Auto racing came about as an alternative to horseracing when it became apparent that horses have no windshield for stopping overgrown katydids from splattering on drivers' foreheads. Fuel up with this Groupon.

The Deal

• $145 for a 20-lap stock-car racing experience for one (a $399 value), plus two tickets to a Saturday-night NASCAR event (a $30 value) and two tickets to the go-kart track (a $20 value; a $449 total value).
Click to see the NASCAR event schedule.

After a brief class introducing safety systems, track orientation, Victorian architecture, throttle control, and the safe-racing line, speedsters strap into racing suits, gloves, and helmets for their racing experience. Drivers open up throttles along the straightaways and scream through turns for 20 laps around the Irwindale Speedway as instructors pipe advice and tips through earpieces. Because the vehicles are authentic super-late-model stock cars, all drivers must be able fit through a window opening measuring 16"x32", situated about 36" from the ground—easily achieved by most people who wear up to an XXL shirt size and pants with up to a 42" waist. Though not included in this Groupon, on-board video packages are available starting at $79 to enhance driving adventures. Insurance is also available at an additional cost.