Richard Petty Driving Experience

This experience is for the potential speed demons! If you need any inspiration to become a NASCAR driver then take a few laps behind the wheel of a 600 horsepower stock car. If the Richard Petty Driving Experience on the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando doesn’t get those addictive fumes into your blood stream, then nothing else will.

Seriously though, if you are looking to fulfil a fantasy or get another thrill as part of your Florida holiday experience then the adrenaline rush from pushing an authentic stock car around the track at 120 mph is just the ticket.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience can be enjoyed at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando. It is a mile long tri-oval racetrack located just behind Magic Kingdom. There are several programmes of varying lap lengths you could choose from depending on your wallet and your desire. Whatever you choose you will find out what it takes to gun a high-speed monster at 165 mph.

Rookie Experience
This experience takes you racing around the course for 8 laps. The programme duration is for about two and a half hours.

King’s Experience
On this programme you go around for 18 laps over two sessions. Between sessions you will get expert advice and pointers on your performance from the Pit Road Instructor. The programme duration is for about two and a half hours.

Experience of a Lifetime
You go around for 30 gruelling, heart-pounding laps. Between sessions you get performance feedback from the Pit Road Instructor. The programme duration is for about two and a half hours.

Speedway Challenge
This is a 50 lap drive! Spread over five sessions it includes a high speed 3 lap Ride Along and a technical shop tour. The programme duration is for about four hours.

Racing Experience
Boy, this one is a serious trip! For 50 laps spread over 5 sessions you race around the track while getting real-time on-track instructions over the radio; in lead/follow routines; side-by-side tandem and passing driving sessions. It will feel like you are in a competitive race. The programme duration is for about four hours. You also get a DVD video of your driving, a photo and other souvenirs.

Ride Along Experience
You get to ride along although not behind the wheel. You will still get the thrill as the driver takes you through three screaming laps at 140 mph.

Junior Ride Alongs
Kids too can get to experience what the big folk are raving about. As long as they are four feet tall and less than 14 years of age children will get a three lap spin in the passenger seat of a stock car driven by a professional instructor.

Tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when you show up at the Walt Disney Speedway. 

• Before you start any of the programmes you will receive in-car and on-track instructions and training from expert instructors. This session is for about 40 minutes.
• You have to wear closed-toe shoes.
• Reservations are required for all the driving experiences but for the Junior Ride-Alongs no reservations are required.
• There is little to NO shade, loud engines and fumes. Keep all that in mind when bringing along small children.
• For all experiences you need to be above 18 years of age and should have a valid driving licence.

At the end of your driving experience, you will receive a Graduation Certificate and a lap-time sheet, showing your fastest lap.

Image credit: CliffMuller