Las Vegas Motor Speedway

If you've got a need for speed, or merely a dose of the NASCAR bug, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the place to be. Sprawling across 1500 acres of prime drift paradise, the NASCAR championship course is like a mecca to rally nuts and it's almost impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. From the NASCAR Weekend Championship held every summer, to the increasingly popular Formula Drift event, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is Nevada's epicenter for everything car racing related.

With a 1.5 speedway and 2.5 mile road course, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a major player for the hosting of Formula Drift and NASCAR competitions, coupled with a plenitude of local weekend drag rallies. Even if you don't touch down in time to catch Tengku Djan or Mad Mike tackling corners at break neck speeds, there's still a wealth of exciting car stuff to discover. Nate Hirschi, Las Vegas Speedway's tower announcer for the past seven years is a familiar face both on and off circuit, often mingling with the visitors for photograph opportunities and a general chin wag. Muscle car shows are also a huge draw, particularly the bi-annual Super Chevy Show and Whelen Stock Car Exhibition.

Fancy a crack at Nevada's NASCAR track? Book yourself onto the Richard Petty Rookie Driving Experience, a comprehensive tour and driving experience like no other. Not only will you be entertained backstage where the big star drift racers hang out, but you'll also be given an all access tour of the pits to change your first tyre. After a brief interlude, during which Richard Petty himself will talk you through the track via recorded message, you'll be introduced to the monster V8-NASCAR stock car. Capable of achieving over 137 mph and packing in a whopping 600 bhp, this isn't a replica for crash test dummies. Your in-car instruction session will include a lesson in handling and shifting pattern, along with essential safety know-how – like what to do if you roll! Cue the lights, because now it's your turn to lick up with eight laps of the speedway and attempt to thrash the time set by Richard Petty himself. Are you game?