FYI WIRZ: Fast Mustang Ride Disney Style

Walt Disney World has plenty of rides, but one that wasn’t planned for patrons was the one–mile 10 degree banking racetrack. Originally built for IndyCar racing, the track is now home to Richard Petty Driving Experience. That means anyone with the will and the funds can step inside a stock car for a ride along or take the wheel for tutored follow laps. 

Fortunately for some media folks Daytona International Speedway hosts ride-alongs so those who write and talk about racing get to feel the speed too.

Call this reporter a speed freak if you will, as over the past few years RPDE has somehow stuffed a less-than-agile body through a window and into a protective seat. Prying the same body out is challenging, but they are prepared for that.

The latest ride experience followed a media luncheon with NASCAR drivers Paul Menard, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Justin Allgaier at the ESPN Club at the Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resort.

The new NASCAR Nationwide “Next Generation” cars are exciting for fans as the stock cars resemble street cars for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Dodge. 

The two-seater Ford Mustang piloted by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. reached speeds of 140 mph or so around the Disney track. Compared to previous rides this ride just seemed a lot faster.

After the speedy experience one almost wants to ask, “You guys do this every lap for how many laps?”

Also announced at DIS this race weekend was news about the new Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at Auto Club Speedway in California. 

The biggest difference with the RWRE is that they will gradually increase the track speed without having the patron driver follow a limiting pace car. 

“The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience is going to be different in that we’re going to be able to put our patrons in a situation where they can actually get out and feel what it’s like to race in these high horsepower cars,” Wallace said. “That’s why we decided to call it a racing experience and not just a driving school. It’s going to take your breath away.”

Since Stenhouse Jr. permitted the carrying of a camera by this reporter in the new Mustang, fast and close images were possible even while constrained by a Hans neck device and secure belts.

Holding onto a camera instead of secure metal created even more sensation, sort of like the taking away of breath described by Wallace.

As for going solo, Rusty Wallace is planning for his patrons—“You expect me to how fast for how many laps?”

But there are braver folks out there.