A Day At The Track
On April 11, 2008, the driver of the Plaid 19 went for the ride of a lifetime. Matthew the youngest member of the Plaid had testing this week. As a reward, he was told if he tried really hard, and did his best his mom and Ms. Goodall, his 1 on 1 teacher, would take him out to RIR and let him put "Ms. Goodall" in a race car. Matthew kept up his part of the bargin, so off to the raceway today they went.
Matthew was excited as the car went through the drivers' tunnel headed for pit road. He could not wait to put his teacher in the car. As Matthew and his mom watched, our driver put on her firesuit, helmet and hans device and then climbed into the #48. After a few laps, which were an eye opening experience to say the least, our driver climbed from the car, but as they were all to learn the day didn't end there.
Before any of them knew it, the Petty workers were suiting up Jennifer (Matthew's Mom) telling her she was going to have a little fun. Our driver stood with Matthew as his mom climbed in and off they went. Matthew was cheering and hollering at his mom every time she went past.
All the drivers got out of the cars at break and came and spoke to Matthew who was having the time of his life.
The Petty people didn't stop there. The Petty van then took Matthew on a ride around the track. This was more than anyone could have hoped for and it wasn't over yet. They gave our driver a picture and plaque, gave Matthew's mom a photo and DVD of her experience all free of charge. Finally, they gave Matthew a 1:24 scale diecast of the Richard Petty Driving Experience Car and had all the drivers sign it.
The Plaid Racing can not thank the staff of the Richard Petty Driving Experience enough for making this day a wonderful experience for everyone, especially Matthew!
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 Climbing out |
 Jennifer, Matthew's mom, after her laps |
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Waiting to get in | 
Still waiting for her turn |
 Shelley and Matthew |
Shelley doing what she does best, talking |  |
Matthew in his favorite drivers car | 
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Matthew McMillen getting ready to get in the van to go around the track | 
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All photos were taken by the Plaid Racing, Inc.. These photos are the property of the Plaid Racing. These photos may not be reproduced or tranferred without the express written consent of the Plaid Racing.