ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 10, 1996 TAG: 9611080108
SECTION: ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER PAGE: RCC-7 EDITION: METRO
If you've ever watched Jeff Gordon race his DuPont Chevrolet Monte Carlo on the tough NASCAR Winston Cup tracks - and wondered how it felt - come to the Roanoke Civic Center Nov. 17 and see for yourself.
Race fans can take a close look at a replica of Gordon's car, sit inside a "retired" race car with all the safety equipment in place and test drive a state-of-the art video game - inside the car. The game car starts at the back of the 40-car field and races to Victory Circle. The "driver" turns the steering wheel and controls the speed and brakes.
The DuPont Chevrolet replica of Jeff Gordon's NASCAR Winston Cup stock car has the same colors and decals as the one driven on Winston Cup Series race tracks.
Inside, practically all the equipment required by NASCAR for safety and speed is still in place, including padded roll bars, removable steering wheel, steel encased rubber gas tank and braced Lexan windows.
The driver's side door has been removed to allow easy access for guests.
Sit in the padded driver's seat, grab the steering wheel, floor the accelerator, change gears and experience the thrills of being a NASCAR racer.
In addition, a Cotter Promotions show car representative will be on hand to answer questions about the car and NASCAR racing.
The simulator is one of more than a dozen display vehicles owned and operated by Cotter Promotions, a specialty display vehicle firm based in Harrisburg, N.C.
Company president Tom Cotter was the first person to unite the concept of a show car with America's fascination with racing video games.
"If a race car is enough to draw large crowds," Cotter said, "the combination of a full-size race car with an exciting, interactive video game is sure to be a hit."
Cotter Promotions currently has eight computer racing simulators in addition to five show cars, two show trucks and a show dragster. In 1995, the vehicles and their drivers crisscrossed the country, making stops at more than 700 locations.
Don't miss your opportunity to "drive" a race car, Nov. 17, from 1-6 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center's Silver Anniversary Open House Celebration.
LENGTH: Short : 45 linesby CNB