CART Driving 101

Do you ever imagine being behind the wheel of a powerful open-wheeled racecar envisioning yourself as a would-be Mario Andretti or Al Unser Jr.? You may be surprised to learn how easy your dream can come true.


Driving 101 gives average people like you and me the chance to drive a semi-real open-wheel CART (Championship Auto Racing Team) racecar on some of the same race courses of the pros. Think about it: a 500-horsepower, 1,800-pound racecar at speeds approaching 180 miles per hour. Just you, the car and your nerves.


Driving 101 runs two venues, one at the Las Vegas International Raceway in Nevada and one at the California Raceway in Fontana, California. These are two of the most challenging banked ovals in the country—downright intimidating just standing in the infield and looking up the steep banks of concrete.


But, if driving really isn't your cup of tea and you would still like to experience the thrill of speed, the company offers a less dramatic, yet equally impressive ride—in a dual-seat CART racecar that's nearly as thrilling as the single-seat car. The two-seater is driven by one of Driving 101's capable instructors with you sitting just twenty inches behind him. It's the ultimate in backseat driving.


The dimensions of a standard racecar are modified slightly to accommodate the extra passenger. The chassis is stretched 10 inches and the fuel tank that's usually located behind the driver is reduced in size and moved to the side of the passenger. A formed seat and full five-point racing seatbelt is provided, so the rider gets the most authentic experience possible.