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August 21, 2025 3 min read
I’ve restored and driven a lot of cars in my life — classic muscle cars, vintage motorcycles, full restorations, you name it. But nothing prepares you for climbing into a 600-horsepower Modified stock car at Stafford Motor Speedway with an Earnhardt next to you. That’s not a metaphor — I strapped in with Jeffrey Earnhardt for the ride of a lifetime.
You think you know speed until a professional shows you. Jeffrey made the car feel effortless — smooth inputs, precise lines, carrying serious speed through the corners. From the passenger seat, the g-forces slam you into the belts while the V8 roars like it’s alive.
That ride-along set the tone: this isn’t a demo, it’s the real race car driving experience. And next, it was my turn behind the wheel.
If you’re thinking about doing this yourself, here’s how it plays out step by step:
Check-In & Registration
You sign in, get your waiver handled, and meet the crew running the event. They’ll walk you through the basics and what the day is going to look like.
Suiting Up
Fire suit, helmet, neck restraint — the whole kit. You’re strapped in like a real driver, not a tourist. Safety is the first priority.
Driver’s Meeting / Orientation
Quick classroom briefing: flags, pit lane rules, throttle control, and most importantly, how to handle the banking and corners at Stafford.
Ride-Along with a Pro (Jeffrey Earnhardt in my case)
This isn’t just for fun — it’s to show you the line. You’ll feel the speed, see the braking points, and understand how a pro moves the car around the track.
Your Turn Behind the Wheel
You climb in, fire up the Modified, and roll out of the pits. First lap, you’re settling in. Next lap, you’re rolling faster. By the time you’re on the straight, you’re flat in the throttle and feeling the car come alive.
Throttle, Brake, Respect, Repeat
The adrenaline is off the charts, but you quickly realize this isn’t a video game. Respect the corners, squeeze the throttle, and the car rewards you with speed and grip.
Cool Down & Return to Pits
When your laps are done, you ease off, roll back into pit lane, and the reality of what you just did starts to sink in. Hands are shaking, grin is glued on.
When that V8 barks to life, it shakes through your chest. Rolling out of the pits, you quickly realize there are no electronics, no driver aids — just raw horsepower, slicks on asphalt, and you strapped into a tube chassis.
Merging onto the track, every vibration and every ounce of feedback comes through the steering wheel. This is nothing like the cars I’ve restored. This is purpose-built speed.
The first lap is about breathing, settling in, and finding rhythm. Then it’s time to hammer down. I pushed the throttle and the car launched. The Modified screamed down the straightaway, the track blurring past faster than my brain could process.
Into the corner, I lifted, respected the banking, and guided it back smooth. That balance of aggression and control is what makes real racing addictive.
Not everyone keeps it straight. While I was out there, one car looped it in the corner — proof of how fine the line really is in a Modified. Too Aggressive? Maybe. But that’s racing: everyone pushes the edge, some go over it.
All too soon, my laps were done. Off the throttle, down pit lane, and back into the garage. The adrenaline didn’t fade quickly — my hands were still shaking, my grin stuck on my face.
For a guy who’s spent decades around cars, this was on another level.
This wasn’t just a driving experience — it was a bucket list moment. Riding with Jeffrey Earnhardt, then taking the wheel myself at Stafford Motor Speedway, checked a box I didn’t even realize I needed.
And yes — I’d do it again tomorrow.
I’m always wrenching, restoring, and chasing down the next automotive adventure.
👉 Check out more builds, tools, and stories at VtwinsToV8s.com
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