Drag racing school teaches lesson in thrill chasing
Racing enthusiasts can experience the thrill of a lifetime behind the wheel of a dragster at Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School. Based in West Berlin, the school gives people a chance to experience drag racing in the way that the Richard Petty Driving Experience does with NASCAR-style racecars, said owner and 13-year drag racing veteran Doug Foley.
“These days, it’s more of a bucket-list mentality,” he said. “Motorsports are pretty big in this country, and people want the opportunity to get in there and do it themselves.” Dragsters, the vehicles used in drag racing, are narrow with big tires and reach 150 miles per hour during the classes, Foley said.
Through Doug Foley’s Dragster Experience, participants will get behind the wheel and make two or three runs — depending on the type of package they select — down the track.
No prior racing experience is needed, said Foley: Each half-day course begins with a one-hour orientation of basic safety and operational procedures, and drivers and passengers are fitted with the necessary safety equipment. Students then spend time with the instructor on the racetrack before making their passes.
Trackside photography and a catered lunch can be arranged for groups participating in the Dragster Experience.
Those looking for the thrill of the open road without the driving responsibility can participate in Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School Dragster Ride Along.
A professional instructor “take[s] you for the ride of your life” with a “long, smokey burnout and a couple of G-forces off the starting line,” according to the school’s Web site, www.dougfoley.com.
Dragster Experience packages begin at $349 and Ride Alongs begin at $149. The school has spots available for its Aug. 24 classes at the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa., and those interested should register soon to reserve a space.
The school also offers Junior Dragster courses for children as young as 8, and licensing courses for those working to obtain racing certification, said Foley. The school has evolved since its start in 1997.
“We started as a New York-based company, and the bulk of our business was licensing and competition certifications,” said the owner. “We realized there was a huge void on the entertainment side of things. We built a car that was easy for people to drive and still get the excitement of what it’s like to drive a dragster.”
The school began with three vehicles and now has about 20.
Though Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School is based in South Jersey, courses are held at raceways all along the east coast, including Atco Raceway, Island Dragway in Great Meadows, Cecil County Dragway in Maryland and zMax Dragway in North Carolina.
In addition to individual students, the school has brought the Dragster Experience to entire workforces, including corporations such as the Miller Brewing Company, General Motors and Hilton Hotels.
A full schedule of classes and descriptions of Doug Foley’s Racing School classes are available online at www.dougfoley.com or by calling 1-866-DRAGSTER.
“These days, it’s more of a bucket-list mentality,” he said. “Motorsports are pretty big in this country, and people want the opportunity to get in there and do it themselves.” Dragsters, the vehicles used in drag racing, are narrow with big tires and reach 150 miles per hour during the classes, Foley said.
Through Doug Foley’s Dragster Experience, participants will get behind the wheel and make two or three runs — depending on the type of package they select — down the track.
No prior racing experience is needed, said Foley: Each half-day course begins with a one-hour orientation of basic safety and operational procedures, and drivers and passengers are fitted with the necessary safety equipment. Students then spend time with the instructor on the racetrack before making their passes.
Trackside photography and a catered lunch can be arranged for groups participating in the Dragster Experience.
Those looking for the thrill of the open road without the driving responsibility can participate in Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School Dragster Ride Along.
A professional instructor “take[s] you for the ride of your life” with a “long, smokey burnout and a couple of G-forces off the starting line,” according to the school’s Web site, www.dougfoley.com.
Dragster Experience packages begin at $349 and Ride Alongs begin at $149. The school has spots available for its Aug. 24 classes at the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa., and those interested should register soon to reserve a space.
The school also offers Junior Dragster courses for children as young as 8, and licensing courses for those working to obtain racing certification, said Foley. The school has evolved since its start in 1997.
“We started as a New York-based company, and the bulk of our business was licensing and competition certifications,” said the owner. “We realized there was a huge void on the entertainment side of things. We built a car that was easy for people to drive and still get the excitement of what it’s like to drive a dragster.”
The school began with three vehicles and now has about 20.
Though Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School is based in South Jersey, courses are held at raceways all along the east coast, including Atco Raceway, Island Dragway in Great Meadows, Cecil County Dragway in Maryland and zMax Dragway in North Carolina.
In addition to individual students, the school has brought the Dragster Experience to entire workforces, including corporations such as the Miller Brewing Company, General Motors and Hilton Hotels.
A full schedule of classes and descriptions of Doug Foley’s Racing School classes are available online at www.dougfoley.com or by calling 1-866-DRAGSTER.
