Experience Details
Redeem Voucher/Gift Card:
Have a voucher or Gift Card and want to redeem for a reservation? Click on black box that says "Redeem Voucher/Gift Card" and follow the steps. Upgrades are available for peak dates, times and more driving time. Call 877-Race-Lap for questions.
Reservations:
Reservations are recommended. Dates and times do sell out in advance. Make your reservation here on the website or call customer service at 877-RACE-LAP.
Gift Cards::
Gift Cards are easy! You give the gift card, they decide when and where to make the reservation. Purchase a gift card for any of the racing experiences offered. Gift Cards are good for 2 years at any of the nationwide locations
Locations and Directions:
Here's the list of nationwide locations. For directions and information on the speedway, click on racetrack.
Duration:
All driving experiences are approximately 3 hour experiences except the World
Champion which is a day experiences.
Ride Alongs- are for 3 laps beginning as you take off down pit road. Includes warm up and cool down lap. Plan on at least 1 hour for the ride along experience.
Mandatory Driver's Fee:
All drivers are required to pay a $35 drivers fee. Fee includes insurance, RE Ear buds, and souvenir racing license. Drivers fee will automatically be added during check out.
Finance It!
Financing is available with no money down today, no interest for 6 months and
minimum monthly payments. It's quick and easy, just takes minutes! Call customer service at 1-877-RACE-LAP (722-3527) today for more information. Apply today!
Check in:
30 minutes to 1 hour before your reservation time.
Timed Sessions:
All driving sessions are timed. Timed sessions begin as you start down pit road
and end when you return to the pits.
Requirements:
Drivers must be 18 years old and have a driver's license. Drivers license will need to be provided when checking in.
Spectators:
Friends and family are welcome to attend, watch and take photos of your
experience.
Height and Weight:
Drivers over 270lbs and 6'7". tall may not be able to fit in the race car.
Weather:
If there is inclement weather or situations out of our control, we will cancel and either reschedule your reservation or issue you a gift card.
Food and Beverage:
Concession stands will not be open. You may bring drinks and snack or a cooler.
FAQs
What's the difference between Mario Andretti Racing Experience and other racing schools or driving experiences?
Mario Andretti Racing Experience, "World's Fastest Driving Experience" offers full size, open wheel, open Cock pit Indy-style race cars you can drive! Plus 2 seat Indy-style race cars you can ride along in.
Other differences are: No lead cars to follow, In Car radio communications, Passing is allowed and Personal Spotters.
What race tracks do you offer Mario Andretti Racing Experience?
- Atlanta Motor Speedway
- Auto Club Speedway- formerly California Superspeedway
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Chicagoland Speedway
- Kentucky Speedway
- Miami Homestead Speedway
- Texas Motor Speedway
- Richmond International Raceway
- Phoenix International Raceway
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway
What kind of race tracks will I be driving on?
All superspeedways, all oval race tracks. The same race tracks you see the pros race on!
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, reservations are recommended for all experiences. Dates and times are limited.
How do I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation on line at
www.AndrettiRacing.com or call our toll free number at 1-877-RACELAP.
Confirmations- An email confirmation will be sent to you.
When do timed driving sessions begin and end?
The time on your driving session begins as you start driving down pit road and it ends when you pull back into the pits.
How long does it take to do a driving experience?
All timed driving sessions you should allow up to 3 hours. This includes the drivers meeting, training and instruction.
Can I bring friends and family to watch?
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring friends and family. A track-side viewing area is available at all tracks.
Where do we need to go at the race track to check in?
Once at the race track, you'll need to go to the Infield Tunnel, drive thru the tunnel to the center of the race track. There you will see the race cars and trailer on pit road. Park and go to the trailer to check in.
Is passing allowed?
Yes, if you come up on a slower race car, your personal racing instructor will instruct you to pass.
What do I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes depending on the time of year as your clothing will be worn under a driving suit. Wear closed toe shoes, tennis shoes are recommended.
Do I need to bring racing gear?
No. Mario Andretti Racing Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience provide you with everything you need except shoes and gloves. *Race shoes and Gloves are NOT required.
How will I know what my top speed was?
Top speeds are approximates top speeds. We take the average lap speeds and add to that speed to get an approximate top speed on straight-aways. Depending on the speed you go, the speeds will be closer to the actual top speed, which is in the middle of the curve. Our system does not give exact speeds, it just gives an estimated top speed of the car on the straight-aways. Top speed will be printed for all drivers on your graduate certificate. Top speeds will vary depending on race track, track conditions, weather, and individual driving ability.
Do you have gift cards?
Yes, you can purchase a gift card for any driving session or ride package. Gift cards are good for 2 years and can be redeemed for either Mario Andretti Racing Experience or Mario ANdretti Racing Experience.
What if I can't decide what date, time and location?
Get a gift card. Gift cards are good for 2 years at any of our nationwide locations.
Can I bring my own helmet?
Yes, but it needs to be inspected prior to riding or driving at the racetrack.
What happens if I'm late?
Drivers will not be able to drive if they are late. All drivers must attend a Drivers Meeting prior to driving for safety reasons.
Can I put a camera in the car, on my helmet or mount it somewhere?
No. Cameras are not allowed in or on the cars.
Do I need a valid driver's license?
Yes, all drivers are required to bring a valid driver's license to the racetrack and present when checking in.
What if I can't fit in the race car?
The weight and height requirements are a general range and are not guaranteed. In the event you cant fit in the car, we will do our best to help accommodate you at the racetrack with other options.
Can I drive if I have hearing aids?
