The Richard Petty Driving Experience “Is Awesome!” We heard this and similar feelings of exhilaration from those who experienced the thrills at the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, Florida at the Walt Disney World Speedway. The day started out over cast with highs in the mid-seventies; a perfect day to go driving. Any other day when we hop on the highway we might reach speeds up to eighty when the traffic is pushing us, not today. Forget the fast lane, we’re ready for the big league. Let’s hit the track for some Awesome action at the Richard Petty Driving Experience!

Preparing For The Challenge - Before sliding into 358-cubic-inch V-8 NASCAR Winston Cup stock car with 600 horsepower we joined other drivers to learn the dos and don'ts of track protocol from a professional driving instructor. Let me say that these guys take their job serious. This is not the driving school you might have experienced in high school. When you get in your car and put your foot on the accelerator you’ll reach speeds up to 100mph per hour when speeding around the 1.6 km, tri-oval Walt Disney World Speedway. So pay attention to these professional driving instructors, they’re there to make your experience a memorable one.

To start out we all gathered in the meeting room where we meet the King himself; Richard Petty, who had 200 career victories, seven Winston Cup Championships and seven Daytona 500 victories. Well, not exactly, through the magic of technology, (video) Richard Petty walked us through what we would experience. Then we suited up and stepped out on to the track with our professional driving instructors to learn the ropes of our Rookie Experience.

From the precautions to take to hand signals, the professional driving instructors covered everything we needed to know for a safe and exciting behind the wheel of actual NASCAR 'Winston Cup' style stock cars with body styles such as the Dodge Intrepid, Chevy Monte Carlo, Ford Taurus and Pontiac Grand Prix. The professional driving instructors are very helpful and remind everyone that there are no stupid questions. The last thing they want to see is someone end up driving off into Lake Mickey. So don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns and get ready for the ride of your life.

Gentleman, start your engines - Just like with NASCAR we attended the drivers meeting where you could feel the anticipation building; we were all ready to put the peddle to the metal. Then we heard those immortal words; Gentleman, start your engines. Each driver is introduced, and a photos captured when the driver takes his seat behind the wheel, then the real challenge starts, the green flag drops, and you’re off! Our fans, drivers and family cheer as we race around the track, faster and faster, you can feel your heart pounding, the adrenaline pumping in your veins, “It’s an Awesome experience!”