Posted on 02/04/2008 10:43:18 AM PST by stainlessbanner
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A 60-year-old tourist died after he crashed while driving a Richard Petty Driving Experience NASCAR vehicle at the Daytona International Speedway.
Track officials said Robert Boswell was driving around the speedway Sunday night when he somehow lost control of the race car and crashed into a wall.
Boswell was transported to Halifax Health Medical Center, where he was declared dead at about 7 p.m., officials said.
Cars can reach speeds of 120 mph in the simulated stock car racing attraction at the Daytona Beach International Speedway.
An autopsy is being conducted to determine if any health condition contributed to the crash.
Boswell was an avid race fan, officials said.
The Richard Petty driving experience was closed to the public Monday because of the crash.
Check you local amateur racing organizations. They rent tracks for driving events that you can bring your car to. Call The Speedway and ask who rents the track for events there, then you can call your wife's bluff.
>>>A 60-year-old tourist died after he crashed while driving a Richard Petty Driving Experience NASCAR vehicle at the Daytona International Speedway.<<<
I wish I was so lucky.
I got some funny looks I did not understand talking about the 'S' curves down by Amidon, until years later when I drove through there only to find those two gentle 90 degree curves nearly a half-mile apart.
I haven't trusted a pegged needle since then, and I have no idea how fast I was going.
How can they call it “simulated” if the risks are as great as the real thing?
It's a terrible tragedy, to be sure.
Prayers for the family
But, it seems to me that 120mpg ain't all that fast in a modern car what with all the safety equipment these days such a roll bars, seat harness, etc, etc.
Certain activities require a level of expertise, and paying simple admission isnt a qualifier.
I respectfully disagree with you. In the case of motorcycles, for many people, track days or riding classes are invaluable learning experiences, and if you either want to improve your riding skills or learn to ride at high speeds (relatively) safely, this is the best and only way to do it.
Remember that there is class time, and you go on the track with instructors as well. These auto racing experiences are supposed to be a good way to learn high speed driving in a controlled environment, as well as getting the high speed driving "out of your systems" to make you realize you DON'T want to do that nonsense on the streets.
Mark
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