Richard Petty Experience question

[zulaya]

Hi there--

My sister is doing this on our trip in December. Her worry is that she knows all the cars are manual transmission and she has never driven anything but an automatic.

Do they teach you the basics of stick shifting during your Rookie Experience (that's what she booked)?

Thanks for any info.

 

[canda]

You go through a training session first, then a ride along and then some pace car followed practice laps. Then you do your race laps. The pace car stays in front though. I think she will be fine, its not like a Dad teaching his kids, it is more patient.

 

[Shelle&Dave]

Wow, I don't know. It seems like if she's never driven standard before she might have a hard time. Maybe the ride along would be better for her.

 

[hammertime]

I agree I think the ride along might be a better option. I know my hubby had a hard time and he drives a car with manual transmition.

I know for the ride along she'll get to go much faster than in the rookie school.

 

[Shelle&Dave]

I have heard that some people that already know how to drive standard have problems because the cars are geared different than a normal car.

 

[2x_dis_dad]

I want to do this really bad. I think if she has never driven a manual transmission she should stick to the ride along. That is one thing everyone should know is how to drive a stick...

 

[zulaya]

The issue isn't should she or shouldn't she do the Rookie Experience.

I thought I clearly stated it...She already has this booked and really wants to drive herself.

If someone could please answer the question...DO the people at the Richard Petty Experience teach you how to drive the stick shift on the race car?

Is that what the "training session' is for?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I just talked to DH, who did the experience in May. He said that they do not teach you how to drive the stick shift in training. They mostly go over safety, what different flag signs mean, and driving instructions. They asked each participant if they knew how to drive a stick, and everyone in DH's class did. Do he doesn't know what would happen. He did, however, recommend that she call the toll free # for the Richard Petty Experience to find out.

 

[zulaya]

Thank you Simba's Mom!

 

[Shelle&Dave]

I found this on their website at www.1800bepetty.com :

Do I need any prior racing experience?
No experience is required, but you must have a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a standard transmission to participate in a driving program.


Michelle

 

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

My DH did this in August and loved it, but you do need to know how to drive a car with a manual transmission.

 

[Vavasmon]

When DH did this in April, 1 person did not know how to drive a stick. He said that they did not teacher her how - she managed
to get around the track but did not seem to have a great experience.

I agree call the RPDE people.

 

[spewey]

December? I think that's plenty of time to learn to drive a stick. Certainly it would be a great deal easier for her to borrow/rent a car with a manual tranny between now and then than hope to learn how to shift on a race car. And I wonder if the instructors will even allow someone unfamiliar with shifting to drive themselves. As pointed out above, these cars are more tricky than your usual street car. I'm not sure, but do they even have synchronous gears? For all I know, they teach you heel-toe shifting, which I wouldn't wish on anyone who's never used a clutch before - that would be a nightmare.

Just this past weekend I took an open-wheel, formula race car course at the Bridgestone Racing Academy outside Toronto. They have a similar statement of what's expected of their students - driver's licence and proficiency with standard transmission. During the class the instructor checked that we all met those requirements, and then related a story of a recent student who showed up never having shifted in his life. Not only was he not allowed in the car, the intstructor was clearly exasperated that he even came expecting to drive such a demanding car with no experience.

Just words for thought. I'm considering the Petty course when my wife and I are down in Orlando in December, and I sure wouldn't want to go in there cold ...