The Tragic History of the Walt Disney World Speedway 🏁

[@NMracing9424]

As a nascar guy myself, it’s cool to see creators like you reaching out to nascar, definitely worth the deep dive

[@davemccage7918]

This channel is suspiciously good for only 10K subs. 🤔

[@reno145]

I did the Richard Petty Driving Experience there back in 2009. Gary Terry was my classroom instructor. Hell of a nice guy.

[@diy-mitch-vlogs]

Me too!

[@jefflitwiller8510]

Me 2

[@dougmintz2943]

Me 3. Still one of my favorite tracks that I did a Petty car in.

[@andman433]

… “I’m a car guy.. …”I can’t drive a stick…” Not a car guy. 😂😂😂 Enjoyed the video though!

[@ScoobyShotU]

Glad someone said it 👏 😂

[@KushWhacker]

“That’s why I own a Tesla” not a car guy.

[@trizlet]

Lol he was obviously kidding about being a car guy...thats why he was laughing when he said it

[@GlazedSweetRoll]

r/whoosh

[@steven666xx]

I was there in 1995. I remember them building it but not here about it after.

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

My first trip was in 96 or 97, but i was 2 years old so unfortunately I don’t recall any of these races or the track 😂😂 Especially when the races stopped, there wasn’t much national attention 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for watching 🙏

[@f8lvnm07]

I did the Exotic Experience exactly a week before the tragic accident that took Gary Terry's life. He did our classroom instruction before going out on the track. The track closure was already in process before our visit. I had wanted to drive an Audi R8, however, they had moved some cars to another location due to the upcoming closure. I still have the in car video and plaques of my driving a GTR and my 4yr daughter's ride along in a race car. I also have 3 used tires from the Richard Petty Driving Experience cars. It would have been 4, however, our rental didn't have enough room for it. They were giving them away to anyone who would take them. I'll never forget how passionate Gary was to help people realize their dreams to get on the track. RIP Mr. Terry

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Imagine sitting on those bleachers just baking watching a race. I can’t think of anything else 😅😅

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Also great job on the video, Ryan. One of your greatest ever. Proud sis right here!!

[@seankloss7798]

Hahaha I legit sat there watching my dad one time

[@alej8902]

💯

[@billy_chad]

Did it multiple times and its well worth the sun burn. Talladega was the worst. After the Xfinity race I went back to the hotel and had to stick my legs in the fridge they were burnt so bad

[@indy269]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5SlqXaHg6ufl80si=Jmden2fq0Cx6nn-l

[@ThatV8Ranger]

Sitting here watching this video and then randomly seeing my Dad doing a slow motion walk at the camera made me burst out laughing. We did that back in 2010. I was only 15 but they let us do a ride along. It was a blast!

[@924S94]

I have raced many times at Daytona International Speedway with SCCA on the Rolex road course. Daytona is iconic, the banking is wonderful, and the track is historic. While my Porsche is only good for about 130 on the back straight, the sense of speed is mesmerizing. Great track, tons of fun.

[@ben240cs]

When I was younger (2005-2008) my parents used to take me to DisneyWorld all the time, living in South Florida it was THE vacation for kids. Every time we used to go I remember pulling into the parking lots and seeing the racetrack and getting so excited that there might be something happening. Kind of a shame when I went back a few years ago and saw it was completely gone

[@iamdigbick4675]

Your subscriber count is not a reflection of your content quality. You deserve more Subs

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

Thank you! Seriously, one of the best compliments I could receive 🙏

[@indy269]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5SlqXaHg6ufl80si=Jmden2fq0Cx6nn-l

[@jimruddell3265]

I agree and just sub'd

[@steveramirezp.a.2924]

I did the drive alone at Richard Petty 18yrs ago with a top speed of 125, if I recall, that was the fastest the pace car would allow you to go.

[@larrybeall5820]

Yes ! Any time for track time!

