Andy Paul spent Saturday afternoon cruising around Charlotte Motor Speedway at speeds in excess of 150 mph. He ultimately lapped the tri-oval at an average speed of 167.71 mph.

Andy was taking part in the NASCAR Racing Experience. The company, who recently started a program at Myrtle Beach Speedway, gives everyday folks the opportunity to ride in or drive a real NASCAR race-car.  The ride-a-longs are given by professional drivers at speeds in excess of 160 mph.

For the folks who drive themselves, the event starts with a driver’s meeting where the how’s, what’s and when’s are explained. The top priority is safety and the folks in charge have a no second chance policy if a rule is broken. Ignore the rules and the car is turned off remotely and you leave…no refund. The second priority is going fast. As the briefer said, “Do what I say and I promise you, you will go FAST!”

The top speed the cars can attain is controlled by a “chip” in the ignition system that limits the engine RPMs. The trick is to keep the engine speed just shy of the limit. Pushing too hard causes the limiter to kick in which slows you down. As you show more comfort and control, the limit is raised and you go faster.

“The faster you go, the easier the car is to drive,” Andy said after exiting the car. When asked what the experience was like he said simply, “Awesome.”

This article was brought to you by the National Speedtrap Exchange .