NASCAR Racing Experience “extended” 40th Birthday for Katelyn
Posted By RichC on June 30, 2026
What an “intense” racing experience!
I used the word “intense” purposely, since the three of us who were privileged to actually drive NASCAR race cars on Michigan International Speedway 
used that exact word after our laps (the birthday girl Katelyn had a few extra). It was all thanks to husband Drew for planning this surprise 40th birthday treat for Katelyn … and her stick-shift driving brother and dad (manual shifting requirement). Wow … what fantastic gift and experience … an experience that we couldn’t stop talking about.
The first event in May was rained out so we had to secretly prepare and plan the surprise the following month. Drew kept us posted on the weather and emails so that we could plan to arrive as a surprise at the speedway before Drew, Katelyn and the girls arrived. Coordination was tricky since Katelyn is pretty sly at reading the tea leaves, but it worked … 
and it showed in her excitement. As she said later, “I’m so glad we could do this together.” 😉
Each of us checked in with our reservation at the NASCAR Racing Experience driver’s center and were issued a “racing license” and sat through a short drivers class (it still amazes me that they let average drivers take control of real race cars by themselves). Just FYI, there are a few limitations: you are in full radio contact (if you can hear) with a spotter who acts both as a coach and as your mirrors in order to avoid a collision on the track. They also put rev-limiting computer chips in the cars which lowers the red-line to 5000 RPMs. Katelyn did get a few extra laps due to her “qualifier” package and to a faulty chip in her Michael McDowell #37 car. Still, there’s enough power to easily get in trouble while driving well over 100 mph (and just for bragging rights, I still topped my two kids with a 127.24 mph lap in my Richard Petty #43 “hotrod” as TVs NASCAR color commentators would say). 😉
Since both Drew and Megan were busy taking photos and video, our family has way too many to post here, so I’ll include just a couple on my blog and a video of Katelyn’s final run and special BIG FACE “pit sign” that would be perfect on any NASCAR pit road stall.
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