Got a need for speed? Then you might be tickled to learn that Asheville is home to the only immersive racing simulation experience in WNC. The Track at Asheville, which opened in the Biltmore Village area at the end of 2020, offers 12 state-of-the-art racing rigs that recreate a stunningly similar experience to being in an actual Formula One race car, rumbles, wrecks, and all.
What’s more, now that pandemic restrictions have dialed back, The Track has also launched a new racing league series, which inspired the AVLtoday team to hop in the driver’s seat and find out more. If you want to put the pedal to the metal at The Track as a casual or competitive user, here’s what you can expect. 👇
The experience:
To get your feet (er, tires) wet, we recommend booking an open race session + taking a test-spin on either the standard or advanced rigs. You can either drive “hot laps,” a.k.a. non-competitively, or race against other track guests who are stationed at various rigs 6 feet apart. To level up your racing, you can also sign up for a monthly membership or 1 of 2 leagues to gather + compete on a regular basis.
Once you’re in the rig, a low-to-the-ground + compressed seat that feels just as cramped as an actual race car, you can choose between automatic or manual mode, and from 50+ famous race tracks across the world. With simulated speeds of well-over 100 mph, the craziest part is how realistic the vibrations of the steering wheel feel. When you crash (or accidentally drive over the grass), Editor Laura definitely had a moment of panic until she remembered it was all just happening on a screen.
ProTip: For those who enjoy imbibing, there’s also craft beer and wine available for purchase. And yes, as long as you have a ride home, drinking and driving is totally allowed.
What to know if you go:
- Price: Starts at $40+ for 120 minutes of racing
- Website: https://www.thetrackavl.com/
- Address: 9 Reed St. D, Asheville, NC 28803
- Hours:
- Mon.-Fri., 3:30-9p.m;
- Sat., 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.;
- Sun., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
