The first Saturday of November in 2001 was the Kentucky Speedway's drive the track sale. I was excited because I was going to get my first crack at driving the track. I had seen about 10 races and took notes on the racing line and was ready for the hot laps. It's not everyday that you get to drive on a Nascar track.
The 'golden ticket' for passage to drive was a minimum purchase of $40 in the Speedway gift shop. I bought a lined wind breaker with a hood, embroidered with Kentucky Speedway, that I still have to the day. It is warm and repels the rain. Can a jacket get any better?
Eight or nine Corvairs drove up that day to take advantage of the promotion. My dad let me drive his 1963 Corvair Spyder Convertible and he rode shotgun. Being only 18 years old at the time, I guess he had a lot of trust in my driving or he just wanted to see what I could do.
I didn't hold back. We all drove out there on the track and I was sixth or seventh in line. The track is so wide that we were able to spread out and actually make some passes.
The story goes like this: I pedaled to the metal and pushed 90 miles per hour into turn one. This is hauling the mail in a Corvair! The car pushed up towards the wall. It wasn't looking good for making the corner. My dad calmly and gently said, "I would back off just a little." I backed off and the car was more responsive to my turning hard left on the wheel. It was quite the thrill. I am glad I didn't wad his car up!
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