Visiting Orlando and have a need for speed? If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like behind the wheel of Nascar vehicle, whizzing around the track at speeds of over 125 miles per hour, wonder no more! Take a day from your vacation and visit the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando. Since 1997, this racetrack has given visitors a true taste of what it’s like to be a real Nascar driver.
Beginners can “take it easy” by trying the Ride-Along Program, where you can relax, somewhat, and ride alongside a professional Nascar driver for three laps at speeds pushing 145 mph. You must be at least 16 years old to ride along.
If you want to get behind the steering wheel yourself, you may choose from one of three driving “experiences.” All driving experiences include classroom instruction, safety instruction and track orientation. You must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Reservations are required to secure a spot in one of the daily drive classes and experiences. The cost to ride-along is $105.44 including tax.
The Rookie Experience
Drivers in this experience will get to drive the car 8 laps around the one-mile track. The introductory class lasts around two hours, and visitors are free and welcome to watch from the pit. The cost for this program is $403.64 including tax.
The King Experience
Drive like royalty! This experience offers one eight-lap drive and one ten-lap drive. You will drive at speeds of 125 mph! Classes for this experience begin daily at 11:00 am. The cost for this program is $797.69 including tax.
Experience of a Lifetime
Make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened for this one! This experience includes three 10-lap drives, for a total of 30 laps. Classes begin at 11:00 am daily and the cost for this program is $1330.19 including tax.
The Richard Petty Driving Experiences make great gifts for Birthdays, Weddings and Anniversaries. The whole family can enjoy this experience. Many are perfectly comfortable watching their loved ones from the track pit, and can enjoy taking photographs and video that will last a lifetime.
Weather permitting, the track is open daily with the exception of Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Call to make reservations before your trip, as the track may also be closed for special events from time to time.