Gas-powered cars will soon be replaced by electric cars, which will be replaced by two-person motorcycles powered by nightmares. Enjoy some combustion-engine action while you can with today's Groupon: for $112, you get a Ride & Drive Package at the Texas World Speedway in College Station (a $225 value).
As one of only a few super speedways in the U.S., Texas World Speedway curves across two miles of knuckle-whitening car, truck, and motorcycle racing turf. This ride & drive package puts thrill enthusiasts in the driver's seat of a 2011 Varsity Ford Mustang and lets them loose to speed through three pulse-pounding laps on the same track where Mario Andretti once set world records for closed-course speed (214.158 mph), as well as how many pencils he could fit in his mouth while doing so (67). Once you finish hurtling through space, time, and a sequel that takes place in the Old West, a TWS performance driving school instructor will take the wheel and blast through five more laps at speeds that induce severe jet lag. Each Mustang is equipped with HD video cameras that capture the entire experience, which can be purchased for $45 afterward and used to impress friends, family, romantic interests, and pairs of elderly Muppet-hecklers. Wear closed-toed shoes and your most helmet-friendly haircut.
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Texas World Speedway
Since its asphalt cooled in 1968, Texas World Speedway has hosted races big and small, gaining renown as “the world’s fastest speedway” in 1973 when Mario Andretti set his closed-course speed record there. The racing mecca continues to expand its repertoire with a performance driving school, which couples classroom learning with on-road experience, as well as through a work-drive program that lets young racers exchange a day of toil for everyday practice on the track. Frequent visitors can reap the rewards of the speedway‘s membership program, which grants holders access to benefits such as gear, discounts, exclusive events, and secret handshakes that produce motor oil.