Hundreds channel their inner race car driver at Daytona International Speedway's charitable 'Track Laps' event

Ahead of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, regular people got to hit the track for some fast fun for a good cause.

From spectators to speed racers, hundreds of NASCAR fans got the opportunity to take their cars for a spin around the speedway. Drivers like Gavin Botwick jumped at the chance to take a turn around the track for a charitable donation.

"Track Laps" event benefits the NASCAR Foundation

By the numbers:

Drivers pay a minimum donation of $50 and get two laps around the track – the adrenaline rush is free! According to York, halfway through the day, they’d already hit $11,000. Their goal was to raise $25,000.

More than 100 drivers pre-registered for the event, but many more stopped by, on a whim.

What they're saying:

"It’s a great day to go drive around," said Botwick. "It’s a fast car; I’ve never driven it here – I’m excited!"

Heidi York, programs manager for the NASCAR Foundation, said you don’t have to be an experienced driver, or have a fancy sports car to take part.

"You see the best cars out here, and you see just your average everyday cars out here," York said. "Some of the cars I’ve seen come through, you wonder how they’re even going to make it around the track!"

Mike Pryor just hoped his tiny truck could keep up with the 55 mile per hour pace-car.

"This is a Daihatsu Hijet… it’s a 1994. Thirty-one years old… and still runs great," Pryor said. "It’s got a little, tiny motorcycle motor… it’s not real fast!"

FOX 35 reporter Hannah Mackenzie and photojournalist Evan Collins got the chance to get behind the wheel too – but their approach was more of a ‘all gas, no breaks’ technique!

According to York, the License to Drive "Track Laps" event benefits the NASCAR Foundation.

"We support children’s health and wellness initiatives, and we do this all across the country," said York.

"I was just driving by, and I saw it," said Michael Elias.

Elias’ 4-year-old service dog ‘Mouse’ went along for the ride!

"She loves loud noises – motorcycles, fireworks, race cars," said Elias.

Monday’s Track Laps event fell on a cold one – and at about 45-degrees, Don Davis and Paul Nurmi made a bold choice.

"Why would you do it without the top down," Davis said with a laugh.

The two men were wearing gloves and coats, as the braved the cold in a convertible. Davis said it was his second year taking part.

"NASCAR Charities is great for kids," said Davis. "This is a charity for kids and that’s the reason why we’re doing it."

What's next:

If you missed your shot to hit the track, there is another chance coming up in August. The next Track Laps event coincides with the Coke Zero 400.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by NASCAR and attendees at the License to Drive "Track Laps" event. 

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