[@afterburner119]

@17:38 YES! I grew up as part of the “extended family “ of INDY. Will never forget the WDW indy 200 I got to catch (Cheever won after massive Rain Delay) live. I watched a 60 year old lady slip down the rain soaked metal bleachers, then had to wait in the downpour for busses to take us back to the Grand Floridian. Then rode the elevator up with Mari Hulman and Tony George completely soaked.

[@cgimovieman]

Wow, I thought you were older than me, but you must be much younger if you don’t remember this. Or if you can’t drive a stick. I first came to WDW in January 1987 when I was still only 7 years old, but I’ve lived in Orlando just a few miles north of Magic Kingdom for 26 years now. The track at WDW was always a neat thing to me. I worked in television for 18 years and we shot some segments for one of our shows on the track, comically racing golf carts. I’m also a very avid distance runner, running the Disney Marathon every year, and for at least 3-4 years the marathon course made a loop on the track before exiting. They would bring in dozens of locals with classic cars, and have them line either side of the track as you went around, as they had music from the movie Cars playing. Pretty cool. I’ve also run around the track in Daytona at the Daytona Beach Half Marathon 6-8 times, as well as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s track at a half there. It’s all pretty wild. But I remember for years, from my house I could occasionally hear the cars going around the track at Disney. And I’m a good 3-4 miles north of it as the crow flies, and this was in the late 2000’s/early 2010’s, when it was only the Petty Experience. So there were just single cars on the track then. So I can sure attest to the sound coming off that track. In the end, I never expected the concept to last. Just like Disney’s private airstrip just south of the Contemporary, STOLport, that allowed guests to fly from the Orlando airport directly on to Disney property early in the park’s existence. The strip is mainly used for storage and construction vehicle parking today. But the race track was a pretty unique thing I’ll always remember.

[@noahcorneliustv]

Incredible content. I thought you were a big time KZbin channel before I saw the sub count. I grew up watching NASCAR and I worked around the NASCAR world, so I love watching people get into it!

[@mattgreenan9957]

Just some more info for your video, Gary’s death had nothing to do with the tracks closure, it was announced to us(former employee) a few weeks before Gary passed away, by Gary. Also, the banking in Daytona is 31 degrees in the corner, not 45. Interesting video though.

[@ImaginaryAudience]

I was thinking the same thing about the banking error. Like holy crap, a track with 45 degree banking would be nuts XD

[@Buddybryan3]

I got to be apart of that commercial you took the shot at 6:54 from. That was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. We spent probably a week at the track shooting video and riding in the cars. It was a pretty unique track and I wish it was still around to host races again.

[@jamskatelake]

One of the many wrong facts in this video

[@Buddybryan3]

@@jamskatelakewait what is?

[@randysguitarattic]

When I was in Radio as sportscaster I was sent to cover one of the Nascar Craftsman Truck races and it was a a ok race, you could tell this track was not going to last because of how flat it was and didnt allow for passing. I actually was given a pass to do the Nascar driving experience and hope to do it soon at Daytona.

[@AlanPorterWriter]

Attended the 1997 IRL IndyCar race there. My first US race and oval experience after growing up watching racing in Europe. Main thing we as a family remember is the deluge of rain towards the end that left us so soaked that even the dollar bills in my wallet got wet!

[@truckingwithjr]

I have done both Richard petty experience at both tracks and had a blast.

[@daftpaul4322]

Yes. I did a ride along and you're right: the G force was crazy!

[@Rocklyn1]

I actually did the petty experience back in 97 when me and my wife went to Disney for our 1 year anniversary. I did the ride along because it was cheaper and you got to go faster than if you drove. I found the photo I bought of me in front of a car just a few weeks ago. It was fun. The G forces will give you a different appreciation for what racing is really like! Good video. Thanks

[@BaseballMama16]

Yes!! NASCAR is amazing to watch and so in Indy car racing!!

[@ginog5037]

You obviously don't follow F1...

[@vernellthreatvernellthreat948]

not when verstappen wins everything 💀

[@3vilClayton]

Yes! I've done the Rusty Wallace experience at my hometrack Texas MS. I did bith the ride and drive, it was such a blast!

