*Disclosure: We were invited to the Richard Petty Driving Experience and all event opportunities were provided to facilitate this review, however all opinions and exciting details are 100% my own.
If you have ever watched NASCAR at all, then you have probably wondered just what it might be like to be in one of those race cars, speeding around the track at over 100mph. My kids are both race fans, especially since Disney’s movie CARS has been a huge part of their childhood. Getting the opportunity to do the Richard Petty Driving Experience Junior Ride Along in Orlando last month was off the charts exciting for them, and they are still talking about it daily around here!
I have actually done the Richard Petty Driving Experience myself, and it was amazing…so I was really excited when they rolled out the new Junior Ride along program. The Richard Petty Driving Experience takes place right in the parking lot of Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida at what is called the Walt Disney World Speedway. The first order of business before being able to participate, is that you must be 48″ tall, and as you can see, little sissy barely made the mark:
After passing the height test, both of my kiddos got the thumbs up to proceed out to the track, where they were fitted with protective gear and helmets. A quick thumbs up and driver introduction and they were buckled into the race cars for a few fast laps around the track! You can find out more details about the Junior Ride Along program here, but here are a few quick facts:
Cost: $59-$69 (price varies by track)
Junior Ride-Alongs program at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway and Walt Disney World Speedway provide children, who are 6-13 years of age and at least 48 inches in height, the opportunity to experience real-life racing excitement while they ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three thrilling laps in a specially equipped two-seat NASCAR race car.
Our thoughts? Both of my kids came out of the race car smiling ear to ear, and giving two huge THUMBS UP! I don’t think you realize until you have been inside of a race car, just exactly how intense it can be. Even though these cars are not going nearly as fast as a car would go on race day, the excitement and thrill still gives the rider an idea of just how awesome these race cars can be, and it definitely deepens your respect for what kind of talent these drivers have. If you have a little race fan, then I would highly recommend this experience. Priced at around $59, it is something that they (and you!) will remember forever and it certainly makes watching NASCAR even more exciting!
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