"...and the MOST important rule...DON'T PASS YOUR INSTRUCTOR!" » More Photos

After the instruction session and van ride, we all milled around waiting for our turn. While cars were being prepped, everyone, families included, were encouraged to cross the hallowed wall to get up close to the cars for more photos and inquisitive close inspections of the cars; as in "how am I going to fit my fat ass inside that narrow seat? Where's the Tony Stewart car?

Once things got going and the cars were fired up to my daughter's own rendition of "gentlemen start your engines!", I was amazed at how well organized the entire affair progressed. A sophisticated timing system queues up each participant based on the number of laps and whether that individual is riding or driving. The crewman and instructors followed a well-rehearsed and efficient drill to keep the action moving and starry-eyed wannabes like me out of harm's way.

As my time came up, I was led to my car, the number 15 NAPA Chevrolet out of the DEI stable, and instructed how to enter the car. I have been accused of a number of things over my life, but grace was never one of them. Miraculously, however, I was able to slide in with minimal fuss. The racing seat is very tight, so I was more than happy to sit still while one of the crew fastened the harness, locked in the steering wheel and lit the ignition.

As was told to follow the black car, and after a short wait my instructor pulled around and away we went. The rev limiter kept my speed down until we rolled out onto the apron, where, as instructed, I shifted directly into 4th. With 600 horsepower under the hood, there was no shortage of torque to pull the taller cog.

An instructor coaches the author before the second run. » More Photos

Dutifully, I followed my instructor and the cues from the flagman: green flag indicated the official "go", green flag rolled up meant "close up on instructor", yellow meant "back off from instructor", and finally the red flag meant "please follow instructor off the track and prepare to be beaten" (or something to that effect). As far as I know, no one received the red flag that night.

I was hooked up for the "Checkered Flag" package, which provided for 10 initial laps, a brief pull back into the pits for a few pointers, then a final 8 lap stint. Gradually, my instructor picked up the pace. At around lap 5, I could feel the g's pulling on my neck through turns 3 and 4, and pushing me down into the seat. The big V-8 pulled lustfully when I had the opportunity to accelerate to close up on the instructor (for some reason I kept hanging back too far...)

I made a few observations as I gained confidence and comfort with the car and pace being set. First off, these cars are designed to go left. I literally had to turn right to stay parallel with the wall on the back straight. Second, these cars WANT to go fast. I felt as though I was taking a pair of sled dogs out for a walk with heads down, constantly pulling at the leash. This baby wanted so badly to get up to full steam. (so did the car.)

But of course, that's not an option. My instructor gradually increased the speed, and through radio communication with a spotter and I'm sure constant monitoring of his rearview mirror, determined that about 145 mph was about right for me, and that's the number that ended up on my certificate at the end of the night.

The Jeff Gordon Racing School offers a variety of driving packages beginning at around $350.00. The more laps you do, the faster you'll get to drive. I shamefully was passed by more than a few drivers, so I know that 160 mph is not off the table for those that put in the laps. If you want to experience anything near the full potential of a Nextel Cup car, opt for a ride-along with a professional driver, where speeds approaching race pace are common, depending on the stomach of the passenger. It was a bit unnerving to have the "ride-along" car blow my doors off as I followed my instructor around at a leisurely 140 or so. Now I know how Kenny Wallace feels.

Kidding aside, the Jeff Gordon Racing School provides a thrilling experience of a lifetime. With several Christmas specials up for grabs, including discounted Gift Certificates and special "Double Drive" offers, (laps in both a Nextel Cup car and an Indy-Style open wheel car) I can't think of a better item to top our gift giving list!

BULLET POINTS:
• Real Cup Cars
• 140 mph plus speeds
• Driving packages from $350.00
• Ride-along packages from $130.00
• Family & friends are encouraged to come along to cheer you on!
• Photos and in-car video packages are available (stay tuned, we'll have the video up in a day or so)

Log on to jeffgordonracingschool.com for more information.

Click here to read about the second gear of Christmas... automotive magazines!