[@bofat6978]

Took the family to Walt Disney World in 2008 or 2009 and being a big Indycar fan I wanted to see the track. We drove into the infield and saw they had an Indycar experience. We walked in and talked to the staff. They were open for rides, but no one was there to ride along and I am too big to fit. The staff told us we could go out and look around, see the cars, talk to driver and mechanics. So we did. I noticed the driver was a young guy (20’s) that had a Arie Luyendyk look alike helmet. Strange. We looked around, took pictures, and talked to the driver and the crew for about 40-50 minutes. The driver was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Only afterwards, looking at the pictures did I realize the driver was Arie Luyendyk Jr. My wife was thrilled to have met him before The Bachelor days. A very nice, down to earth guy.

[@alikatt]

Great video Ryan! I'd do it in a heartbeat. My Dad was a driver for a Petty driving experience in the Poconos.

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

OMG that’s amazing! What are the odds!!? Hope i did a decent job after not knowing anything about racing my whole life 😂😂 Thank you so much for watching as always 🙏

[@alikatt]

@@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs Yeah it was cool! He went as a client and returned to work. It was his pt time dream job!

[@RBerns1029]

Absolute YES... I'd drive that track and any other!!! Condolences to that family. I'd love an opportunity to run one of those cars.

[@jeremyw9213]

Thanks for a great video. I remember the race track and the Richard Petty experience. Always wanted to try it, but never did. Janet and I love it when you do these kinds of videos on the history of Disney. We always tend to forget about some of these, but when you talk about it they always come back into our memories. Thanks again and keep up the great videos.

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

Aww thank you so much! These are my favorite videos to make (even if they take at least 3x as long to edit 😅) Let me know if there’s any topics you’d like to see covered next 🙌

[@jen_dinsmo]

Excellent video Ryan!! I learn so so much from your videos, keep it coming 👏 If that experience was still around, I would not. I get too motion sick and hate loud noises 😅

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

That’s one other thing idk if i touched upon. it’s SOOO FREAKIN LOUD. def needed ear plugs 😭 Thank you so much as always for the support 🙏

[@jugatsu23nichi]

I totally would do the Richard Petty experience! Great content, Ryan! This was an awesome video!

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

The real question is, would you just ride along or would you drive? Thank you so much as always for watching 🙏

[@jugatsu23nichi]

@@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs I'd DRIVE!!

[@DJ50ACES]

I wasn’t able to go to Disney growing up, I only know about the speedway from Disney Magical Racing Tour on the ps1

[@johnyoungs3174]

Great video! Great job showcasing 1990’s Walt Disney World and Michael Eisner’s vision of turning the property into a catch all one stop vacation destination with many unique experiences and offerings.

[@dbecker33]

Worked at MK in 09 for the College Program. When the speedway was ripping it was an incredible noise. Wish I could’ve done the Richard Petty Driving Experience!

[@Jen-U]

“Talladega Nights soundtrack playing is exactly what I want. Exactly exactly what I want” - might never hear that sentence again in my life!! Hahaha. Looked super fun!!! #pityviewer

[@Jen-U]

RIP Gary Terry (his parents had to name him that though? He was destined to be in the nascar world)

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

Such a great movie and doesn’t get enough praise 🙌 Thank you so much for watching 🙏

[@belikejohndoe101]

Love the in depth video! I definitely would have crapped myself on that ride along.

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

haha who says i didn’t 👀😂😂 Thank you so much for watching 🙏

[@rckblykitn]

Nascar itself bought out the Petty experience a few years ago. There also used to be a Jeff Gordon racing school and a Dale Jarrett one. There is currently also a Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, and I worked there for 7 years (started well before it became associated with Rusty - we bought out his experience after they ran just 1 corporate event). My dad did the Petty experience while on vacation at Disney in 2006 and enjoyed it so much that we found a smaller one at a local track back home (new England). I did it with him and my brother in July of 06 and started working there not long after. Some of the best years of my life.

[@jessicalepach9429]

I have done the Richard Petty Driving experience in Atlanta! It was at the Atlanta motor speedway with the old configuration. It was amazing. I've also done the ride along at Daytona! As a NASCAR fan it doesn't get any better than that! I remember the Disney speedway I saw a few races there and my dad did the driving experience there as well. Unforgettable experiences! We had a great time as a family!

