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)


Carl (Pawpaw) and Jasmine

At Amy's picking her up

[4 Dog Mother]

And here we are


Carl in his outfit ready to go almost

Carl with Amy (Cincy'smom and Christy (Dakota's mommy)


Amy is going on a drive along experience! She gets to go 3 laps with an expereinced race car driver!

Oh, it's getting closer

[4 Dog Mother]

Into the car, Carl goes


Last minute instructions


And here he comes (the yellow car behind the white one) - what they do is have the inexperienced driver follow an experienced one.

Another time around

[4 Dog Mother]

8 laps done and he is still smiling!


Here is Amy getting into her car


And off she goes!

There she is in #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car


And off we do experience all done


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.

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

[captain]

W 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.

[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! 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! 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!

[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.