DriveTech

On a hot sunny day in Fontana, Calif., on a the track hot where racing fuel vapors were in the air, the excitement and adrenaline levels peaked at California Speedway. Was it a Nextel Cup NASCAR race? No, it was Drivetech taking over California Speedway for two days of intense driving. And the drivers were folks like you and me. In fact, I drove the No. 5 Pontiac.

What is Drivetech? It's a real-world driving experience for want-to-be racecar drivers or people who just want to experience the thrill of pushing a NASCAR around a top-notch racetrack at speeds of 150 miles per hour - by yourself! The cars are true racecars with all the safety equipment necessary to provide the full feeling of what a NASCAR driver goes through.

First drivers must sign a wavier, then select a driving choice that ranges from just riding along with a professional driver to seven other driving options. Next you're fitted with a driving suit, helmet, neck brace and gloves before climbing into a new van that takes you and seven other drivers around the track to get you acquainted with its layout and the danger zones you're expected to avoid (the classes are small for the best racing results).

Drivetech takes all the guesswork out of driving this two-mile track by laying down strips of tape at the corners and straightaways that are called gates. Stay within the gates and you'll do fine, but get too far out of the gate and you could meet the wall at more than 100 miles per hour.

After going around the track in the van a couple of times, it's into the classroom where the instructor goes over the track layout again to explain "lift and left." As these cars have manual transmissions, they need to be explained so you stay in the correct gear when on the track. Then the different colored flags are explained.

Safety is No. 1 with Drivetech and since you can choose to be alone behind the wheel, the Drivetech team needs to be on your shoulder. They accomplish this with an onboard radio and a spotter in your ear, barking out commands and asking you to "lift and left," which allows the cars behind you to experience passing on a high speed track. Along with lift and left, you're instructed to wave your right hand, just like in a real NASCAR racecar, once the car behind you passes. Then the command to "go-go-go" rings in your ear and the pedal hits the metal.

Once class is over, you're sent out to the cars. All the cars are set up for various size drivers and you are mated to the car that fits you the best. Tons of water is available because the temperature inside a car reaches 120 degrees. A professional photographer shoots your picture getting into the car and again once when your helmet is on and you're strapped in. He takes one more shot of you taking the checkered flag at speed.

Once in the car, the Drivetech crew belts you in, re-explains the transmission and shows you where the fire extinguisher system is and how to operate it. They show you how to start and shut off the engine. Then out onto the track you go and for whatever reason, the temperature in the car diminishes and you're following the van practicing lift and left. Two laps later, you're sent out on your own and the experience begins. You're now on the gas, trying to reach the first speed level, which is controlled by an engine rev limiter. If you do well and don't get yelled at, you'll rise from 138 to 141 MPH to a top speed of 150 miles per hour.

This is an experience you will never forget - screaming down the straightaway at 150 miles per hour, then trying to negotiate the gate in the first turn. After 36 laps and two pit stops for water, you're ready for the big time (or so says your mind, although the body has other ideas).

Once my session was over, I was jubilant about my drive but found it difficult to get out of the car and walk - I was wiped out! Plus, I didn't get yelled at by my spotters, Eddie Bryans and Sandy Rose Bauler (pictured). Would I do it again? Absolutely!

I then drank some more water, went upstairs and finished my radio show on KCEO AM 1000 with my buddies Bill Hall, Scooby and Bob Chabot. After the show, I picked up my photo, a VHS tape of my experience and my certificate, which allows me to come back for hot laps or even more driving.
President Rod Plotzke is a gracious host along with the rest of his crew. His goal is to give you a five-star experience and he truly accomplishes that. About 90 percent of the drivers that day were given the experience as a gift. There were guys and gals of all ages and if you have someone in the family who would enjoy driving fast on the track, go to www.drivetech.com or call (800) 678-8864 for more information.

I have looked at my tape six times to date and it includes sound, which really adds to the ride. So if you have the need for speed, Drivetech is my first choice. You have five tracks nation wide to choose from - Willow Springs, a road course, is my next track!