NASCAR, My racing experience at LA Racing.

In today's post i'm going to share with you my racing experience in the latest NASCAR sport car model at LA Racing race track.  It was one of the most incredible moments in my life. I love cars and i like fast cars the most. When i was young, my dream was to become a Rally WRC racer but this type of sport requires a lot of investment or  good sponsors, which was impossible for me and i chose a different profession. But the desire of speed did not ever leave me. 

Now, these days, you don't have to be a professional racer to get behind the wheel of a real race car and to feel how it is to be a NASCAR driver, thanks to places such as LA Racing. 

2.

When you arrive at LA Racing office, you will have to check in with friendly front desk staff. Also, here you  will be offered to purchase optional liability insurance for your race. I believe it was $89 per person for the whole day of racing.  I know it seems to be a little pricey for one race protection, but if you will crash a car without having insurance you will end up paying $20k-$50k; instead, you would be paying $2500 deductible with insurance on hand. Also, i heard the story from a guy who worked for LA Racing, that a week before i went there was a 3-car accident. A guy hit 2 other cars with his car. Luckily, he had insurance. On the day i went i saw everyone getting insurance. But as i said, it's optional and you decide if you need it or not.     

3.

You can buy any souvenirs at the front office.

4.

The staff provide complimentary water, coffee, cookies and fruits. 

5.

Also, you can practice on simulators. 

6.

If you like, you can purchase a video with your entire race from the moment you get in the car until finish. 

7.

Then you will go to a classroom where you will be given a 45-minute introduction....

8.

Race track map.

9.

In the class you will cover:

• introduction to safety systems
• track orientation
• proper throttle and brake control
• advanced throttle control, including no braking
• faster laps
• more trust in your ability with the race car
• higher level of car control

P.S. I forgot to mention there are different packages for race and classes, more detailed information on the packages and prices you can find here. I did "Adventure 20" package. 

10.

On the back yard i found this lot with old racing cars. 

11.

They have their own gas station.

12.

Used tires. 

13.

This is the place where you are getting ready for your race. Pick the right size of suit, gloves and helmet.  

14.

Then the earplugs will be installed in your ears and volume checked. These earplugs then will be connected to your car assigned to your name. Through earplugs you will be receiving instructions from your spotter. I will tell about this later. As you can notice we have these funny pink stickers on our ears. They help to keep earplugs in the place, so that you would not be left without communication during the race. Communication is very important!      

15.

Now if you have someone who came along with you to watch as you pretend to be Tony Stewart :), they can go to the grandstand where they can overlook the whole tack.  

16.

17.

The staff is checking vehicle for start.  

18.

I came to the race with my friend. He drove this truck.  Our instructor told us it's the most powerful car they have, over 500 hp.

19.

Other members of our group.  Total of 4 cars were participating in our race.

20.

I am getting in the car. 

21.

This is my fiend Michael in his truck.

22.

After checking radio, fastening seat belt and starting the car we were all ready to race. From the pit stop we had to follow this truck.     

23.

Michael started 1st and i was 3 rd. Then at a track, while this guy was flashing with yellow flag we had to drive about 35/mp. You just need to feel handling of the car: braking, steering, etc. 

24.

And finally we saw green flag. This meant we could floor it and drive as fast as we could handle our own fear. 

25.

It's possible to go as fast as 110/mp in the corner and reach that point when you smell burning tires.  

26.

Remember i told you about spotters and importance in communication? The thing is these cars don't have mirrors for aerodynamic purposes. And driver does't see anything that is behind him. Spotter will tell you to go inside or outside if there's a slower car ahead. If spotter sees trouble at the right time, he can tell you to stop just before a caution flag comes out...

27.

In our race  caution flag came out on the 3 rd lap when Michael picked wrong speed while turning and he lost control of his car. He was lucky, he did't hit the wall or other cars. Race was stopped. But he could not continue the race after this. After he and his car were removed from the race track 3 of us continued racing. 

28.

By 10th-15th lap you start feeling the car better and better. Also, your spotter will push you to the limit by telling you: "go go go" or "78, pick up". I was #78 :)

29.

And then i saw finish flag, 20 laps ran pretty fast. I finished 1st and my spotter told me through the radio that i did a great job. 

30.

And here it is the Winner  #78!

31.

There are not enough words to describe my impression after the race.  In the office i received a certificate stating that i completed the stock car driving school at LA Racing.   

I think it was a little pricey but once in your life you need to try such an experience. 

Thanks for reading. Stay Tuned!

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