The Wandering Disciple

A race car fans dream can come true at the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where the average fan can become a driver.  Whether you want to drive along with a professional driver or learn to race yourself, they have it all.  While the one here at Walt Disney World Speedway has been closed for a few years, there are other locations throughout the country where you can strap in and put the pedal to the metal.  (Photo: September 29, 2012)

A NASCAR race car speeds down the straightaway at Walt Disney World Speedway. The Richard Petty Driving Experience gives the everyday race fan an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a race car and experience what it is like to be a race car driver. (Photo: September 29, 2012)

Walt Disney World Speedway roars to life with the Richard Petty Driving Experience.  Here race fans can get a first hand look at life as a race car driver with ride along packages or driving school.  (Photo: September 29, 2012)

A replica of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s NASCAR makes a high speed pass down the Walt Disney World Speedway. The speedway’s primary tenant, the Richard Petty Driving Experience allows NASCAR fans to experience the sport from inside the race car. Fans can choose between a ride-along with a professional driver all the way to a race it yourself experience. (Photo: September 29, 2012)

Dale Earnhardt Jr's National Guard Car does a ride-along at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway. Here you can learn to drive a NASCAR or just hop in the passenger seat and take a high speed ride-along with a professional driver. (Photo: September 29, 2012)