Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

My wife got me the Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience for my birthday. I did it at Lakeside Speedway, my local track that I’ve spent countless Friday nights dreaming of being out there. I can’t say enough nice things about the staff. From the friendly and helpful ladies at the sign in desk to the spotter… Yes you have a spotter. I’ll get to that later.
I was so excited to get this as a gift, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that as the date grew nearer my anxiety and nervousness grew as well. That all quickly changed once I was there. The «Drivers Meeting» was so relaxed while still being completely invaluable. The woman who taught us was a very accomplished race car driver. Wish I could remember her name. She was from San Diego. She put us all at ease while conveying very important info. We were then sent off to get our fire suits and helmets. Now, at this point you just barely, (but it’s there) begin to feel like a race car driver. Then the short wait to get into a car begins. But that’s good. It gives you a chance to watch other drivers run the track before you get out there. It also gives you a chance to talk to other drivers who are getting ready to drive as well. And I highly recommend this. It certainly helped me to realize that I wasn’t the only one scared to death. It really helps ease the nerves. Then comes getting your car, picture time, then they buckle you in, go over what you need to know about the car as all of them have slight differences.
Then you get to switch a couple switches, push a button and fire that son of a $!?@& up. It’s incredible to say the least. Then your spotter clears you to enter the track and talks you all the way around for your entire run. I did 15 laps. I recommend doing at least that many as, obviously your later laps are your best and most confident laps. (I got in the marbles on lap three. I’m still kinda puckered a day and a half later!!!). But the spotter talked me through my screw up and helped me get dialed in again. And I finished all 15 laps. Goes by quick, by the way.
After my laps, exiting the car, and returning to my wife and the real world it hit me. The people of Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience truly made me a race car driver. If only for one morning, I was a racer. I’ll never forget it. And I plan to do it again and again. Lucky me, my wife is even researching other tracks we can travel to and do it.
Needless to say, I highly recommend trying this at least once if you are a racing fan.
And once again, thank you to the entire Kenny Wallace Driving Experience staff for your kindness, knowledge and hospitality. Most of all thanks for fulfilling a dream.
Sincerely,
Kyle Cox