Richard Petti Driving Experience (in memory of Rob)

[4 Dog Mother]

Before my son Rob died, he won a raffle at work whose prize was a Richard Petti Driving Experience at any (but 3) Nascar racetracks. He was going to give it to his father as a present because he didn't drive a stick very well. So when he died, it came to his father. So yesterday as a family we went to remember Rob and his love of Nascar. We drove up to the Michigan International Speedway. Here we are getting ready for our day.

First Jasmine in her Tony Stewart outfit (Rob, Amy and Christy are all big Tony Stewart fans)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p2a8039da7ddba02be600ab32374c8ea3/ef1f1d3e.jpg

Carl (Pawpaw) and Jasmine
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p7ee85e2ce64bae1858334f6c7600733f/ef1f1cb2.jpg
At Amy's picking her up
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pf4e7039346211bcaf16c69729e37a1c0/ef1f1b5c.jpg

[4 Dog Mother]

And here we are
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p7ad909b90c33d2eb4a189b4e22186c82/ef1f17f7.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p1cb947bf0fe657410eec1af3c690f36e/ef1f17be.jpg
Carl in his outfit ready to go almost
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pe237b0248f88a8b204c2b95a2868dbc4/ef1f150e.jpg
Carl with Amy (Cincy'smom and Christy (Dakota's mommy)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p2f817e187027c854eeccbb2ffe2218e8/ef1f0890.jpg

Amy is going on a drive along experience! She gets to go 3 laps with an expereinced race car driver!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p88729b826fa0b9b16355b43e250635c0/ef1f0766.jpg
Oh, it's getting closer
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p9ac9c01da93231fedd22f2f5e5aec507/ef1f06cd.jpg

[4 Dog Mother]

Into the car, Carl goes
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p5ee479444eb9f458bf5ab40f844e2f33/ef1f0690.jpg

Last minute instructions
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p9c8997cf194610d662a8ffde62a4a9fd/ef1f067b.jpg

And here he comes (the yellow car behind the white one) - what they do is have the inexperienced driver follow an experienced one.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pe8ca78b98e0f6d79be49c1b2306e0040/ef1f061a.jpg
Another time around
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p60fd12f9674b3d02b41c16b03f9e5ce0/ef1f05ec.jpg

[4 Dog Mother]

8 laps done and he is still smiling!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pc5945084a271118b2b1152f2b80ea46f/ef1f05c3.jpg

Here is Amy getting into her car
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p0166ad2faa52cc5339c412cad9f120a8/ef1f05a1.jpg

And off she goes!http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p9696a33b512bb09b641e790f07bdbd5c/ef1f0553.jpg

There she is in #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pad88077773c6111c54b68c6b1cdce2aa/ef1f053d.jpg

And off we do experience all done
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/p1a41eb9b9d10b867e3029d39c96e50fc/ef1f1217.jpg

Amy had a camera too so I am sure more pictures will be added - and if she doesn't get more of her up, I will find them and post them. (She doesn't thnk she looks good)

The rest of my album is here. (http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2106637984)

Two cameras were used so they are in order taken in each camera.

[4 Dog Mother]

I had asked God for a sign that Rob was with us. One of Rob's favorite movies was Ferris Bueller when he was in 7th-8th grade and he used to "be sick" a lot in 8th grade. We called him Ferris every time it happened. As the video on preparing the drivers ended, a clip from Ferris Bueller came on. Ferris was laying in his bed and saying "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.

Yes, Rob was with us and we had a great day as a family! Bittersweet however since our boy wasn't with us. Love you Rob! Thanks for the great present. Your dad really loved it!

[Cincy'sMom]

What a fun day it was!! 3 laps was definately not enough (although I would tell any NASCAR fan to try it atleast once...it really is amazing the G-force you feel in the corners. I really respect the guys (and gals) that drive that 500 miles every week. I may just have to learn to drive stick so I can drive it for myself though!!

Since mom already posted most the pictures, I'll just add a link to my album.
I was going to attach a video, but it is too big so I willhaveto figure something else out to show it!


Petty Driving (http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2106641274)

[RobiLee]

What a great family day and how wonderful to know that Rob was watching over. I knew he would be. I loved seeing the family and I have to tell you that every time I see Jasmine, I smile. I bet that was an awesome experience. I have to say I'm just a wee bit envious;). Amy and Carl, you two looked great in your racing gear and I can't wait to hear about it in person when I see you in a few weeks.

{{Big hugs for the whole family}}

Off to look at the albums now! :D

[4 Dog Mother]

Oh come on Amy, we have to see one of you with your helmet on!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pb37ab4a327632f247e273240ff2f9133/ef1f8684.jpg

last minute instructions
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pa2d6e1c6c9d6a568cfde7919117f379a/ef1f8303.jpg

in the car, ready to go
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pb5e93e849d8af29c94c03ec7752c9373/ef1f8434.jpg

[Cataholic]

How bittersweet. :( Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Memo to Carl & Amy:
Remember Guys - ya gotta keep your Eyes *OPEN*!

And that little weight you'll both feel on your shoulders ...
Just Rob - along for the Ride - give him a good one!

{{{Hugs}}} /s/ Phred

Judging from the http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/smile.gif on some faces ...
Looks like it was a *Phunn* experience.

{{{Hugs}}}

:D

[captain]

W :eek: W - What a great experience for you all.

I am glad that Rob was there in spirit .... looking on at all that "stick" gear changing, and shaking his head ......... :)

[shais_mom]

looks like a blast -
I firmly believe in signs from above.
Hugs to the entire family.

[K9karen]

no doubt Rob was there and thrilled that you all had a lovely time!
you all looked terrific!

[ramanth]

What a great way to remember Rob! Looks like it was a beautiful and fun day.

Amy, my sister would be so envious. Jr. is her fave driver.

And it's suffice to say that I'm jealous! I'll have to do that sometime. :D

[anna_66]

What a wonderful thing to do as a family. I'm sure that he was watching down on you all and smiling:)

Looks like you all had a fabulous time!

[cyber-sibes]

Wow, how cool is that! :eek: Amy, you look mah-velous! What a great way to celebrate Rob's gift together, sounds like he was right there with you sharing the fun. who knows? Maybe Jasmine will grow up to be a race car driver- she looks adorable!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

How cool! :cool: Glad you all enjoyed it so much, and glad Rob "made an appearance" to let you know he was there with you in spirit. :)

[RICHARD]

You may want to go see a doctor.


Facial paralysis (HUGE SMILES) lasts a while.

I get the same thing after an airshow...Loud noise and fast machines! :eek: :D

[lizbud]

Wow, what a great experience. :) I would love to drive a race car.
How many forward speeds does it have? I'm sure Rob was pleased to
see how much you enjoyed the rides.

[RICHARD]

Wow, what a great experience. :) I would love to drive a race car.
How many forward speeds does it have? .


Standard shift pattern

Forward,
Sideways,
and spinout! :eek: