Many have enjoyed the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World whether in the NASCAR vehicles or in the luxury cars, but that will soon be no more. It was announced today that it will be closing later this year to make way for transportation improvements.
Orlando Sentinel reported that the Richard Petty Driving Experience will indeed be closing in late June.
“Disney has other uses for the property and they have the right to do that, and we respect that,” said Bill Scott, executive vice president of attractions operator Petty Holdings LLCLLC. “It’s not without some sadness that we leave Walt Disney World Speedway. We had a great home here.”
At this time, there has been no further details into what Disney will be doing with the location once the Richard Petty Driving Experience is closed.
The speedway is located south of the Magic Kingdom parking lot and actually sits in the back end of it near the Magic Kingdom toll booth.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience opened in 1997 and allowed guests to drive or ride shotgun in NASCAR vehicles. Just four years ago, the exotic car experience was introduced with Porsches, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis.
Per the Sentinel:
Petty Holdings informed employees Wednesday afternoon about the closure. It has about 70 people working at the speedway, including instructors, photographers and people who check in visitors. About half are permanent employees and 12 are full-time, Scott said. The other half work during special events. Some will have the opportunity to transfer to the Daytona International Speedway, which also has the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Scott said. Disney said it will also try to find workers jobs elsewhere in the resort.
There is hope from Petty that they can find another location in Orlando for a traditional speedway with more exotic car attractions since “that’s become more popular.”
The Richard Petty Driving Experience has a targeted closure date of June 28, 2015.
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I am sad to see this closing. My son is a 15 year old with many challenges. I had told him for his 18th bday I would take him to the track to drive whether it be shotgun or if they felt he could drive. His dream to be a NASCAR driver which with his disabilities its a very slim chance I never discourage him.This is gonna crush his heart sooo. I hope you find another home for the speedway so that his dream could come true for just a spit moment.