Richard Petty Driving Experience
Discount Tickets - Orlando Speedway Only- Review of the Richard Petty Experience
- Richard Petty Video
- William Perry's Official Lap Times
- Richard Petty Photo Gallery
- Listen to my review the DIS Unplugged
- Official Richard Petty Driving Site
- Orlando "Disney" Travel Information
If you've ever dreamt of being behind the wheel of a 600 horsepower Sprint Cup style stock car, the Richard Petty Driving Experience can make your dreams come true.
RPDE has locations at over 20 tracks. We chose to do the experience at the Walt Disney World Orlando Speedway. The track is located next to the Magic Kingdom Parking lot. When driving, enter the Magic Kingdom toll plaza towards the left and turn left at the Walt Disney World Speedway sign.If your using Disney transportation, take the Richard Petty Driving Experience Shuttle from the Ticket and Transportation Center which picks up next to the Magic Kingdom Kennel. The shuttle begins operation at 8:00am and ends at 4:00pm. It runs every 20 to 25 minutes. The track is located next to the Magic Kingdom Parking lot.
Tips:
Please note that all programs are subject to close if the weather is inclement. Call ahead to verify that the track is open. Booking this experience at the beginning of your vacation that way it allows time for a reschedule later on your trip. Florida is notorious for crazy weather patterns. Remember there is little to NO shade, loud engines and fumes. Keep all that in mind when bringing along small children.
All tickets purchased will be through wdwinfo.com (Orlando Travel)
Richard Petty Driving Experience has 4 different programs available in Orlando:
Note - Discounted Richard Petty Driving Experience tickets purchased through the DIS online store are subject to the following Terms and Conditions.
Tickets are non refundable and will expire on 12/31/2011. Once a voucher is purchased it must be used, we can not issue refunds under any circumstances. Prices include tax. All experience dates are subject to availability. You are responsible for booking your experience after receiving the print at home voucher by calling 1-800-BE-PETTY. Recommended booking is 2 weeks prior to travel. All payments will be made through PayPal's secure checkout which also accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Experss.
Shipping: FREE – Print at Home
Please Note: The Print@Home ticket will be the only ticket you receive. It will print on 8.5" x 11" size paper and must be presented when you arrive. You DO NOT collect tickets at Speedway. After filing out our online form and making payment, you will receive your voucher via email within 24hrs of purchase for Print at Home.
Ride Along Experience
Experience the thrill of being a passenger in a two seater stock car while the professional driver reaches top speeds of 145 mph. Offered on a first come, first served basis, you must be 14 years old with with parental consent required for guests ages 14 - 17. Available every day from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Gate Price |
Our Price |
$105.18 |
$80 Tax included |
You save $25.18! |
Rookie Experience
This 3-hour long experience allows you to drive a race car for 8 laps around the speedway oval. You'll first receive classroom instruction, safety instruction and track orientation. You must be 18 or over and have a valid driver's license. The Rookie Driving Experience is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00am and 1:00pm. Reservations Required.
Gate Price |
Our Price |
$478.18 |
$370 Tax included |
You save $108.18! |
King's Experience
Experience the royal treatment as you drive 18 laps around the speedway in one 8 lap session and one 10 lap session. You'll first receive classroom instruction, safety instruction and track orientation. You must be 18 or over and have a valid driver's license. The King's Experience is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00am and 1:00pm. Reservations required.
Gate Price |
Our Price |
$904.18 |
$750 Tax included |
You save $154.18! |
Experience of a Lifetime
This program offers 30 laps around the speedway in three 10 lap sessions. You'll work towards building your speed with each session. The length of class and time may vary according to the number of participants. You must be 18 or over and have a valid driver's license. The Experience of a Lifetime is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00am and 1:00pm. Reservations required.
