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.