Stafford Speedway CT – Stock Car Driving Experience

This is where you get to drive a race car like the pros do!

Grip the steering tight and put the pedal to the metal in a real racecar. This is your chance to get behind the wheel and drive a real 400-plus horsepower stock car around Stafford Speedway’s track at speeds up to 150 mph!

Your experience begins with a 45-minute classroom session. Expert instructors will bring you up to speed on racing techniques before you take full control of the car. They’ll go over how to enter and exit the track, passing, the flags used, finding the line, safety procedures and much more.

Next, you’re suited in a fire-retardant driving suit over your clothes, helmet, and headset. Then comes the part you’ve been waiting for!

Climb through the stock car’s window and get strapped into your 5-point racing harness.  You’ll have an earpiece for the one-way radio setup under your helmet. As you are soaring around the track, you'll get feedback from the instructor on all aspects of racing including changing gears, cornering, and break points.

No previous stock car racing experience required!

• Soar around Stafford Motor Speedway's 1/2-mile asphalt oval.
• Feel the awesome power of a stock car's 400+ horsepower engine.
• Receive instruction and guidance from seasoned racing professionals.

Location:

• Stafford Springs, Connecticut, a short drive from Hartford & Springfield MA.  VIEW MAP

The Cars:

• All the stock cars are equipped with standard transmissions. There is very little shifting involved. You can do this experience even with little to no manual transmission experience. If you need assistance operating a standard vehicle the pit crew will help you exit the pit area and get to speed quickly.
• The cars are designed to race on smaller short oval racetracks.
• Late Model - A late model race car is a purpose-built, high-performance stock car designed primarily for oval track racing, with tube-frame chassis, racing suspensions, lightweight bodies, and powerful V8 engines.
• Super Late Model - lighter, faster and more powerful than a Late Model stock car.
• Modified - an open-wheel stock car used mainly on short oval tracks, more agile and lighter with exposed front wheels.

How fast will I be able to go?

• Real fast! You are driving by yourself in the race car. The speeds will vary according to each driver’s individual performance.

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• All participants are provided with a Driver’s Suit, and Full-Faced Helmet (with one-way radio communication).
• The minimum age to drive a race car is 18 years old.
• Ride Along minimum age is 14 years and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Minimum height requirement is 5′ tall. Maximum height allowable is 6′ 4″.
• Drivers must be able to climb through a 15” high by 28” wide window that sits 35” from the ground.
• Chest and waist cannot exceed 52".
• How long is the driving event? The event will last 2-3 hours for driving experiences depending upon your lap package and the flow of the day. If you are driving, please show up 20-30 minutes prior to your scheduled driving time.
• Ride – Along: Please allow for about an hour for your ride-along. There is no orientation, so you suited up and off you go.
• Wear clothes that will be comfortable under the driver’s suit.
• Closed-toed shoes are required. A running shoe or equivalent usually works best (no boots). The shoes you wear should allow you to feel the pedals through the sole. Open-toed shoes are not permitted.
• This experience is weather dependent. If your racing event is cancelled due to weather, your certificate will be rescheduled for a future date in the next 12 months. Refunds cannot be issued.
• Once reserved with the experience provider, rescheduling within 30 days of the event date incurs a rescheduling fee of 50% of the package price.
• You are financially responsible for all damage caused to the car due to driver error. A Vehicle Protection Plan is available for $60.00, subject to a $1000.00 deductible. You can purchase optional insurance at the race car track on the day of your event. Due to the quality of the training and cars, damage is rare, but you will be responsible for any damage to the racecar.

How To Book Your Experience