Gate Price |
Our Price |
$1,383.43 |
$1,099 Tax included |
You save $284.43! |
The Richard Petty Driving Experience has over 20 locations to do the experience. Being from Indianapolis and a long time race fan, I chose to do the Rookie Experience rather than the ride along. I had very high expectations and was pretty anxious to do this. Well, let me say, it was a great experience and more. Every one of my expectations were met and surpassed by far. I actually went in thinking “piece of cake, this car will handle great and be easy to turn...". I’ve gone fast before and the only difference now is it’s not on public roads. In all seriousness I’ve taken a couple of my cars to the local drag strip here in Indy, but that’s really it as far as any racing experience goes.
After I booked my Experience, I had to make a re-schedule that same day Petty was pretty good about this and switched it with no problem. After tax the total came to $424.94. That package included 8 laps, (technically 9) around the speedway. The car you drive is in an older version of the NASCAR stock car and not the more common in the Sprint Cup circuit today. These are not the C.O.T’s (Car of Tomorrow). They did have one (C.O.T.) out there for Ride along experience only. Don’t let that fact discourage you, the cars you drive are only a couple years old at most and are still the real thing.
You arrive at the track, along with the other riders & drivers. After you check in and sign your life away you get your fancy drivers suit. I recommend you wear shorts, at least if you’re in a spot where the weather is warm, I was in Orlando. I started to sweat as soon as we got outside and on pit road. Wear comfortable tennis shoes, no flip-flops or sandals. Definitely take some sunglasses or protective eyewear. You may want earplugs, suntan lotion. After getting your suit you have a small introduction inside a classroom where everyone is welcome including your family and friends. In here you will get some basic facts and watch a short video about the experience and safety.
After the classroom you are ready to hit the track. The mood definitely changes once you walk onto pit road. The real training begins and is broken up into two sessions. One to go over the in car instruments, gages, switches, safety devices etc. The second part being a 2 or 3 lap run around the track in a van. This will show you your correct line, acceleration, and deceleration points in and out of the corners and off the straightaways. Once that ride is over its time for you to get your final gear and get behind the wheel.
You then attend a last minute drivers meeting to go over those last instructions and safety tips. Then you’re handed your key with your driver number on it and directed to the side to get your helmet and HANS device. The helmet is not a full face but more of a three-quarter helmet. (I’m guessing so the in car video can get all your facial expressions when your burning around the track and grinning from ear to ear!) This is why I recommend sunglasses though. You might also want a pair of mechanic gloves, they didn't supply any.
I was the first of my group to go out and drive, and happy I was to be the first to go. By now you’re just amped and trying to remember everything they said, so I was glad to be the first one out. I was quickly geared up and jumped in that window to strap in and go fast. Once you’re in, an instructor tightens your belts and attaches your steering wheel. He then tells you to put it in first gear and fires up the car. Now your heart is pounding the RPM’s are alive and you’re ready to go. You follow an instructor, so as soon as he takes off you chase.
Once you hit that straightaway on the backstretch it’s on from there. They don’t actually time this first lap, its considered your “get up to speed” lap. As soon as you cross that start/finish line for the first time your clock starts. The objective of the whole experience is to not only go fast, but also be consistent and in control the whole time. You do those two things, you’ll go as fast as they will allow. Its more of a “can you be consistent” game than anything. You are supposed to maintain a three-car length distance between you and the lead car at all times. If you get too close he will waive you off and slow down. If you are to far behind the flag man will waive you to speed up. They will tell you to go faster three times before assuming your just comfortable at the speed your going, and leave you be. If you maintain that three-car length distance and stay on the correct line you will gain speed each lap, and reach your goal speed for the experience. I’m very happy to say I did reach my top experience speed of 122MPH! I was told to speed up at one point, and I did receive a “oh no your too close back off” waive from the driver as well.
I have to say, this was a very memorial experience and worth every penny. I also bought the in-car DVD ($90) and the photos ($70) they take, these are memories for a lifetime.
I went in with high expectations and came out with a new respect for the sport. If you know anyone into racing, this is right up his or her ally. Live Fast!
William Perry
Founder
webmaster@getracinginfo.com
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