What types of cars are used in the Drive/Ride-Along stock car
programs?
We run 600-hp NASCAR-style stock cars that have 4-speed manual transmissions. You
must have a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a manual transmission
(stick shift) to participate in a Driving experience.
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How do I purchase Driving or Ride-Along experiences?
Richard Petty Driving Experience products; including reservations for Driving experiences,
Ride-Alongs and merchandise; can be purchased on-line
or by calling our Customer Service and Sales Center at 1•800•BE•PETTY (1-800-237-3889).
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Are Gift Cards available?
Yes! Richard Petty Driving Experience offers monetary Gift Cards that can be used
to purchase any Driving or Ride-Along experience as well as merchandise. Gift Cards
can be purchased on-line, trackside or by calling at 1•800•BE•PETTY (1-800-237-3889).
Minimum Gift Card purchase is $20.00.
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How are Gift Cards redeemed?
Gift Cards:
Gift cards can be redeemed via our website, by calling 1•800•BE•PETTYand at trackside.
Gift Cards can be used trackside to purchase Ride-Along and Driving experiences
(when space is available) as well as photos, DVD’s and souvenir merchandise.
Please have your gift card with you at the time of booking/purchase as the card
number (on the back of the card) as well as the PIN/security code (scratch off the
silver strip on the back of the card) will be needed.
Gift Cards are valid for the monetary amount purchased. As such, any total purchase
(sales tax, etc.), which exceeds the monetary value of the card will be due at the
time of purchase. Ride-Along and Driving experience prices vary depending on track
location. Experience prices vary depending on track location, peak and off-peak
seasons, dates and times. All prices are subject to change without notice.
Gift Certificates:
If you have a paper Gift Certificate (rather than a Gift Card) due to the expiration
date it is no longer valid for redemption with RPDE (one year after issuance). Please
call 1•800•BE•PETTY with any additional question. Gift Certificates are no longer
available for purchase.
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How do Ride-Along experiences work?
Ride-Alongs are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not
required or accepted at most tracks. Ride-Alongs are normally available on days
we offer driving experiences and begin one hour after the start of each driving
class. Different from our standard Ride-Alongs are Race Weekend Ride-Alongs (Race
Rides) which do require reservations - visit the Race Ride page for more information.
In addition to days that we offer driving experiences, Walt Disney World Speedway
and Daytona International Speedway have exclusive Ride-Along days. At Walt Disney
World Speedway in Orlando Ride-Along days operations are from 9am to 4pm on most
Tuesdays and Thursdays (call 1•800•BE•PETTY for a complete listing of dates). At
Daytona International Speedway Ride-Along days operations are from 9am to 4pm on
the specified days; visit our Daytona information page for a complete listing or
call 1•800•BE•PETTY.
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How can I purchase a Ride-Along experience?
Ride-Alongs can be purchased on-line or by calling 1•800•BE•PETTY where your purchase
will be delivered in the form of a monetary gift card. Ride-Alongs can also be purchased
trackside.
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How do I redeem a Gift Card or Ride Ticket for a Ride-Along at
track?
Gift Card:
If you have a Gift Card, simply present it trackside where the balance will be verified
and then the value of the Ride-Along deducted (typically $109 plus applicable sales
tax). See “Ride-Along Experiences” under the “Drive or Ride-Along Programs” button
on the home page for pricing details.
Ride-Along purchases are converted to individual monetary gift cards. As such, if
the recipient redeems the Ride-Along purchase (Gift Card) at a track where the experience
price is more than what was paid (sales tax, and/or premium price location, etc.),
the balance will be payable at the time of redemption
Ride-Along Ticket:
Paper Ride-Along tickets are no longer available for purchase. If you have a paper
$99 Ride-Along Ticket, it is valid at most of our tracks excluding Daytona, Indianapolis
and Watkins Glen. $99 Ride-Along tickets are not valid for Weekend Race Rides or
other special Ride events. Premium Ride-Along tickets can be redeemed at Daytona.
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Do Gift Cards or Ride-Along Tickets expire?