[@NeauxGeaux]

I remember the speedway and wanted to try the driving experience but it was way out of my budget. But I am glad of your video as I am now in my mid 70's and still wished i could have tried the experience.

[@Jarvel5]

I would definitely try it. Great video. I knew of the speedway but I didnt know about all the history with it. Thanks for the information!

[@bigbezzee]

Thats awsome. You can still very clearly see the backstretch on Floridian Way

[@tatertx]

great video. I had no clue it had closed down. I remember when i was a young teen doing the Richard Petty Experience at Disney World. It was a amazing as a young NASCAR fan, and still a reason why I'm a fan to this day. Hate to see that it's gone.

[@gregstarks]

Such a great video! As a Disney World and NASCAR fan, this video really hit me where I live. BTW, I've done that experience at Daytona International Speedway. When we got up to speed, I had trouble seeing the curvature of the corners. They looked like flat walls that we hurtling toward. Awesome!

[@tommissouri4871]

Good video and thanks for the info. I'm glad you had a good time. I was trying to remember when the speedway closed. While I understand the Richard Petty Experience and some of the other "Drive an Exotic Car" programs are the only way that many can experience this, I have always felt they are an unnecessary risk the way that they are run. I am a former SCCA driving instructor and we NEVER rode with our students driving. The closest were the "station wagon tours" where an instructor drives their students in a street car around the course, giving instruction and explaining the line of each corner and how to find it. These were far below racing speeds. The Richard Petty Experience I believe was originally limited to 140 mph at Daytona. That is a nice speed as you get all the sensation of speed as 110 is kind of boring for the size of the track and according to a friend, 65 mph will have you clinging to hang on inside the car to keep from falling downhill. For his wedding, they lapped the track and the driver of the car wouldn't go more than 60 even though every one in it was an SCCA member and kept telling him he HAD to go faster just to stay on the embankment. I know these programs are essentially just entertainment drives, but they really need a bit more instruction to the new drivers and let them go out by themselves so that they don't endanger anyone but themselves. And then, for that $240 spent, you might come away with something that actually improves your skills on the highway and makes you a better driver.

[@Brucewayne-zs1fi]

I took my dad to Daytona for the riding experience for his 70th birthday. He was born and lived in New Smyrna Beach, right down the road from Daytona. Was good friends with the France family for years. I literally grew up at that track, attending damn near every race from 1961 to 2005 when Rusty Wallace retired (and when NASCAR went to crap as far as I'm concerned). Anyway, told Dad we were going for a "track tour" for his birthday. He was confused when the tram stopped in the pits and the guy came up and measured my dad for a fire suit. Yes, they put riders in fire suits back then. My Dad took his laps and was weak kneed when he got out. Said it was the best Birthday he ever had. I got in the same car my dad was in and on the second lap in turn 3, the car blows up. We stop on the entrance to pit road and i walked to the spot where they put you in the car and got extra laps in another car because of the blow up. I was the first rider that was in a car that blew up. Got a special plaque and everything. Very cool experience. I miss my dear old Dad and have a framed picture of he and I in our fire suits hanging on my wall in the house. If you ever get a chance to do it, DO IT. The experience of a lifetime.

[@youtubeaccountlol4942]

Everyday I find some old man saying "nascar went to crap after my favorite driver left"

[@Brucewayne-zs1fi]

@@youtubeaccountlol4942 Everyday? I think you're putting to much time into nothing buddy.

[@ajoepetrucceJr]

Thanks for the information on abandoned Disney. They seem to relate to Bad occurrences, as well as, financial stress.

[@laurenelisabethdooley6451]

And many many years later there’s still a dirt mountain in the parking lot! It’s crazy they still haven’t removed it!

[@clonmult]

I was wanting to do the original experience (it was there when I first visited Disney), but didn't have the money at the time. Then upon planning our trip a few years back (mainly to Universal), I was disappointed to find that it was no longer a thing. I'd definitely do such an experience, but getting out to Daytona would be a total pain for us (we don't drive when we're on vacation). Oh, and you're a car guy but you don't drive stick - come on .... anyway, great video, keep them coming.

