Ready to channel your inner NASCAR champion? The NASCAR Experience Richmond invites you to take the wheel of a real Sprint Cup-style stock car at the legendary Richmond International Raceway. Known as America’s Premier Short Track, this iconic D-shaped oval offers tight turns, fast straightaways, and the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable racing experience.

Your day begins with a drivers meeting and a short classroom session, where a racing instructor will walk you through training and instruction on vehicle dynamics, racing lines, and safety essentials. Once you’re suited up, it’s time to strap in, fire up the 600-horsepower engine, and hit the track. With no lead car to slow you down, you’ll push your limits, navigating the turns and straightaways with guidance from your instructor via car radio.

Choose your track time—anywhere from 8 to 48 minutes—and experience the thrill of timed racing. As you carve out each lap, feel the raw power and speed that have made Richmond Raceway a favorite among NASCAR racing legends. When the session ends, you’ll leave with a souvenir racing license and a certificate showcasing your top speeds, proof of your high-octane adventure.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: 16+ with a valid driver’s license
• Weight: Must be between 100 - 300 pounds.
• Height: Must be between 5’ - 6’7” tall.
• Health limitations: Not recommended for expectant mothers.
• Physical limitations: Participants must be in good physical condition overall and be able to enter and exit the race car through the window. The window is 15'' x 30'' and sits 36'' off the ground.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children under 18 years old can participate as long as they have a valid driver’s license and meet the height and weight requirements. All children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must sign a waiver on their behalf.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Plan to spend up to 3 hours at the track. 
• What’s included: 
  • A thrilling driving experience on one of the nation’s premier speedways
  • Driving suit, helmet, and in-car racing electronics radio system
  • All taxes and service fees including a $44.99 driver’s fee and $10 service fee. The driver’s fee includes vehicle liability insurance, plus a souvenir racing license to take home with you.
• Who will be present: You will drive the car yourself and have a personal racing  instructor available over a 2-way communication radio system. There will be other drivers on the track at the same time.
• Spectators: Family and friends are encouraged to join. A trackside viewing area is available at all tracks, however, limited seating is provided, so it is recommended to bring lawn chairs if you’d like a guaranteed seat.
• Photo/ video: Photos and video are encouraged!
• Specific rules to follow: All participants must sign a waiver. All rules will be covered at the time of the experience.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This experience is weather dependent and can only run in safe weather conditions. If there is rain on the day of your experience the experience provider will likely go on a rain delay and try to operate once the track dries. They will reach out to participants via email and text message to communicate changes due to weather. If you have any questions about the weather please contact the racing school directly.  
• Arrival: Plan to arrive 30 minutes in advance
• Parking: There is parking available at the speedway.
• What to wear: Casual, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions and closed toe shoes (required).
• What to bring: Valid driver’s license, a camera, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and lawn chairs if you’d like a guaranteed seat.
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms are available onsite, but there are no lockers or changing rooms.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• The race cars are manual transmission (stick shift). It is highly recommended that driver’s know how to drive a stick shift, however if you don’t have the ability just let the crew know in advance so they can assist you.
• The time on your driving session begins as you start driving down pit road and it ends when you pull back into the pits.
• Passing is allowed. If you come up on a slower race car, your personal racing instructor will instruct you to pass.

How fast can you go in the NASCAR driving experience?

Drivers can reach speeds of 100+ MPH on the Richmond Raceway driving experience.

Is the NASCAR experience worth it?

Absolutely! Driving a real NASCAR race car on this iconic track is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

What do you wear to the NASCAR experience?

Closed-toe shoes are required, and racing suits and helmets will be provided.

Can you pay to drive a NASCAR?

Yes! Gift vouchers are available for the NASCAR Experience Richmond, making it a great present for racing fans.

Can’t decide on a gift?

The Richmond Raceway driving experience is perfect for birthday gifts, graduation gifts, or anniversary gifts.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked without having to pay fees. Once your booking has been confirmed changes can be made more than 30 days prior to the reservation date for a $50 administration fee. Within 30 days of the reservation date you will be locked in to this date and time – no changes can be made. If you cancel or fail to attend, you will forfeit your entire reservation. There are no refunds for any reason. In the event of inclement weather or situations out of the racing experience’s control, you will be rescheduled or issued a voucher. Vouchers never expire and may be used for any of the nationwide locations. Please note all dates are subject to change.