Sad news for race fans, the Walt Disney World Speedway, located adjacent to the Magic Kingdom parking lot, will be closing the end of June 2015. The track, originally built in 1995 for IRL races, only saw 5 IRL sanctioned races, and a handful of Craftsman Truck Series and other races. It was often used as a test location due to the Florida weather. In 1997 the track hosted The Richard Petty Driving Experience during the off season. the track has been the exclusive home to The Richard Petty Driving Experience for years.
Reports say that Disney “has other uses for the property” and it may be used for transportation improvements.
We have had the opportunity to visit the track twice. First was for my husband’s 40th birthday. My parents gave him The Rookie Experience for his birthday. We had so much fun watching him suit up and drive the 1 mile track. In 2010 my husband was part of a group of men chosen to take part in the filming of a British TV and my boys each received a Junior Ride Along. You can read about that day here. Here is the link to the TV segment that was taped that day.
Jordan, my car enthusiast turns 21 next year. Hubby and I had discussed getting the family to help chip in and get him an Exotic driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway as his birthday gift. Unfortunately, I guess we will have to think about doing it at Daytona-if we do it at all.
We will be sad to see the track go. We always enjoy hearing the race cars going around the track as we enter the Magic Kingdom parking lot. My boys have wanted to drive there since the track opened. Now, to have that experience we will have to drive all the way to Daytona.
I think every one of you are brave for even considering the track! I bet Disney has square foot dollar amount and area has to provide someplace in their rule books.
Pam
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