Want to Be a Race Car Passenger?

Driving in South Florida is not fun by any stretch of the imagination. If you’re not stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you’re being cut off by a driver who insists on waiting until the exit is 15 feet away before leaving the passing lane. Rather than let road rage get the best of you, we suggest venting under the watchful eye of professional speedsters with the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway. What better way to blow off traffic-related steam than getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock car and burning around the track at more than 160 miles per hour?

If you’re not up to doing the actual driving or just prefer to ride shotgun, feel free to strap on a five-point seatbelt and let a professional do the hard part. Ride-alongs cost $109, and the rookie driving experience — eight laps around the track — starts at $449. Of course, if your pockets are deeper, you can pony up for the Experience of a Lifetime: 30 laps starting at $1,249. Aspiring speed demons can buckle up and hit the asphalt this Wednesday through November 9. Some days are already sold out, so call 305-230-5000 or visit www.1800bepetty.com ASAP.
Wed., Nov. 5, 2008