Stock Car Driving Schools

Many racing fans feel the need for speed. They dream of sharing the track with NASCAR greats like Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson or Dale Earnhardt, Jr. If you want to learn some of the skills these racing stars share, a stock car driving school is a good place to start. Several schools offer you the chance to get behind the wheel of a race car.

  1. Dale Jarrett Racing School

    • Named after the longtime NASCAR driver, this company offers you the chance to take the wheel at one of nine tracks across the country, including the Talladega, Atlanta, Chicagoland, Texas and Kansas speedways. Drivers in training begin their day with an instructional course where they learn about hand signals, passing, drafting and more. They're fitted in a fire-retardant racing suit that they wear over their street clothes, along with a Hans safety device and a full-face helmet. After that, they climb into an authentic NASCAR race car with an instructor who guides them around the track. After your drive, you may purchase photos and DVDs of your racing experience.

      Costs for the stock car school vary based on the track at which you drive and the number of driving laps you purchase. For example, a six-lap drive at Talladega Superspeedway is $435, while a 28-lap drive at other tracks is $1,395.

      Riding as a passenger with an instructor is an option for those who don't wish to get behind the wheel. A three-lap ride costs $145.

      Dale Jarrett Racing School
      1313 10th Ave. Lane S.E.
      Hickory, NC 28602
      1-888-467-2231
      racingadventure.com

    Buck Baker Racing School

    • Founded by a two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, this school operates at six race tracks, including the Atlanta, Bristol, Charlotte and North Wilkesboro speedways. It offers a variety of programs, including the option to ride in a race car instead of driving it. The company's half-day package begins with instruction and ends with you driving the car by yourself, sharing the track with other students. Passing is allowed.

      The school uses NASCAR-racing vehicles that have been in competition. A five-lap, ride-only program at any of the school's tracks is $119. Driving solo at Bristol for 20 laps will cost you $595. The cost includes the use of a helmet and fire suit. The school offers discounted rates for groups of five or more.

      Buck Baker Racing School
      800-529-2825
      buckbaker.com

    Richard Petty Driving Experience

    • He's known as "The King" for his amazing NASCAR career, and his kingdom now includes stock car driving schools at 22 tracks. Locations where you'll find the Richard Petty Driving Experience include the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, as well as major race tracks in Daytona, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Michigan and Phoenix.

      The Petty school allows you to ride along with an instructor or take the wheel yourself. At Charlotte Motor Speedway, you can even participate in the Ultimate Racing Experience, where you serve as part of the pit crew for a driver and get to ride with him on the track. Your team competes against other pit crews and drivers for the chance to end up in victory lane.

      The school provides a regulation helmet, safety device and driver's suit for participants. The cost for a three-lap ride with an instructor is $109 at most locations. When you're the one behind the wheel, the price varies depending on the track and the number of laps you want to drive. Prices for driving eight laps at start at $449.

      Richard Petty Driving Experience
      6022 Victory Lane
      Concord, NC 28027
      800-237-3889
      1800bepetty.com