Fast & Furious in the DC area

Fast and Furious DC

“I wanna go fast.”

Ricky Bobby said it all when he uttered this epic four-word decree of one man’s need for speed. There’s something about racecars, chili cheese fries and a loop of tread-marked hot asphalt that just makes you feel free.  If the 9-5 has got you needing a break from the ordinary, and taking it slow is not your idea of relaxation, hit the road and check out one of these high-speed DC-area driving experiences.  

Richmond International Speedway

Richmond, VA

About a 2.5 hour drive from DC, the Richmond International Speedway offers an unforgettable driving experience.  Get behind the wheel of a NASCAR style stock car—possibly one driven by NASCAR greats including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon—and race against other drivers on Americas Premier Short Track.  The three-quarter-mile track at Richmond International Speedway features a 1,290-foot front stretch, 860-foot back stretch and 14-degree turns to keep you glad to be strapped to the edge of your bucket seat.  

Open-air speed more your style?  The Richmond track also offers you the option to drive your own Indy car.  Your 500-600 horsepower speed machine will be waiting for you on the track after you complete a short course where you will learn track safety, vehicle dynamics and racing techniques.  

On the track, it’s just you, the gas pedal and pure thrills.  Your instructor will be available to assist you by two-way radio, but there are no lead cars to limit your speed and you’re free to safely pass slower drivers.  Walk away from your day on the track with a racing certificate complete with your top speed.  Check out pricing, more details and availability and start planning your high speed Richmond getaway.

Dover International Speedway

Dover, DE

Also available from Cloud9Living, take on the Monster Mile at Dover International Speedway, just a 2 hour drive from DC.  This epic, one-mile track features 9-degree straights and 24-degree turns that promise to keep your heart rate as high as your track speed.  

You’ll complete a short safety and racing orientation course, then hit the track in a Sprint Cup NASCAR stock car.  No lead cars and freedom to pass with the security of an experienced instructor available by two-way radio inside your helmet means it’s just you and the open asphalt out there.  You’ll walk away with unforgettable memories and a racing certificate listing your top speed of the day.  

If you’re not quite ready to take the wheel, opt for a ride along experience (available at either the Richmond or Dover speedways) and let a professional driver whip you around turns at top speed.  Or, add on a ride along after your own track session to let a pro show you just how fast these monster machines can go.  Check out more details, pricing and availability for this driving experience here, then get this thrilling driving experience on the calendar.  

Summit Point Motorsports Park

Summit Point, WV

Want to get your own speed machine on the track?  About an hour and a half drive from DC, Summit Point Motorsports Park offers a variety of unique and thrilling high speed track driving options that allow you to learn high speed driving techniques in a safe environment while driving your own street car.  Opened in 1970 as Summit Point Circuit professional racing track, the park was home to such legendary racing events as the Radial Tire Series and IMSA Pro Formula Ford in its early days.  Paul Newman was a regular at the track, though he disguised his identity from fans while racing at Summit Point.  The historic motorsports park has also served as a training ground for various Federal security agencies and now offers a variety of driving experiences on three thrilling tracks sure to delight beginners and experienced drivers alike.

Fridays at the Track (FATT) is your doorway to fast-paced fun at Summit Point.  Professional instructors provide classroom training, skidpad instruction in Summit Point vehicles and practice track sessions in your own car.  Find out more and download the registration form here.

After you complete you FATT certification, gain the privilege to join other top performance driving enthusiasts for Seat Time; and if your need for speed is matching by your need for screech, check out Drift Nirvana at Summit Point, open to beginners and intermediate drivers, where you’ll learn the basics and safety specifications of this popular technique.

Have a vintage beauty you’d love to test out on the track?  The Jefferson 500 brings together over 200 drivers per year at Summit Point for a weekend of racing, driver’s school and a test day.  Find out more here.  

Exotic Car Autocross

Waldorf, MD

Wanna go fast in an Italian stallion and race against the clock in a short and sweet high speed driving experience that won’t break the bank?  This adrenaline rush package—starting at $99.00 for ride along and $149.00 to drive alone—from Great American Days may be just your style.  

Drivers can choose their own adventure from a fleet of Italian thoroughbreds including the Ferrari F430, Ferrari 599 and Lamborghini Gallardo.  Take a wild ride in the exotic car of your choice on a one-mile built autocross course featuring challenging turns and speedy straights.  In this autocross driving experience, you will be the only driver on the track, and total driving time lasts about five minutes as you race against the clock.  Three laps are included in the price and more can be added at additional cost the day of.

No experience is required and this package is perfect for those looking to get a behind-the-wheel taste of the track.  A ride along option in a world-class speed machine is also available.  The action takes place at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs stadium, about an hour drive from DC.  Learn more here.

Pictures copyright: Shutterstock used with license

Want to Live in DC.  Search by Metro stop, by map, just for condos or search all the houses for sale today.  All here! Try it out.