Drive like a pro at Richard Petty Driving Experience

Travel

Learn to drive a NASCAR race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, Fla.

AJC reporter Clint Williams climbs in to a race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway. For a few weeks each year, Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom becomes the Manly Kingdom, a place to watch Braves baseball up close. When the Braves hit the road for the day, you can learn to drive a NASCAR race car.

Annie Matson takes Larry Brown's picture before he gets on the track.

Eugene Morris (from Miami) is all smiles as he exits his car.

Jimmy Johnson appears apprehensive just before running the track.

Pit Crew member Billy Grimes gives a driver a push. The inside of a stock car is hot and loud.

Drivers listen to their last instructions before driving the track. The Rookie Experience is a three-hour program that puts you behind the wheel of a NASCAR-style race car for eight laps around a one-mile oval track.

Crew member Scott Williams (left) watches Brian Bohnsack climb out of his car.

Pit Crew member Billy Grimes (left) watches Leslie Jordan climb in to his car. The goal is to get around the track in about 40 seconds, at a top speed of 122 mph.

Mike Dorsch (from Canada) waits for Grimes to check his safety gear.

A pair of drivers run the speedway. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is available at race tracks across the country, including Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Williams (left) gets help from Robert Melendez with his safety gear.

Williams gives a thumbs up before driving the track. The Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway is a ride for big boys and girls.

Mike Prentice(cq) awaits his turn at the track. The Rookie Experience is $403.64; the Ride-Along is $105.44. You must be able to drive a stick shift for the Rookie Experience.

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AJC reporter Clint Williams climbs in to a race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway. For a few weeks each year, Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom becomes the Manly Kingdom, a place to watch Braves baseball up close. When the Braves hit the road for the day, you can learn to drive a NASCAR race car.

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