How to ride shotgun in a NASCAR race car at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Zoom in: The club won't be open until April 2025 but Charlotte Motor Speedway offers ride-along and solo driving experiences year-round.

Caveat: You might not get the joy ride with an actual NASCAR driver but you will be in a car previously driven in a race by NASCAR superstars.

If you go: Rides along the track can last 5-48 minutes but you'll have to book in advance.

• You can ride shotgun with a pro racing instructor for three high-speed laps starting at $193.99 and six laps for $299.99.
• If you've got a real need for speed, you can take the wheel yourself and drive alone starting at $436.99.

Here are four things to know before you start your engines:

Dress comfortably.

You'll have to put a jumpsuit over your clothes so I wouldn't wear anything restricting. It's a lightweight suit so it's fairly breathable.

Buckle up.

Safety precautions should calm your nerves. Equipment like a helmet and a head and neck support device will keep you protected. You're also securely strapped into the seat with four different buckles so that should give you some sense of relief before you start.

Brace yourself.

Each track is different but it might feel like riding on a roller coaster. At a speed of more than 170 mph, you'll surely feel like you're about to fly through the windshield.

Relax and enjoy the ride.

The experience will fly by with just a few laps at high speed so try to embrace the moment. You can share the ride with your friends and family by inviting them to watch from the trackside viewing area.