fotofx....Steve 34 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 http://touch.sun-sentinel.com/#section/1098/article/p2p-83280143/ A 36-year-old Davenport man died today after a Lamborghini in which he was riding lost control at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World.According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver failed to maneuver the high-powered sports car through one of the course's curves, and the vehicle's right side struck a guardrail.The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, according to FHP's Sgt. Kim Montes.The male driver was taken to Celebration Hospital with minor injuries.Neither the driver nor the passenger were identified.The incident took place at about 3:30 p.m. at the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway, according to the FHP report. The track is operated by Petty Holdings, which has other Exotic Driving Experience attractions at speedways in Atlanta, Daytona Beach, Charlotte, New Jersey, Kansas, New Hampshire and Texas. A spokeswoman for Petty Holdings didn't return a phone call.The Richard Petty Driving Experience, where fans can drive NASCAR cars or ride shotgun at speeds up to 165 mph, opened in 1997. Four years ago, Petty Holdings introduced the exotic-car experience, where people can drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches. The driving packages start at $99 and go past $2,500 for a 50-lap experience with an in-car video.The speedway lies south of the Magic Kingdom parking lot and west of World Drive.The attraction at Walt Disney World is scheduled to close on June 28 to make way for transportation improvements. There is also a Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona International Speedway in Dayton Beach.The high-speed attraction is named for Richard Petty, 77, an iconic figure in NASCAR history with seven NASCAR Cup titles, seven Daytona 500 victories and a record 200 victories, including 27 in one season.He is now the point man for Richard Petty Motorsports, a team in the Cup series — the highest level of NASCAR competition. He is a 2010 inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.Unassuming and one of the most approachable sports personalities of this generation, Petty is regularly accessible during most NASCAR race weekends, easy to spot in his signature sunglasses and cowboy hat.The crash remains under investigation, according to the FHP. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 I'm wondering if the passenger was a driving coach. Very sad. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
twiceblessed....nacole 433 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 This came across my phone early... very sad indeed. My heart is broken for his family. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Prayers for all involved. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DramaMama .......... Janet 75 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 So sad... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Katman1356...Jason 1,140 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Some of my Facebook groups have named the passenger and that he was a CM. Don't know if he was just a passenger or the coach. So sad either way Quote Link to post Share on other sites
djsamuel 322 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 According to the Sentinel the passenger was a manager at the track, so he was probably in there as the coach. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Very sad. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Very sad. It appears looking at the raw video footage that was posted online they were driving counterclockwise on a track that to me looks like was designed to be driven clockwise. I have never been on the track but looking at satellite pictures had they been driving the other direction the crash would have been much less severe. After looking at some youtube videos when they are in the NASCAR cars they do drive clockwise. It looks like the exotic driving experience goes the other way so they can use some of the infield area for more of a road race type track. Whatever the cause it's a tragic loss especially for someone in the prime of their life. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 So sad.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
momof3kids-Yvonne 594 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 So sad. Praying for all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 From the GoFundMe page setup for the family of the man who died... We, the family and friends of Kathy, Gary and Taylor Terry are setting up this account to help Kathy and young Taylor (2 years old) deal with the tragic and sudden death of Gary Terry on Sunday, April 12, 2015. Gary died doing what he loved while working at the Richard Petty Exotic Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Florida when the driver of a ride-a-long car in which Gary was taking part in as a professional passenger lost control. Prayers go out to the driver as well who survived the accident. Gary was the definition of the perfect husband, father, son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, employee and all around model human being. He touched a part of everyone's life he ever met and he will be sorely missed. A friend of Gary's said it best when they said that God needed a personal driver on Sunday and he got the best in Gary Terry. Gary is survived by his wife Kathy and their beautiful daughter, Taylor. Please help support their family with any donation you can possibly make. Any monies not used for immediate funeral and related expenses will be set aside for college and education expenses for young Taylor so that she can realize the future dreams of a great man. God bless you Gary and please keep an eyeful watch on your family and friends who mourn your early departure and yearn for the day that we are reunited again. Until we meet again... http://www.gofundme.com/garyterrymemorial Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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