[@TheMrWuwu]

Hi there, my Dad back in '02/'03 (I forget honestly) did the Richard Petty Driving Experience however it was out here in California at the then California Speedway (now Auto Club Speedway) and it was an awesome experience to see my Dad get into a racecar of any sort and he had a blast. He won a contest at his work place then it was for a half day of driving as much as he could. I was a kid then but being able to stand behind pit wall and just listen to the cars fly by or just drive out into the track was absolutely phenomenal.

[@FizerMagic]

I went to wdw for my first time in 2008 when i was 11, i very disntincly remembered a race track while walking in a parking lot and wanted to ride it desperately but was told you had to be 18 or up. Or that's what i remembered, as until starting this video i couldnt find info on what i saw. i have since been back the past 2 years and am going again a third time this summer. Its nice to kmow i wasnt going crazy. And im excited to finish this video and learn more about this.

[@sdnducky02]

I actually won a Richard Petty Driving Experience back in 2012 as part of the grand prize package after picking the most number of NFL games correctly in my former company. In early 2013 I did the ride-along at WDW Speedway, and let me tell you, it was an insanely fun track. Three completely different corners (in radius, banking, and speed), and a ton of downforce and yaw meant for a great experience. I still have the framed picture hanging up.

[@EzraRoush]

Honestly brother great video, I’m currently building a mini Bristol dirt track haha at my farm, it is a very dangerous sport, you said a simple yes or no would do, but absolutely would, After watching the video I think this would be a great thing to go do and I would love to take my pops with me! Good stuff

[@KISSFanBD]

I did the Rusty Wallace driving experience about 10 years ago in Columbus Ohio. It was very cool. One thing they don’t tell you until you get there is that you are responsible for any damage that happens to the car. I went slow because of that. The guy in front of me wrecked. That cost him thousands to fix the car.

[@TheBaldr]

It kinda reminds me a little of North Wilkesboro, to close to a major speedway to sustain that many races and for a long time not enough money to invest in the track.

[@BOTRacing]

I did the RPDE back in 2004 and had a great time. I not only would do it again, but I would love to do it at Daytona and after seeing this, I am starting my plans to go. Learn to drive a stick!

[@lancerew9787]

Yes! Would have done it.. Since its gone should take my chances at Daytona

[@RBrewer58]

I did the RPDE in 2006 as a driver. Had a BLAST!!! Would do it again if it was still available!

[@matthewosullivan9371]

Yes, I did both the Richard petty experience and the exotic experience. They were great times I wish I could have again.

[@anjdevil2]

I did the Richard Petty Experience in 2006 Driving the #67 Dodge. I did 8 laps and my instructor was a dirt track racer from Jacksonville. It was the best day ever!!!

[@johnvictor2451]

I drove the Disney / Petty Experience! Loved it! I've also driven the Exotics on the road course at Pocono. Even better!

[@molloy9874]

I have been in Orlando since 2003 and have experienced the Richard petty driving as well and the Exotic car experience and while it was awesome I knew it wouldn’t last. It wasn’t sustainable or popular enough to offset their costs to maintain add in the instructor that sadly passed away it was just the straw that broke the camels back.

[@jro4513]

Excellent video and analysis. Just discovered your channel. Lifelong Disney fan as well. Great job on your videos. Fun and informative. For your next video, what about one on the golf courses? Specifically what happened to the PGA tour and why did they leave Disney? It used to be the final stop on the schedule every year. Thanks.

[@kellymeade4587]

In 2007, I did the Disney World ..Petty Driving Experience…3 lap ride along, In the Home Depot car. We had to wear a fire suit.. and the Hans device. You had to sign a waiver for no liability, of course! You definitely go faster with a certified driver in the Ride-Along! I remember my drivers name was Brett! He was a young guy, having the time of his life… taking people for rides! I think we hit about 150mph on the backstretch! It Was the best a Adrenaline rush I’ve had, compared to any amusement park ride! I Didn’t realize the track had been replaced by parking! Sort of sad, but I still have the great memories! Everyone needs to try this, just one time in their life… at a Participating NASCAR track!

