Rusty Wallace Racing Experience- New Hampshire Motor Speedway

I wanted very much to give this experience a higher rating than 3 stars. Let’s talk about how the rating was arrived at. I prefer to be positive, and so I assume that every establishment starts off with a 5 star rating and has to work hard to knock itself down.
7:15AM: Arrive at New Hampshire Motor Speedway a little earlier than anticipated. Buzzing with excitement. Even driving in the underpass to the track is thrilling. Unfortunately, Rusty Wallace loses 0.5 stars for absolutely shitty signage. It’s confusing as to how the heck I’m supposed to find out where I am going, and I worried about accidentally driving the rental car onto the actual race track. Now that I think about it, racing a Kia rental may not have been such a bad thing. So we’re at 4.5* now.
7:35AM: Checking in, and realize the whole process is a sales pitch. I suspect this might be how a person feels if they walk into a car dealership and announce that they want to spend lots of money. You are «strongly encouraged» to purchase many add-​ons. From extra laps (if I wanted extra laps, I’d have purchased them when I bought my initial package), to an insurance package (they will remind you many times how costly a wreck might be… but forget to point out how many out clauses they give themselves in the insurance package so they won’t have to pay up if you wreck), to ride-​alongs (because «without one, you won’t know what you’re doing»). Minus 0.5* there. We’re at 4*.
7:50AM: I get suckered into purchasing the in-​dash video package. I am informed that the package costs $ 59 when the information emailed to me indicates that it is $ 49. The staff member tells me it is because they just added in «new video equipment» which is why the price may be higher. Umm, how about I call bullshit? I got your email 2 days before. I don’t think you just installed a video system. Upon presenting the email, she drops the price to $ 49. I love it when a business makes up arbitrary prices. Minus 1* there. Now at 3*.
8:30AM: The training session is supposed to start at 8AM, but because they are understaffed, everyone sits and waits and waits. Minus 0.5*. 2.5* now.
9:45AM: Finally get out onto the track and race. The experience is everything that you expect it to be and more. An incredible thrill. Plus 1* to 3.5*. Remember the original issue of signage? Well the on-​track signage sucks shit too. Rusty Wallace couldn’t spring for an extra pylon or two to make it clear where you’re supposed to brake? Or another roll of pink tape to mark the passing lanes? Seriously, when I’m driving a NASCAR vehicle, and pissing my pants because I’m afraid of driving into a wall, the last thing I want to worry about is if I can spot the single orange pylon (that is scuffed up, and is now mostly black and camouflages itself nicely with the racetrack wall) to know where I should brake. Minus 0.5* to 3*.
So there you have it. 3*. Which is unfortunate because the driving itself was fan-​fucking-​tastic and would be a 5* by itself.

Been wanting to do this for awhile since I found it on line a few years back. Lucky me they had a Groupon special for this so I snatched it up right away and very glad I did. Pretty simple registration process taking 5 minuets then i headed to a 45 minuet class on racing introduction and rules of the track. After that its off the the cars! I’m not gonna lie I was very nervousness though I bought the $ 60 insurance) and tense waiting to hop in the 500+ horse power NASCAR. Got in and man is it tight in there. It also didn’t help that it was 90 that day so if your claustrophobic I don’t recommend this for you. After strapped in I could hear the pit man in the headset giving a few pointers then I hear «Gentleman, start your engines» instant wood! I was off and breaking all normal speed limits. All and all it was a blast! Only reason I didn’t give it a perfect 5 stars is because they say 6 – 8 laps and I only got 5..

So my wife bought a «Driving Experience» for me via Groupon. I would recommend this to any speed nut out there. The classroom debrief with JJ was very professional, the facilities very nice (need more signs), and the preparation spot on.
Now for the real reason to go. The cars are true race cars. The power is all there. I have been a NASCAR fan since 1981, and now that I understand the physics of racing, these cars have grip that just should not be there, INCREDIBLE! The laps go by so fast you barely have a breather to fully enjoy the experience. Unlike other programs of this nature, passing is encouraged here. Just be smart and listen to your spoter. This is a must do twice. I got a photo plaque for free because I ordered the video before hand (more about that below). Make sure that you take the $ 60 insurance policy. Little money, but the bad feeling about might crashing goes away knowing you don’t have to pay for a wrecked car out of pocket.
My only complaint: I ordered a video of this but none of the cameras worked. Big let down since its talked about so much online and a reminder is given twice during the class to take out the memory card when finished, and it has audio so «watch what you say». But they did the right thing and offered a refund or the photo which costs more than the video for free.
Would I do this again? Absolutely! I would like to try this on a road course as well.