Xmas Gift for Dad Advice

Joe Snyder · 12/23/11, 7:42 PM

Hoping some of you guys can help me out. My Dad absolutely loves the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, its his favorite place in the world without a doubt.

Was thinking of buying him one of the actual "driving" packages, not just the ride along deals with either the Indy Racing Experience or the Richard Petty Driving Experience @ Indy

* The Indy car one you get 3 laps driving for $499.
* The Richard Petty one in a stock car you get 8 laps for $549.

I know both make you follow a lead car. He likes Indy Car much more than Nascar, but the point of the gift is to drive at the speedway. So I wouldn't be against doing the stock car one if it indeed is much better overall.

In my opinion its over priced but, I don't care as I'd love for him to get laps around his favorite track. I'm pretty sure through some connections at the Speedway we could get more than 3 laps for the money, but my question here strictly relates to the overall experience. I don't think I would want to use a friendship to leverage more laps anyway.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate any advice, thoughts, etc on the two experiences.

Merry Christmas
Joe

Crankin · 12/23/11, 9:18 PM

Joe,
I do not know anything about the Indy Car experience, but can promise you that your Dad will thouroughly enjoy the Petty deal! There have been MANY open wheel die hards, do the Petty deal, and all walk away thrilled!!.. Promise.

As far as the cost, IMS costs Petty a lot more than the rest of the tracks, hence the higher cost than other tracks. Again, not knowing how the Indy Car deal works, w/Petty, you get plenty of instruction before hand, and ceremonies afterwards, which he should also enjoy. It is also recomended to do the ride-along before you drive. Yes, it costs more, but a whole bunch of confidence is gained from someone who has never done this, when they feel how the car sticks.

There is usually specials involved for folks that are with someone that drives, as they can usually get a discount to do the ride too... Be sure to ask ablout that before hand when reserving.

I am sure it will make for a memorable, and fun day for you and your Dad!

indystrange · 12/24/11, 1:09 AM

Joe,

Groupon.com had a 1/2 off special Wed. or Thur.I believe $249.00 for the 3 lap Indy (Indy Car) ride along deal- not driving. One of my friends did it for full price and loved it. He sent me the Groupon link and said he was going to get one for his wife for Christmas. I think you're looking for the "driving deal" but I'm guessing if they can offer the ride along at 1/2 price maybe they have some deals going.

12/24/11, 1:09 AM	#3 Re: Xmas Gift for Dad Advice - Drive @ Indy?
indystrange Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5	Joe, Groupon.com had a 1/2 off special Wed. or Thur.I believe $249.00 for the 3 lap Indy (Indy Car) ride along deal- not driving. One of my friends did it for full price and loved it. He sent me the Groupon link and said he was going to get one for his wife for Christmas. I think you're looking for the "driving deal" but I'm guessing if they can offer the ride along at 1/2 price maybe they have some deals going. _________________________________________________ Last edited by indystrange; 12/24/11 at 1:29 AM.

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12/23/11, 7:42 PM	#1 Xmas Gift for Dad Advice - Drive @ Indy?
Joe Snyder Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 68	Hoping some of you guys can help me out. My Dad absolutely loves the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, its his favorite place in the world without a doubt. Was thinking of buying him one of the actual "driving" packages, not just the ride along deals with either the Indy Racing Experience or the Richard Petty Driving Experience @ Indy * The Indy car one you get 3 laps driving for $499. * The Richard Petty one in a stock car you get 8 laps for $549. I know both make you follow a lead car. He likes Indy Car much more than Nascar, but the point of the gift is to drive at the speedway. So I wouldn't be against doing the stock car one if it indeed is much better overall. In my opinion its over priced but, I don't care as I'd love for him to get laps around his favorite track. I'm pretty sure through some connections at the Speedway we could get more than 3 laps for the money, but my question here strictly relates to the overall experience. I don't think I would want to use a friendship to leverage more laps anyway. Anyway, I'd really appreciate any advice, thoughts, etc on the two experiences. Merry Christmas Joe

12/23/11, 9:18 PM	#2 Re: Xmas Gift for Dad Advice - Drive @ Indy?
Crankin Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,003	Joe, I do not know anything about the Indy Car experience, but can promise you that your Dad will thouroughly enjoy the Petty deal! There have been MANY open wheel die hards, do the Petty deal, and all walk away thrilled!!.. Promise. As far as the cost, IMS costs Petty a lot more than the rest of the tracks, hence the higher cost than other tracks. Again, not knowing how the Indy Car deal works, w/Petty, you get plenty of instruction before hand, and ceremonies afterwards, which he should also enjoy. It is also recomended to do the ride-along before you drive. Yes, it costs more, but a whole bunch of confidence is gained from someone who has never done this, when they feel how the car sticks. There is usually specials involved for folks that are with someone that drives, as they can usually get a discount to do the ride too... Be sure to ask ablout that before hand when reserving. I am sure it will make for a memorable, and fun day for you and your Dad!