The Walt Disney World Speedway – affectionately known as the “Mickyard” – is closing this summer which means the end of the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience.
The closure of the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience will leave about 70 people without jobs. Nearly half of the employees are permanent employees and 12 are full-time while the others work special events.
According to reports some of the employees will have the opportunity to transfer to the Daytona International Speedway’s Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Disney is reportedly trying to find jobs for some of the others at the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Mickyard was built in 1995 with the hopes of luring some Indy Racing League events to Central Florida in the winter months. The last race was held in January 2000.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience opened in 1997 and gave guests the chance to drive NASCAR cars at speeds up to 165 mph. The Exotic Driving Experience was introduced in 2011 and gave guests the chance to drive Ferraris, Porsches, and other high-end luxury cars.
There are no additional details about what that area will be used for once the Speedway is torn down. Disney has said “transportation projects” are requiring the closure.
The reported closing day is June 28.
