My wife gave me the 5 minute practice package for a gift and I finally had my chance to use it at Charlotte.
What a blast from beginning to end. The staff was very friendly, informative, and kept everything moving at a good pace.
This was my 1st time driving a race car and will definitely do it again. The only 3 issues I had with driving was:
1. Doing a 5 minute package for the 1st time is tough. By the time you get a feel for the car and track and are comfortable you are done. It would be nice if you could run 2 or 3 laps and then your timed session starts.
2. These cars are set to run a maximum of 5000 rpm's and if you hit that mark your car will sputter and lose power until you let off the gas and get under 5000 rpm. If your expecting to run 9000 rpm and drive 180-190 mph around the track like a NASCAR driver, then this isn't for you.
3. Your assigned crew chief communicates constantly with you (a little annoying but understandable as this is very dangerous) while driving and basically controls everything you do on track. They start you off slow and gradually increase your speed. If your doing the 5 minute drive you may get 1 fast lap. The crew chief has a kill switch and will shut you down if you don't follow exact directions. I know that this is dangerous and very serious as you are driving a lot faster then you probably ever have and your on a steep banked track with other cars on the track.
If you can't drive stick shift, don't sign up to drive as you are given 2 attempts to get the car going, if you stall the car twice your driving is done and they will pull you out of the car.
You also have to climb in and out of the drivers window just like a real race car and it is a very tight fit, so if you are heavy or have physical problems like a bad back, it would be very difficult to get in and out.
All in all a great time. Would highly recommend if you want a taste of driving a stock car.