I’m just going to start off this post with a little disclaimer.  What I am about to describe is probably dangerous and illegal in some (if not all) states.  Reckless driving is not something I condone, and you should always wear a seat belt.  This is also one of those posts that could probably get me into trouble, but hey, why not…

You remember that scene in Days of Thunder where Cole and Rowdy take two rental cars through Daytona and basically use them up?  Well, when it comes to race teams and rental cars, sometimes truth is stranger then fiction.

Certain things are just a part of life on the road; airplanes and airports, restaurants, hotels, and rental cars.  And in order to keep ourselves entertained we often engage in activities that are, dare I say, a little immature.

Normally, we are given a mini van or small SUV to get around while we are at a race.  And, there are usually one or a couple guys who are in charge of driving said subletted vehicle.  Why is it that the person who ends up with that responsibility is always the worst driver ever?  You either get the guy who drives Miss Daisy or the guy who turns off the traction control the second he leaves the airport just to see how good of a burnout the Nissan Quest can actually do.  The throttle pedal and emergency brake always seem to get used more then turn signals and side mirrors.

Speaking of mirrors not getting used, it is assumed that whenever you climb into a car as a passenger, you always become a spotter for the loose nut behind the wheel.  Changing lanes is always prefaced by shouts of “clear!” or “car low.”

I believe that in recent years the teams have really cracked down on abusing rental cars (and for obvious reasons) but I’ve heard and been witness to some crazy shenanigans.  We’ve all seen bumpdrafting done at Talladega and Daytona.  How about bumpdrafting at 75 on the interstate?  Or, how about leaving the race track and running two wide down a two lane road throwing open water bottles at each other’s cars?  Yep, I’ve been witness to both.  Ever wonder if your late model Chevy Impala is a good off road vehicle?  I know the answer.

So the next time you are at a car dealership looking at a used vehicle, and the salesman tells you it was previously a rental, you might want to reconsider…

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