No. There is no expiration on Richard Petty Driving Experience Gift Cards, Ride-Along
Gift Cards and Ride-Along Tickets
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Can I get a refund for my Gift Card?
No.
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Is change given for purchases made with Gift Cards?
No.
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What if my Gift Card is lost or stolen?
If a gift card is lost or stolen, we will credit only the balance remaining on the
Gift Card, with valid proof of purchase (receipt that is sent with gift card). Please
call 1•800•BE•PETTY for assistance.
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Where can I check my Gift Card balance?
Review your Gift Card balance anytime on-line at www.1800bepetty.com using the “Gift
Card Balance” button located on the home page or call 1•800•BE•PETTY during normal
business hours.
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Are there any service fees for unused balances on my Gift Card?
No, there are no service fees for unused balances.
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Will I be able to use my Gift Card if the magnetic strip is
damaged?
You can use a Gift Card with a damaged magnetic strip as long as the numbers on
the card, including PIN, are legible or you have the original receipt that has the
unique identifying number (sent with gift card).
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Can I add more value to my Gift Card?
No, incremental additions cannot be made to our Gift Cards. We will be happy to
sell you an additional card.
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Can I buy Gift Cards in bulk?
Yes, please use the “Contact Group Events” button located on the home page for bulk
purchase inquiries (any purchase greater than a quantity of 10 is considered bulk).
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Can I get a refund for my reservation?
There is a $75 fee charged for any cancellations or changes made more than 30 days
prior to the experience date. Cancellation or changes made less than 30 days prior
to experience data are subject to forfeit the entire amount.
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Can I send my web order to multiple addresses?
No, if you need your order split between addresses, you will need to create separate
orders for each individual address.
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Can web orders be sent to international addresses?
No, Web orders can only be shipped within the U.S. and Canada. All international
orders must be placed by calling 1•800•BE•PETTY.
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Are reservations required?
Reservations are required for all Driving experiences. Ride-Along reservations are
only needed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for Race Ride weekends and for special
Ride-Along events. Otherwise Ride-Alongs are available on a first come first serve
basis.
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How does the wait list work?
You can add your name to the wait list for a class that is sold out. You can do
this on-line once you select the specific Sold Out session then click on the Wait
List button at the bottom of the Experience Details page. Then simply follow the
instructions. You may also call 1•800•BE•PETTY. [You will not be charged for signing
up to be on the wait list.] If a seat opens up, a call center representative will
contact you to book your seat. It is highly recommended that you check back often
to see if seats are available.
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Do I need any prior racing experience?
No experience is required.
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Do I have to start out with the Rookie Experience?
No. Please note that our Advanced Racing Experience has a prerequisite.
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What is provided and what do I need to bring?
All participants are provided with a regulation helmet and safety device, as well
as a driver’s suit. Participants need to wear socks, closed-toe shoes and clothes
that will be comfortable under the driver’s suit (shorts are allowed).
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Are there weight or height restrictions?
Not exactly. The cars do not have doors, so participants must have the ability to
climb through a 15" high by 30" wide window that sits 36" from the ground. Our driving
suits are available up to size 3X.
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Are there age restrictions?
Driving Programs Restrictions: At Daytona International Speedway and Walt Disney
World® Speedway 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 manual transmission (stick
shift).
Ride-Along Programs Restrictions: At all tracks you must be at least 14 years old
to participate in our riding experiences.
All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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Can family and friends come along?
Absolutely! We have a special seating area set-up where family and friends can watch.
They are welcome to bring video recorders and cameras.
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Can I purchase food and beverages while at track?
Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase at the merchandise trailer.
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What happens if it rains?
If we are unable to dry the track, each participant will be given the option to
reschedule to a mutually agreeable date or be issued a rain certificate. Sorry,
refunds are not available.
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How fast will I be able to go?
Top speed varies according to student performance, track location and limits set
for each program.
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What is done to insure participants' safety?
To insure the utmost quality and safety, Richard Petty Driving Experience’s fleet
of cars rotate in a quality assurance program as well as daily inspections prior
to runs. Also, participants go through two elements of safety and instruction training,
in car and on track instruction. In the event of an incident Richard Petty Driving
Experience is responsible for any equipment damage and the participant covers any
personal damage (per participant’s signed liability waiver).
