Joining the Richard Petty Driving Experience on the one mile paved Walt Disney World Speedway track is the Indy Racing Experience, having opened on November 17th. Now race fans and thrill seekers will have the chance to drive and ride in actual Indianapolis 500 race cars for an experience like no other.

After suiting up in authentic driver fire suits and being strapped in by the Indy Racing Experience pit crew, guests will have the opportunity to drive a two-seat Indy Racing car especially customized for the experience. Stretched out in the two-seat car, guests can also experience the g-forces of racecar driving as the car is driven by a professional racer.

The four Dallara cars at the Indy Racing Experience have been fitted with 1.8 liter six-cylinder Honda engines, which are less powerful than the racing league cars, but otherwise, exactly the same. Drivers can even hit speeds close to 100 mph, since the open-cockpit cars weight half as much as a 2009 Toyota Corolla. And with the unique design of the Walt Disney World Speedway track, a tri-oval with three uniquely banked corners and elevation changes, both drivers and riders are sure to find the Indy Racing Experience a thrill.

Though this tourist attraction is pricey, fans say it’s worth every penny. For $109 plus tax, passengers can go along for a ride, and for $399, customers can get behind the wheel and feel the excitement of driving an IndyCar Series car. The ride-along experience lasts three laps, while the driving experience consists of 1 warm-up lap, 6 laps at speed, and 1 cool-down lap.

Normally, the Experience travels with the Indy Racing Leagues. And though the company will continue to do that, there’s a good chance Orlando will become its permanent home.

“Since we first began the Indy Racing Experience [in 2001], fans have traveled the globe to feel firsthand what it is like to race around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - the Racing Capital of the World. Millions of people also descend on the Orlando area annually for its renowned attractions, including Walt Disney World, so we feel our Indy Racing Experience is both a unique and fitting addition to this exciting landscape,” said Scott Jasek, co-owner of the Indy Racing Experience.

The Indy Racing Experience will be sharing the track with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which offers rides in stock cars (discount Richard Petty Driving Experience tickets are still available at OrlandoFunTickets.com). Both attractions are open to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis, and drivers are required to be at least 18 years old. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy the rush and adrenaline of the Indy Racing Experience near Magic Kingdom!