Daytona Speedway

A Little History

On February 22, 1959, Daytona International Speedway hosted the first Daytona 500. The posted awards for the "500-Mile International Sweepstakes" totaled $67,760. A field of 59 cars took the green flag for the start of the 200-lap race. A crowd of 41,000 was on hand.

The finish was too close to call with the lapped car of Joe Weatherly making it a three-wide dead heat finish at the checkered flag between Johnny Beauchamp and Lee Petty.

Johnny Beauchamp went to Victory Lane and savored the celebration, although the results were posted as "unofficial"

61 hours later, Lee Petty was the declared the winner. A clip of newsreel footage proved that Petty was the winner by a few feet.

Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along Program is available to guests ages 16 and older (16 - 18 yr. old will be required to provide valid photo ID and have a guardian signature in order to ride).

It is not necessary to make advance reservations for the Richard Petty Ride-Along Program.

For more, check their website: RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Daytona Ride-Along - $135
Ride-Alongs are available on a first come, first serve basis on any of the driving dates listed below. Ride-Alongs begin approximately 1 hour after the start of each driving class (session).

In addition to the days driving experiences are offered, Daytona also has days exclusively for Ride-Alongs. Operations are from 9am to 5pm on the dates listed immediately below. Dates are subject to change, please call 1 800 BE PETTY to confirm.

Exclusive Ride-Along Days for 2009:
January 10
January 11

Reservations are not accepted for Ride-Alongs at Daytona International Speedway except for special events and Race Weekend Ride-Alongs.

Ride-Along gift cards do not expire and are not refundable. You must be at least 14 years old to participant in the Ride-Along experience at Daytona International Speedway.

Driving Experiences**

Rookie Experience (8 laps* over 1 session)

* Price: From $399
* Description: Your hands are on the wheel, your foot is on the gas and you are in the driver's seat for 8 laps* around the track. The program can last up to half a day; the memories last a lifetime.

King's Experience (18 laps* over 2 sessions)

* Price: From $799
* Description: Satisfy your need for speed while trying to tame the speedway in this high-thrill,18-lap* program. Lasts up to half a day.

Experience of a Lifetime (30 laps* over 3 sessions)

* Price: From $1249
* Description: Think you can handle 30 laps* of white-knuckled, heart-pounding speed? Improve your driving line, increase your speed and consider a career change. Lasts up to half a day.

Racing Experience (80 laps* over 8 sessions)

* Price: From $2499
* Description: This program covers 80 laps* over 1 to 1-1/2 days. You'll receive instruction on refining your driving line, building speed and side-by-side driving.

Advanced Racing Experience (40 laps* over 4 sessions)

* Price: From $2999
* Description: The greatly intensified, personal instruction makes drivers who take this 40-lap* program feel like they're ready to take on Richard Petty himself. The Racing Experience or the Experience of a Lifetime program must be completed before doing this experience.

Daytona High-Banks 8 (8 laps* over 1 session)

* Price: From $529
* Description: If you are ready for a taste of the legendary oval, this 8-lap* program will definitely wet your appetite...for a little while.

Daytona Super 16 (16 laps* over 2 sessions)

* Price: From $1249
* Description: Grip the wheel for 16 laps* around the world-famous Daytona International Speedway.

Daytona Experience (24 laps* over 3 sessions)

* Price: From $2099
* Description: Includes 24 laps* on the 2.5-mile, 31º High Banks. Segments allow you to improve your driving line and increase your speed.

Reservations are required for all driving experiences.

NOTE: Sales tax applies, where applicable. All driving experiences are lead-follow.

Experience prices vary depending on track location, peak and off-peak seasons, dates and times.

*Includes one Warm-Up and Cool-Down Lap per session at tracks 1.5 miles and longer. Program offerings may vary by track.

**At Daytona International Speedway, Walt Disney World® Speedway and Watkins Glen you must be at least 18 years old with a valid drivers license and at all other tracks be at least 16 years old with a valid drivers license to participate in our driving experiences. Also must be able to drive a standard transmission (stick shift).

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