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How do I get a job at Richard Petty Driving Experience?
Check out
Job Opportunities page (under Our Company) for our available job openings
in your area
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How do I get a donation for my fundraiser?
While we wish that we could donate to all valuable causes, unfortunately it just
isn't possible. That is why we have chosen Victory Junction Gang Camp,
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Kyle Petty Charity Rides
as our partner charities. We concentrate all our resources toward their success.
We hope that you will join us in supporting these charities.
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Will this qualify me to hold a NASCAR license?
No. Anyone who wants to participate in a NASCAR-sanctioned event as a competitor
must apply for, receive, and possess a valid, current NASCAR license authorizing
participation. If you have extensive on-track racing experience, an application
request form for a NASCAR Membership may be obtained from NASCAR Headquarters by
calling 386-253-0611 x5550.
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How much does the safe driving program cost?
Our one-day program ranges from $329 - $399 (plus sales tax where applicable) depending
on the location. Visit our Safe Driving
section for complete details.
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How old should my teen be to participant in this program?
They must have at least their learners permit and enough experience behind the wheel
to feel comfortable in braking and steering type exercises.
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Does a parent need to be present during the safe driving event?
While not mandatory, it is recommended in order to reinforce both mental and skill
techniques that are taught at the event.
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Is the safe driving program held on the race track?
No, it is on a sectioned off portion of the parking lot inside or near the track(s).
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What precautions to you take to insure the safety of the participants?
These are all low speed type events, in a controlled environment, with a trained
instructor in the cars at all times.
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Do participants need to have their own car to use during the
event?
It is strongly recommended but not required. The modules will use a combination
of the participant’s own vehicles (if possible) as well as ones provided by RPDE.
We do not recommend bringing a vehicle with a lifted suspension.
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Can I drive around and do the exercises modules with my teen?
No, however we do spend time in the afternoon going from module to module and discussing
all of the elements your teen is experiencing there.
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Can I sit in the classroom with my teen?
Sure, we encourage it. The participants sit in the front of the room and the parents
in the back.
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Should parent/participant alert the staff of any special needs
or if the participant has been in an accident?
You should tell the program director so specific areas of training might be adjusted/highlighted
to fit their needs.
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What is the appropriate attire for the safe driving program?
As the event is mostly outdoors - weather appropriate attire and closed toed shoes.
No sandals, flip flops or heals.
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What do the participants do during the one hour lunch?
They may bring their lunch or go to a nearby eating establishment. We will have
a cooler or refrigerator available. There are no vending machines on site.
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How much time is spent actually driving the car and how much
time is spent in the classroom?
There is approximately 6 hours in the exercises and 1 hour of classroom. A normal
program day is 8am until 5pm.
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Does completion of the safe driving program qualify for an
automatic insurance deduction?
Currently it is not automatic. 30 hrs of classroom and 6 hrs of driving are the
current standard for deductions. We feel that more time behind the wheel is the
key to success as opposed to the classroom (a certificate of completion will be
given). However, some insurance companies and agents accept our program and give
additional discounts. Please contact your insurance company for their policies.
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What are the program times and what if we need to leave early?
We encourage everyone to stay for the duration and complete the entire program in
order to get the most of the school and to receive their certificate of completion.
You are asked to arrive at 7:30am for check-in and the program will last from 8am
until approximately 5pm.
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What happens if it rains at the event?
We deliver the program in the rain. The only conditions limiting the day are extreme
rain, wind, or lightning.
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What happens if my child is registered and cannot attend the
day of the program?
If you cancel or make any changes to this reservation above more than 30 days prior
to your class date you will be charged a $75 administration fee. You also understand
that if you cancel/change your selected program less than 30 days prior to your
class date or if you fail to attend your selected program, you will forfeit your
entire enrollment fee.
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If you didn't find the answer to your question on this page, please send us an e-mail or call our
Customer Service and Sales Center at 1•800•BE•PETTY (1-800-237-3889). Our hours
of operation are 8am-7pm Monday through Friday and 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.