Often thought to be a modern invention, auto racing actually evolved from wheeled cotton-gin races and John Quincy Adams's weekly dune-buggy duels. Join the historic lineage of racing with today's Groupon: for $58, you get the three-lap ride-along experience ($99) and a commemorative photo ($17.50) from the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World® Speedway in Lake Buena Vista (a $116.50 total value).

The Richard Petty Driving Experience allows aspiring need-for-speeders the chance to saddle into a 600-HP stock car. You'll ride shotgun in a two-seat NASCAR-style vehicle with an experienced instructor at the wheel, steering your steel steed around the 1-mile, 10-degree-banked Walt Disney World® Speedway for three laps at speeds easily exceeding 100 miles per hour. Start by zipping up in a fire suit and strapping on a helmet. Then climb through the car's window, as NASCAR drivers do, and check the car's oil pressure, deflector shields, and photon torpedoes. Once on the track, you'll accelerate through the straightaways, smoothly breeze through the tight turns, and roar to the conclusion of your third course tour. For answers to frequently asked questions, see here.

The Walt Disney World® Speedway has hosted races by the Indy Racing League and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, so you'll be burning rubber on the same asphalt as the pros. And the track also features a special area for friends and family to spectate and videotape your speedy excursion, so you can relive the moment with your children and their disinterested goldfish. Call ahead to check the schedule before redeeming your Groupon.

Riders must be at least 14 years old.

Reviews

TripAdvisors give Richard Petty Driving Experience four owl eyes on average:

• They make it fun and very memorable. – yesy1176
• All the staff were very friendly. Everything was explained in detail, with a few laughs along the way to settle any nerves anyone might've had. The ride itself was simply awesome. – Schoey100
• If you're looking to get a taste of what it's like to drive a NASCAR type auto, this is a great place to come. – Surly-Hillbilly