Providing an outlet for better mental healthBeing in a race car, tearing down the drag strip at full speed, will come as a very new experience for many people, especially if they’re also new to the sport of drag racing. So what is actually involved? What will you see? What will you feel? Is it normal to be feeling so nervous?
Nervous?
Being nervous is totally normal. Many experienced racers still have the tummy flutters and quickened breathing before a race. It’s just a sign that you understand the dangers involved in what you are about to do. But listen to the instructions carefully, and view the safety advice, and you’ll soon be swapping out nerves for an adrenaline rush.
Dressed for Safety
While every measure is taken to keep you safe, this is a dangerous sport and it’s our responsibility to keep you as safe as possible. Let’s start with what you’ll be wearing.
- Race Suit
Therapy on Wheels will provide you with a fire resistant race suit to wear over your current clothing. When you’re ready to race, you will be asked to zip the suit all the way up and velcro the collar closed. Race suits are really designed for safety over attractiveness. - Shoes & Socks
You will need to wear closed in shoes (sneakers) and full socks that fully cover your ankles. - Arm Restraints
Each restraint is velcroed around your lower arm by one of our team members, and then attached to through the ring to the buckle on the seatbelt once you’re strapped in. As soon as your seatbelt is released, the restraints become free. - Balaclava
Worn over the mouth and nose provide added protection to your airways. You may get a claustrophobic feeling, especially once the helmet is on, but this will go away once the engine starts. You can also keep your balaclava as a souvenir. - Helmet
While these helmets are specific for racing they are pretty similar to a regular motorbike helmet. You will be assisted with putting on the helmet just before you get into the car. Headbands, clips, and ponytails can cause your helmet to sit uncomfortably, reducing the enjoyment of your experience, so we recommend a low ponytail or plait for long hair.
It’s not necessary to have your visor closed until we are racing, so Andy will let you know the moment you will need to lower it by way of a hand signal. - Neck protection
If you’ve ever been in a regular car accident, you would know how easy it is to get whiplash, so we provide a “donut” to help protect your neck from any sudden movement. - Gloves
Therapy on Wheels will provide you with a fire resistant gloves to wear that cover over the cuffs of the race suit. You’ll put these on last when you’re strapped into the passenger seat, and they can be removed at the end of the race before undoing your helmet. - Glasses (optional)
If you wear prescription glasses, or would like to wear sunglasses, check that they can be worn comfortably with your helmet on. You may need to adjust the helmet size to accommodate.
Yes, it does get pretty hot with all your gear on, but it’s not for long, and it will keep you safe.
Strapping Into the Passenger Seat
For most people this is when the nerves really kick in, and that’s ok. Just breathe slowly and deeply, and watch and listen to the Therapy on Wheels team as they give you instructions.
On of the team will help you get in the car and ask that you sit upright and as far back in the seat as you can get. They will attach your 5-point race harness (seatbelt) and show you how to tighten it when you’re told to do so. Your harness should be tight enough so you can’t move forward, and generally this will take both hands and all your strength.
To keep your hands out of the way, hold onto your harness at the adjustment point.
Start your Engines
The first thing most people notice is that it’s not as loud as they expect, but it is still loud, so you will be restricted to hand signals.
Andy will start the car up, and wait a moment for it for “warm up”, then she will give you the signal to lower your visor. Watch the signals Andy is receiving from her crew chief outside the car. She is being brought just to the other side of the “water box” so she can get some water lubrication on the tyres to do the burnout. The burnout process helps warm up the tyres allowing them to stick to the track.
During this process, you’ll hear the engine noise increase, there may be some tyre smoke and fuel fumes inside the car and you’ll also feel some jerking movements. It’s a quick process, just to warm you and the car up ready to race.
Race Time
After the burnout, Andy will give you a thumbs up signal to check that you are still confident to continue. By now your nerves are probably at their peak, but very shortly adrenaline will take over.
Andy will very slowly creep the car forward “into stage”. Watch the lights on the tree (traffic lights outside the car) and when you see the top white light go on, push your head back in the seat, look forward down the track and try not to blink.
You will hear the engine rev up and then you’ll feel the pressure of the Mercedes Benz launching off the start line. Before you know it, outside the car will be just a blur, and you’ll see the finish line fast approaching.
After the finish line, Andy will apply the brakes, (which you will feel with your body being pulled forward in the harness). It might seem like the car is taking a long time to slow back down, and the end of the track does appear to come up very quickly. But we have plenty of room to stop.
Returning back to Family & Friends
“What a Rush!!!!”
At the end of the track, Andy will follow the road around onto the “return road”. But before heading back to your spectators she’ll stop the car, lower the windows, and check how you’re feeling. You can now take off your gloves and lift the visor on your helmet. Don’t forget to pose for the thumbs up photo on the in car camera.
The Adrenaline Kick
This adrenaline kick has differing effects on different people, but mostly you will experience some breathlessness, an increased heart rate, and the inability to stop smiling.