Memphis International Raceway, Tennessee, United States

5Jimmy K 5:00 PM Aug 8, 2015

Rusty Wallace Racing Experience 12 Lap Shootout at Memphis International Speedway
Showed up for the 12 lap at the 30 minute ahead of scheduled time as instructed. It was a little difficult finding the registration building but finally saw Registration on the door of the building. That could be a little bigger or a few more signs directing to it. Once inside, everything was very straightforward. There were ladies taking names and confirming packages and any additional things to purchase (vehicle insurance, video, ride along specials for drivers, etc.) When you were done completing all of that they gave you a pit pass and wrist band and told you where and when the driver's meeting/instruction would be and what time. Still had a little time to go out and get the family situated and look at the cars up until the time they started firing them up. The class time with the instructor was very informational. Pete was our instructor and he was very well spoken, engaged with his audience and put everyone at ease so that he could pass on all the information to make our experience that much better. He did a great job and had folks interacting and asking questions that he easily answered. It was hot but everyone from the instructor to all the pit road crews encouraged and pushed drivers to drink plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated. (This is a huge plus from the safety aspect, kudos) Once suited up and helmet issued, I made my way to pit road and was assigned a car. I forgot to mention that the class even gave some instruction on entrance/exit of the race car, just so you wouldn't embarrass yourself trying to do so. Once entered in the car, before completely getting in, the RWRE staff takes a cool picture of you (It ends up on a nice plaque that you can buy later) sitting on the window ledge. Now that you're in the car, there's pit road crewman that buckles you in from the HANS device, 5-pt harness and everything. When all that's done, they give you ear pieces to put in your helmet so that you can hear the spotter and pit boss. You're given some final instructions before you're told to fire it up and pull out to merge on the track coming out of turn 2. Then, you pedal down and listen to your spotter. There's also ride-along cars with professional drivers buzzing around the track while you're out there so at first it's a little intimidating to have them go by you like you're in the right lane on the autobahn, but it's also really cool to be on track, alone in your car with other cars on the track. You are in control of your car and that's it. After a lap or two, you get a feel for the car and you do get into a rhythm of gas to the floor, off the gas, brake into the turn, back on the gas.... all the while, turning left and back straight. This was a great experience and the sensation of running in a NASCAR race car on a track is absolutely irreplaceable and something that I'll never forget. The saying on the RWRE banner is "where adrenaline goes for the weekend" was dead on for me. I've been a NASCAR fan since 1986 when I first got in the military. Now, after serving in the Air Force for 30 years, this was a retirement gift and it was the most memorable racing experience that I've ever had. I've been to over a dozen of races and as each of those have etched some racing memory in my head, this one tops them all. Thanks Rusty Wallace Racing Experience for a thrill that I'll cherish forever.

5Karen S 5:00 PM Mar 21, 2015

Rusty Wallace Experience A+++++
This was a gift to my husband. He had an awesome time. It was well worth the $! All employees we had contact with were great. I think it's something he would like to go again in the future! The cars are nice, track is good,and the experience was great as well.