruction. After this orientation, an instructor will take you in a passenger vehicle (typically a van) a few laps around the track to demonstrate the ideal racing line of the track. Now it is on to pit road for your firesuit and helmet. We'll pick a racecar, buckle you in and you'll get the command to fire engines. After those 500 horses roar to life, you'll proceed onto the track for your warm-up session that will last 4 Laps. It will cover radio contact, passing, proper line, braking and acceleration points and lastly we'll scrub the tires and start building speed. Then the command to go green will be given. Note: The first 4 laps of all packages will be warm up laps, with the remaining laps under a full green flag.
  2. Is there an age requirement?
    All drivers must be at least 18 years old and must have had a driver's license for at least 2 years.
  3. Are there other requirements?
    Yes. Drivers must be between 5' and 6'7" tall, weigh at least 100 pounds and have a waist size no bigger than 50 inches. The doors on the cars do not open, so the participant must be able to fit into a standard size car window (15" high x 30" wide and 36" off the ground). If you're near the limits of the size requirements, please call prior to purchasing. There will be no refund due to a student's inability to fit in a race car.
  4. What type of cars are used?
    All of the cars are actual race cars previously used in NASCAR Nextel Cup, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Busch Series, or Dodge Weekly Racing Series. They are Ford, Chevy, and Dodges all 2005 model year and newer.
  5. Do I need to know how to drive a stick?
    No! You don't have to know how to drive a manual transmission; we are able to accommodate drivers who have never driven one before. We simply put the car into gear for you and push you off.
  6. Can I choose the car that I will drive?
    No. All of the cars are exactly the same; however the seats are different sizes to fit different body types. The Crew Chief will assign students to the cars based on their sizes.
  7. Are they "REAL" racecars?
    You bet! They've all been raced in competition. (Including one that sat on the front row at
    Daytona!) One of the Late Models was raced last fall at Thompson and climbed from 24th place to and 8th place finish.
  8. How long is the track?
    Richmond International Speedway is a 3/4 mile D-Shaped oval.
  9. What if it rains?
    In the event your session is canceled due to weather conditions, you will be provided a rain check good for one year from your original booked date to complete your program. Refunds will not be offered.
  10. Can I bring guests?
    Spectators are always allowed, and encouraged!! We always love to have the drivers/riders friends and family at the racetrack. They are more than welcome to bring cameras and video cameras, as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages if they wish. Spectators are only allowed in the grandstands and on behind the wall on pit road; due to our insurance regulations they are not allowed on the actual pit road.
  11. Do I need a reservation?
    Yes. We suggest submitting a request at least 6 weeks in advance for this particular track in order to ensure that you get the date you prefer. The dates tend to fill up quickly.
  12. Do I have to follow a pace car?
    No, you will not be required to follow a pace car. You will start behind a lead car for a few laps, and then you'll be waved by to race on your own.
  13. Do I need to bring anything?
    No, everything is provided for you. You should dress comfortably with a T-shirt that will fit under the driving suit, and sneakers (NO BOOTS). Friends and family, cameras and video cameras are encouraged.
  14. Do you offer photography or video of my experience?
    Yes. In-car video and professional digital photography to remember your day at the racetrack are available for an additional cost. DVD prices vary according to package size:

    8 -Lap Drive - $29
    16 -Lap Drive - $49
    26- Lap Drive - $69
    36- Lap Drive - $89
    50 -Lap Drive - $114
    80- Lap Drive - $159

    *Thompson Track is sized differently, therefore prices correspond to 10-Lap for $29, 20-Lap for $49, 36-Lap for $69, 50-Lap for $89, etc.

  15. Do I need to purchase insurance?
    An insurance policy is available for $60.00 for damage to the racecar, subject to a $1000.00 deductible. Due to the quality of our training and racecars, damage is rare. You are responsible for your own health insurance in the event that it is needed.
  16. What is the cancellation policy?
    Prior to scheduling/booking a date for this experience, Cloud 9's standard return and exchange policy shall apply. Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no returns or exchanges are allowed. Outside of thirty (30) days of your scheduled class date, if you need to reschedule for any reason you will be required to pay a $50 processing fee.  Inside of thirty (30) days of your scheduled class date, if you need to reschedule for any reason the fee will be 50% of your class tuition.  No cancellations or rescheduling allowed within 7 days of the event for any reason.  Substitutions of an otherwise qualified driver to avoid these penalties are permitted.
  17. What is the track like?
    Richmond International Raceway, known as America?s Premier Short Track, is a 3/4-mile (1.2 km), D-shaped, asphalt race track located just outside Richmond, Virginia in Henrico County.