Yes, but we will need to know in advance so we can plan accordingly. Drivers communicate with spotters using RE earbuds. You will be required to remove your hearing aids. If you cant hear clearly without the hearing aids, we will set up a lead follow experience for you. Please call us in advance if you have concerns so we can plan ahead.
Do I have to know how to drive a stick shift?
No.
Can I choose the race car I want to drive?
No, race cars are assigned to drivers based on weight and height.
What race cars are in the fleet?
Full size 600 hp Indy Style cars, and two seater Indy style cars. Similarto the ones Mario Andretti drove throughout his career.
Are there any restrictions regarding people that can or cannot ride/drive these cars?
Yes
To Drive:
Guests must be in good Physical Condition.
Because of safety reasons, cars are restricted to those 6'4" tall & under and weight less than 250 lbs.
Participants must have a valid drivers license.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who must give written consent.
To Ride:
Guests must be in good physical condition
There is no age limit to ride, however for safety reasons we do require a minimum height of 5'0" and a weight of 100 lbs. Because of safety reasons, cars are restricted to those 6'4" tall & under and weight less than 250 lbs.
If under 18 years old, a parental consent form must be signed.
How will Mario Andretti Racing Experience on track program be structured?
Following drivers meeting, racing school training and instruction with a Crew Chief, you'll drive a full size 600 hp Indy Style race car on a Super speedway for a timed session, depending on the program purchased. There's NO lead car to hold you back and no instructor in the car with you!! You will have constant 2-way communication with your Personal Racing Instructor through our state-of-the-art Racing Electronics in-car radio system. Upon completion, you'll receive a full color, Graduate Certificate with your top speed on it. Mario Andretti Racing Experience reserves the right to judge participants' performance. Any person engaging in activity we feel to be unsafe and dangerous will forfeit their right to drive at our discretion with no refund. For more information on Mario Andretti Racing Experience programs, click here.
Can I upgrade my Mario Andretti Racing Experience gift card or reservation to another experience?
Yes. Call customer service at 1-877-RACELAP, with your gift card number or name of reservation. Customer service will charge you for the difference in price, and upgrade your experience to another driving experience or ride along.
What are the Mario Andretti Racing Experience office hours?
Customer Service is open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm EST and can be reached at 1-877-RACELAP (1-877-722-3527). Our website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.AndrettiRacing.com
Can I get a refund for my gift card or reservation?
No. Gift cards and reservations have a no cancellation/no refundable policy. However, if you do need to reschedule, you have up until 30 days prior to your reservation to make changes for a $50 administrative fee. Once you are within 30 days of the event, you are then locked in to that date and time and no changes can be made.
What is your policy on rain-outs?
If we have inclement weather and have to cancel, the Mario Andretti Racing Experience will contact you and either reschedule you for another available date or issue you a gift card that you can use to reschedule at your convenience. A refund will not be issued due to rainouts
How do I request a donation from the Mario Andretti Racing Experience?
Please submit all donation request forms via email to dhall@877racelap.com. All requests will be evaluated and we will contact you and let you know if we are able to contribute.
What happens if I wreck a race car?
The Driver will forfeit all remaining laps and will not be allowed to drive again.
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Testimonials
"I have had the opportunity to try other driving
experiences but nothing can compare to my June
12 experience at LMS. This was as on the edge,
well orchestrated and as safe as could be expected
given the venue. Having the instructor on the radio
at all times made me confident and relaxed adding
to the enjoyment for the entire 16 minutes. I
anticipated nothing but the very best from the
organization. The event on June 12th, 2009 far
exceeded my expectations and is clearly suitable
for all to enjoy safely."
Craig Sullivan
"We paid for my husband to drive for his birthday,
and we were overwhelmed with how wonderful the
experience was. My son and I both ended up going
on a ride along and it was amazing! The entire staff
made the day relaxing, and extremely enjoyable!
My husband said he felt comfortable driving because
the crew chief giving him instructions was so mellow
and calm. Thank you very much for the excellent
family experience!"
Melissa Woodard Fayetteville, NC
"I know you have had many students but I was the one who got out of the car out of breath on Saturday March 6, 2010. I was so full of many emotions and couldn't express them at the time. This was an experience I'll never forget.
As I started my session, I vividly remember exiting pit lane on the apron of the track and seeing the banking, thinking to myself "there's no way I can do this". I was nervous and scared at the same time. But upon entering turn 3 my crew chief had calmed my nerves and had my focus completely on the laps ahead of me. He was telling me to get closer to the white line as I was about 7 feet off it. I didn't want to but he encouraged me to trust the car. I did and lap after lap my confidence built and I'll never forget what he asked me when my session was complete: "Have you ever driven a race car before?" I told him "no" and he replied "you're kidding me. Great job man!"
I am still in awe 4 days later at what I accomplished and would like to personally thank you and all your staff for the excellent job and for giving me an experience I'll never forget in my life. I left Lowe's Motor Speedway with a newfound confidence. I am now more confident in my abilities and I thank you for providing one awesome experience. For 8 minutes, I was able to experience what it is like to be a NASCAR driver. Great job to your entire staff, especially my crew chief, for pushing me to do something I've always wanted to do. It is the recharge I needed in my life. I will be back.
Well Done!!"
Kerry Van Eaton, Raleigh, NC
"My wife recently completed the two-day 'World Champion' experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway. She had an absolutely fantastic time and with her crew chief's and spotter's instruction she gained knowledge about the track and confidence behind the wheel as each lap passed. By her third solo session, she reached a top speed in excess of 165mph! I truly appreciate the professionalism of your staff. They, along with the cars and equipment were all top-notch. I recommend the NASCAR Racing Experience; this was a wonderful experience for her and for our entire family. We'll be back soon!"
John Haddox, Pittsburgh, PA