Las Vegas, NV (November 3, 1999)- I don’t know if officials at
CART Driving 101 figured that a few of the World of Outlaw drivers were in desperate need
of some driving lessons, or if they thought these guys should have the opportunity to take
the ride of their life on a super speedway.
For whatever reason they gave Donny this opportunity, it has been a good luck charm ever since. Donny has not stopped winning feature events since taking their driving experience. He won the World of Outlaws season finale in Las Vegas the following night, and is unbeaten in his first four outings in Australia.
The Cart Driving
101’s mission is ‘to offer the most professional and technically advanced
driving experience in the world, and to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality in this
once-in-a lifetime driving experience’. They provide cars that virtually appear to be
identical to their CART counterparts, but have special modifications to make them easier
and safer to drive than the actual racecars.
"There’s nothing like it", said Donny, after climbing out of the cockpit. "It’s the greatest thing I’ve done in my life. I can’t believe the force that throws you to the outside of the car." Donny’s friend and TNN Motorsports announcer, Ralph Sheheen, was also able to drive one of these high-speed machines. "This is absolutely a thrill", he exclaimed, it’s incredible."
As part
of the day’s activities, Donny’s parents Diane and Danny, as well as myself, all
got to take a ride in a special two seat edition of the Champ car. We got to strap in
behind one of the CART Driving 101 instructors. We each had the opportunity to make about
eight laps around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Although we were only at three-quarter
throttle, (about 160 mph) the forces on the body were unbelievable. After only a few laps,
you could really feel the effects of the heavy helmet on the muscle of your neck. I now
have a better appreciation for the athletic ability of a driver that can endure 500 laps.
It was a great time for everyone involved and truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you to everyone at CART Driving 101. For more details, check out their website at www.driving101.com.
(John Strand/December 9, 1999)
(All photos by John Strand)
