It was a week before my 50th birthday and I was getting a bit blue about being 'so old' so I gave my son a call and asked him to come up with a memorable experience for my birthday. Next thing I know he gets me a racing package at Rockingham. I have been a big Nascar fan for 20 years now and it really was a dream of a lifetime to drive a 600+ horsepower stock car at Rockingham with other cars on the track. It really took a lot of thought on his part to come up with the perfect gift.

First you have about an hour of in class instruction, then they take you for 5 hot laps as a passenger, as fast as the instructor can drive, it was a real thrill and showed the capabilities of the car and track. Then you drive for 5 laps with the instructor in the car. Then the big moment arrives and you get 18 green flag laps with up to five other cars on the track. I can not describe the feeling because words still fail me.

I also can not express the level of thank's to my son, Keith, for coming up with this memorable and fantastic birthday present. Once again he has surprised me with something I could never do on my own. THANK'S SON.

You can click on these pictures and they will bring up a bigger version. If you are using IE then click the little plus cursor on the picture and you will get a real full size picture. I hope you enjoy these photos, I sure had a ball, and my wife made an excellent photographer.

We have arrived at The Rock.

This is what 22 degrees of banking looks like from the pits.

I did my 5 ride along fast laps in the 20.Yes, they were very fast.

Proof that they let you drive fast enough to wreck, no I did not do this =]

I don't think his sponsors are very happy!

Going VERY fast on my hot laps (5).

Yes, there were no doors.

Hmm, should I get in and do this?

Hell yes! These are the five laps with the instructor in the passenger seat.

Do I look ready to do my 18 solo laps? I think so.

Having the thrill of my life, driving my 18 solo laps in a 600+ HP Nascar Stock Car.

There were up to five other cars on the track at the same time that you were. Here the 20 and I enjoyed some closer racing.

Racing at the Rock. Took my wife almost 18 laps to get me going by the rock sign I was going so fast =]

All good things must come to an end.

Walking away from that car was hard to do.

I think I look very professional.

I even had my own cheering section. My good friend Dick.

Dick with the number 8 car.

I did not get my name carved into the rock but at least I drove there =]

Once again I can not thank Keith enough for making this lifetime dream come true possible. It really made my 50th birthday one that I will never forget. Thank's Son!