My Friday in 12 photos. Racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway!

Posted on June 27, 2022 by jtyler

On Friday I did something awesome. I participated in the 5th Annual Media Racing Day Challenge at New Hampshire Motor Speedway!

Along with 20 other media members, I got to experience what it is like to drive a real stock car around New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience.

It all started with a quick class on what to do, but most importantly what NOT to do while you are driving the racecar around the one mile oval.

Then we got suited up in a fire suit and helmet.

Do I look like a racecar driver?

Then it was time for driver introductions.

And then to the track to check out some racecars.

Before we got behind the wheel, we got a ride-along with a professional driver. This was cool because I got to ride with Russ Hersey who is a local guy that we have talked to before on the Checkered Flag Report. This was before we went FAST!

I am not sure exactly how fast we were going down the front straightaway, but it was quick enough that it had me holding on tight even though we were safely strapped in to experience race speed.

Speaking of drivers and racing, Derek Griffith was there to provide some pointers on how to quickly get around the Magic Mile.

Derek is another regional driver that we have spoken to many times via phone on the Checkered Flag Report, so it was great to meet him in person. Derek will be competing in the Xfinity Race at NHMS which will be on Saturday July 16th.

Finally it was time to get into the car and see what I could do behind the wheel.

I got to drive Jr’s old 88! Unfortunately, I was not as fast as Dale Jr. My lap time was just over 53 seconds. Here is the deal. I have seen many races at NHMS and I know how important it is to ease into the corners. I was braking WAY too early. The winner had a super fast time of 39 seconds! I have a lot of work to do to hit that pace. Professional drivers are usually around 29 seconds. I guess I should not quit my day job!

New Hampshire Motor Speedway also provided some of the new food options for July’s NASCAR race weekend. My favorite was the frozen hot chocolate which was perfect for a hot June day.

Overall it was a great event that I hope to participate in again. I think I can do better with a bit of experience under my belt!

Remember. NASCAR weekend is coming up soon, July 15th though the 17th. Tickets for every day of racing are available here. This year’s events include a Friday night dirt duel race at their flat track, the Whelen Modified Tour and Xfinity Race on Saturday and the Ambetter 301 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

Also, I got to see an old friend. Who remembers this face?