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Kick Father’s Day into Full Throttle this Year
By Carol Reed

Have you dreamed of being a NASCAR driver: Experiencing the adrenaline rush of thrilling speed, taking the turns to the roar of engines, inhaling the heady perfume of high-test fuel, flushing with the glory of crossing the finish line? But, perhaps, you have that the nagging (and practical) fear of crashing and burning.

Don’t despair. Get out of the stands and behind the wheel. Take a professional speed driving or race course that is safe and supervised. Any of these tracks would bring the little boy out in your husband or father. Get his heart racing this Father’s Day with a trip to the track.

The Pocono Raceway is one place to make such a wish come true. This speedway is two-and-a-half miles long and boasts 600 horse power NEXTEL Cup Style Stock Cars. Learn to drive a stock car with programs that range from a three-lap ride to an 80 mile drive. Prices start at $109. This could be the ultimate Father’s Day gift for the Dad who wants to be a race-car hero with memories and tales to treasure forever. The recipient can schedule his own date during the 2006 season with approximately 55 dates to choose until October. Call 877.786.2522 for details. 

The Bertil Roos Racing School is also available in the Poconos for those who wish to improve their driving skills in a 2-Day Precision Highway Driving School. This program helps drivers meet those unforeseen road events. Learn what to do if a car goes out of control, learn to handle dangerous road conditions, and understand how to prevent accidents. Drive in a Volvo Turbo 40 series road car and Bertil Roos’ patented slide cars. Courses range from half-day adventures to five-day road racing weeks. All courses are a complete “arrive and drive” format. The school provides race cars, instruction, driving suits and helmets. Drivers only need ability with a standard shift, sneakers and a pair of gloves! Call 800.RACENOW for more information.

Atco Dragway on Jackson Road in Atco, N.J. is an NHRA quarter-mile drag strip. But, there’s more: Jim Harrington’s Racing School. From beginners to the experienced driver, Harrington’s will teach you to drive a dragster or a racing car using championship teachers and top caliber equipment. After a safety orientation, your skill level is tested. Then the excitement kicks into full throttle as your tires hit the raceway. Learn “burn-outs,” 60 foot runs and 330 foot runs, and finally when your experience mounts, the full quarter mile! Cars are state of the art with on-board computers that monitor each move with safety-conscious instructors. Classes begin June 6. Call 732. 690.3716 for more information.

If you have a “need for speed,” if “Speed Racer” was your childhood hero, or if driving 50 miles per hour is too tame, then get racing!

Carol Reed is a middle school teacher & freelance journalist who specializes in travel writing. Carol’s journeys have taken her as close to home as the New Jersey Pines & as far as the islands in the Caribbean, New Zealand & Australia.