Richard Petty Experience

[KyCruisinSusan]

Has anybody done this and do you think it's worth it? I would really like to do the ride along on our WDW 06 trip. DH is interested in doing the 8 lap driving experience, and we want the ability to video tape each others experience. Would this be possible?

 

[Simba's Mom]

DH did the 3 hour Rookie experience, I think that's the one where you drive 8 laps. He absolutely loved it! However, he was shot for the day-he was just so excited, he called everyone he knew (and maybe a few people he didn't know) because he had to tell everyone how "cool" it was. I know we went out for lunch afterwards, but I'm sure he doesn't remember where we went or what we ate. Yes, you could video-tape each other without too much difficulty. Just wait til he's done before you do the ride along. There may be just one problem though-your DH may be too jazzed up to hold the video camera after his experience. I couldn't believe how excited DH was about it-he's normally very low key, rarely shows emotion, but this one really hit a chord. He's now saving up to be able to do it again.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

i hope to hear more from others too

 

[Jeanne B]

My DH did the ride along in October and I video taped it...I couldn't tape the car going around the entire track because of the speed and visibility (the whole track isn't visible from where you stand). I was able to tape him getting geared up, getting into the car, etc. He loved it. He said going into the corners was unbelievable (too much excitement for me I think...I'm a wimp!!).

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

anyone else?

 

[kruegeme]

I did the rookie experience when DW and I were down at the beginning of December. This is an awesome experience. I would do it again in a second. Really makes you respect what those guys do every weekend.

You shouldn't have a problem with video taping each other. Just let the guys running the show know you want to do this in advance and they'll schedule you both so it will work out. They will ask at the beginning if any of the drivers want to do the ride along before taking their laps. I would highly suggest that so you DH will have an idea what to expect on the track at real speeds. As Jeanne B said, you can't get video of the entire lap from the sitting area but you will get enough to appreciate it.

Enjoy!

 

[GoofyDad869]

I'm posting too - not that I've done it, but that I'm really interested in doing this.

In my younger days, I've been known to go (ahem) well over 100mph on public roads (I drive a late-model Pontiac T/A so it's well within the realm of possibility - not to mention temptation). Now that I'm a little older (and arguably wiser) I still like to experience that much speed, but in a much more controlled environment.

 

[Squirlz]

I'm posting too - not that I've done it, but that I'm really interested in doing this.

In my younger days, I've been known to go (ahem) well over 100mph on public roads (I drive a late-model Pontiac T/A so it's well within the realm of possibility - not to mention temptation). Now that I'm a little older (and arguably wiser) I still like to experience that much speed, but in a much more controlled environment.

You might like to look into high-performance driving schools. There you can learn car control skills that will make you a better driver on the road as well. In my humble opinion, braking hard into a corner from top speed, downshifting and accelerating at the apex is much more thrilling than driving around an oval.

 

[GoofyDad869]

Roger that. Some of the Bondurant schools use the new Corvette Z06, which I'm currently saving my nickels and dimes for.

I live about 5 minutes from the Tennessee start of "The Dragon" - Hwy. 129 between Tennessee into N. Carolina. It's famous with drivers & motorcyclists for the twists and turns - I know of some other, much less well-known (but well-paved) roads around here for 'spirited' driving.

R. Petty Experience is so conveniently placed that I'm curious about it too.

 

[Mac and Us]

I bought the Rookie experience for my husband for Christmas. I give it to him on 12/23 as I booked it for Christmas Eve morning. He absolutely loved it.......and he's not into racing. He said it was a great experience.

I'd say go for it.

 

[Squirlz]

I live about 5 minutes from the Tennessee start of "The Dragon" - Hwy. 129 between Tennessee into N. Carolina. It's famous with drivers & motorcyclists for the twists and turns - I know of some other, much less well-known (but well-paved) roads around here for 'spirited' driving.

OOOoooo....so lucky. There will be about 400 MINIs down there for MINIs On The Dragon in May. I would like to take mine

 

[2giddy4wdw]

I asked my husband if I could do the Rookie Experience for my 40th birthday. And he said yes, so I figure that our birthdays are 3 weeks apart, so we should do it together. I think in a previous life I was a race car driver. I don't watch races, I just like to drive fast. I grew up in a small town in upstate NY where we have a supermodified race track. Used to go every Saturday night when I was a kid. It has carried on into adult hood, since I love to drive fast. But being a girl my father would never have let me race cars. So I think that this will satisfy my desire for racing. Hopefully!! It could just make it worse. Can't wait to try this!!!!

 

[2giddy4wdw]

Here's the website for more info, www.1800BEPETTY.com.

 

[THE HAT]

next jan(this week next year) dh is doing the full 30 laps. he is beyond excited,lol. this is a big thing to him, not that he is a race "car" fan but that he used to (before ds) be a pro am motorcycle racer, so this will fill that long void of staying (close) to the speed limits.

in fact last night b4 bed he said, this time next year i will have spent the morning racing and that is all i will talk about the rest of the day. (pretty good, he gave me a full year warning on it..great guy that he is) actually i think i am just as excited for him to do it. seeing my hard working dh do something for himself, just warms my heart, as he is always giving to others!

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

Thanks everybody for sharing. I'm sure we will plan this into our next trip since we are going WITHOUT children.

 

[MAKmom]

My DH is doing the Ride along in June. Where is the track & are taxi's available after we are done?

 

[SJC1984]

We took my dad with us in December and he did the ride along and loved it. He is a big guy, too. He did look like he was having some difficulty getting in and out, but what can you expect from a 300 lb. 6 foot guy crawling into a car window? We got an excellent deal, I'm not sure if it's ran out or not, but it was half off the drive. I think it brought it down to $49. I would have loved to have let him do the whole driving thing, but we paid for the AKL, his tickets, his food, our APs, and all our stuff, too so we just couldn't do it this last time!

Ohh, there will be enough time for you to tape your DH and vice versa, however if he does the school and you do the ride along, you will be sitting alone for quite some time. Those who want to do the ride along can just walk up at any time of day and do it. The ride along actually takes less than 10 minutes to get there, get suited up, ride, and leave (which kind of stinks, but it's worth it for NASCAR fans). Have fun!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

anyone have pictures or video of the driving? thanks

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

anyone else?