[@BebikeEP]

Nice retrospective dive! Sent my Father to the RP driving experiance for his Bday and attended a couple races. Was not the best track for racing, but Good Times indeed!

[@SuburbanNightmareChannel]

Well done. Very informative, entertaining and enlightening

[@marvel9r421]

I had the opportunity to visit it and watch people either drive and follow drivers or ride alongs for the RP racing experience around the track before they shut it down. To see it on TV was one thing for races. But to see it in person was a pretty awesome experience. A shame they shut it down instead of upgrading it.

[@TopShelfCards]

The Richard petty experience is still around but renamed the rusty wallace experience now. It travels from to track several times a year. I did it at Fontana but I ACTUALLY DROVE 🔥

[@tracybrewer-morris1185]

I did the Richard Petty Driving Experience. It was so fun!

[@adammatthewssr.77]

The truck series was the "Nascar" races, you literaly said Chevy truck series while showing a Ford, a little research man.

[@AmericanConstellation]

I got a Richard Petty Experience around that speedway and it was fast and fun.

[@elmandalorian6671]

Did the Richard Petty drive at Disney World and it was a fun experience the staff was awesome...having the exotic car driving experience in my opinion was always too risky because the exotic cars were not as safe as the Nascar experience...they didn't have a roll cage that is so important for the survival in an accident...excellent video 📹!

[@joshroller9449]

Racing fan here...The idea for Walt Disney World Speedway on paper was a slam dunk and it should have been a success but it's location was it's ultimate demise. Had a location better suited for it been selected, and Disney management built parks and resorts around the track instead of essentially building the track within an existing park, the speak could still be operable today and hosting mid to high-level auto racing. The concept of having the race fans exit the track then going to the parks, again, looks good on paper, but when a race day is organized correctly, fans won't want to spend hours after a race going to park. They'd rather save that for the day after or days before.

[@jamskatelake]

100% accurate. If it had been built somewhere else on property it could still be in operation.

[@dragonballzpop]

I remember seeing the outside of the track and hearing the cars .

[@kentgalyon9450]

I did the Richard Petty experience but after they had moved it over to Daytona motor speedway

[@cltlogix]

So many times you'll see a non-racing fan absolutely butcher a video like this but you did an awesome job not to mention the quality of the video compared to your subscriber count you definitely got a sub from me

[@cmhsgrad02]

I did do the Petty experience in 2002 at the Vegas speedway as a graduation gift.. loved it 😊

[@Timeslot71]

First time I ever did a Petty Experience was at this track. My son also got to take a ride along with a “Cars” Nascar style car on it as well. Neat track, hated seeing it go.

[@davewechter1620]

I remember the track. I also did the Petty Driving Experience, but in Charlotte

[@StacemanFPV]

I almost did that in the early 2000's...I ended up finally doing one with Jeff Gordon's racing experience at Charlotte motor speedway after I won it at one of the races.

[@Shauna1223]

Ryan you are insanely talented and your communication of information is so unique! Amazing video!

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

Aww thank you so much!! 🙏

[@MichaelDanger19]

there's a speedway gas station right next to where this used to be, which I always thought was a funny touch

[@Naotakun]

I remember hearing about the Richard Petty experience on Disney Channel back in the day. Always wanted to do it as I was really big into Nascar back then. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to visit wdw. So sad I missed it. Good to know about the Daytona experience though!

[@scsands]

Hell yes to the Petty experience. I was looking into it just as it closed as we did a family vacation back to Disney World for my daughters cheerleading tournament. I had done Willow Springs Drive tech so I was looking forward to another run in a NASCAR.

[@meghanxmunster]

I would have absolutely done the RPDE! Thanks for another informative and fun video! 🖤

[@RayRay2290.1]

Did the Richard Petty Driving Expirence a Ride Along there in 1998. Have a plaque with a picture on it and everything. It was crazy fun. The G Forces were crazy 😂

[@austindoran9746]

Great video! This place has always interested me and I have brief memories of riding by the track as a kid. I have a decklid from one of the driving experience cars in my gaming room 👌

[@jimboersma7881]

I drove one of Kyle Pettys cars there. It was amazing!

[@chrisevans6471]

I also think this style of video will make your channel rocket!

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

Aww thank you! I hope so too!! 🙌

[@diy-mitch-vlogs]

I also did the Richard Petty Driving Experience there as well. It was an added bonus to our Disney vacation!

[@GeoffInfield]

Yes!! All the way from NZ in a heartbeat.

[@damnyankeefl]

Eliseo Salazar. he was injured in the very first day of practice for the very first race. I was sitting right where he crashed and could hear him moaning in the car. a piece of the suspension pierced his leg. I have been an indy car fan all my life and was so happy they had this. i didn't miss a day in five years. The last year, I got a package and stayed on property. They were obviously over the race. they were not happy the race was there. Also attendance declined every year of the race. with temporary stands they only put up as many as they needed. the first year was massive. I was sitting next to people who had come from indiana for the race.

[@jamskatelake]

We sat next to some people from Europe at the first race. Another couple was from Pittsburgh. That first race was so hot.

[@GachaRacing18]

NASCAR fan here, I actually did the NASCAR experience up at Pocono and it was awesome! Would love to do it again at Dover and I really wish I could have done it when WDWS was around

[@dorkultra]

Yeah, i'd try it out for sure. Seems like a fun experience to have away from the parks

[@clydebrown9982]

The first race, 1996.Disney employees were told that their shift was to attend the race thus the attendance numbers!

[@toypathfinder1]

I've done the experience in Vegas, it was a blast

[@Syclone0044]

Wow what a perfect video! I JUST watched another video on “The Richard Petty Driving Experience Tragedy” and it led to me searching for the relics of this track on Google Satellite maps and I was frustrated I couldn’t pinpoint it, a flag said it was in the middle of the pond. So it was fantastic to see this video pop up in my suggested just two days later and you went out there in person! And showed a nice aerial photo of when the track relics still remained. I would absolutely do any driving experience but I’ve raced my own hot rod on a 4 mile IndyCar road course for 4 days so I have a little experience. Biggest thrill of my life! Would love to try a high speed circle track for sure.

[@twoblacklabs904]

I attended both NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at WDW Speedway in 1997 and 1998, and the 1 mile “tri-oval” seemed to accommodate the Trucks fairly well. In ‘98, I was able to meet both Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress, his NASCAR team owner, but in the Truck Series, they were both Truck team owners and competed for bragging rights. Earnhardt’s driver, Ron Hornaday won the race, and a few weeks later at Daytona Int’l Speedway, Dale Earnhardt won his only career Daytona 500. Sadly, 1998 was the last year that the Trucks started their racing season at WDW, but it was definitely a very fun little venue. (And we “cheated” - both years, we got to Disney super-early and parked at the Grand Floridian…😁)

[@capefeartrainsandsirens]

How didn’t I find this channel before? This is great!

[@ForTheLoveOfThemeParksVlogs]

One of the best compliments i could receive! Thank you for watching 🙏

[@Neebs917]

I did the Richard petty ride along at Las Vegas speedway and I’ve been involved in racing my entire life, the g forces even surprised me. Really cool video though I always wondered why it closed.

[@4q2pab]

I did the Petty Experience at WDW in 1999 as a passenger. It was 99 bucks for 3 laps and the souvineer photo was $10. There was NO ONE there, but we got up to 165 and there was 3 other drivers right next to us / passing and drafting. Best of all it was Dale Earnhardt #3 replica car for the ride.

[@twiconnor643]

as simultaneously a NASCAR history nerd and huge Disney Parks fan I think this vid was tailor-made for me heh, nice work 👍

[@johnmcmullen456]

Rusty Wallace's driving experience has dates at several different sized tracks throughout the U S. Did it twice as a driver, and they also have ride-a-longs. Strongly recommend and generally have huge discount offers.