Karen Dixon, Darrell Dixon, Tanya Schiefer and Dana Schiefer pose with Arie Luyendyk, Jr., following their ride and drive experiences at the Walt Disney World Speedway.

IRE Fan Focus: Trade Show to Speed Show
Group of four in town for trade show leaves Orlando in awe of speed and thrill of Indy Racing Experience

Two couples recently had the opportunity to take in one great experience at the Walt Disney World® Speedway in Orlando and once again, the Indy Racing Experience came away with new fans.

Darrell and Karen Dixon, and Dana and Tanya Schiefer, all of Halafax, Nova Scotia, were visiting Orlando on business for a trade show and put what free time they had to good use.  After spending several days at the various Walt Disney World parks, the two couples ventured over to the nearby track for a little afternoon of speed with the Indy Racing Experience.

Darrell Dixon, who drove Juan Pablo Montoya’s backup car from the 2000 Indianapolis 500 – an event in which he won, ranked his eight laps at the top of his life-long experiences.

“Of all the crazy things I have ever done, and I have done a lot, this would be number one,” he said.  “Your heart rate and adrenaline is pumping so hard that you are shaking at the start, but after a few laps, you really start enjoying the speed and vibration.”

Dana Schiefer also drove eight laps around the 1-mile tri-oval located just outside the Magic Kingdom® Park.  He sped around the track in the same car Brazilian Felipe Giaffone took to the lead and finished third with at the 2002 Indianapolis 500.

“It was amazing,” Schiefer said.  “I was shaking as well at the start and at first you want to sit up like you are in a regular car.  You can only see an inch over the top of the steering wheel.  It was awesome.”

That response was exactly what his wife Tanya wanted to hear.  She had been looking for the perfect Christmas and birthday present for him and believes she found it at the Indy Racing Experience.

“I’d like to think this was one of the best gifts I have ever given him,” said Tanya, who opted to watch from the pits.  “I think he really enjoyed it.”

Karen Dixon left the driving to the boys and chose to ride shotgun in the National Guard 2-seater, which was driven that day by Arie Luyendyk, Jr.  After a quick three laps around the track, Dixon exited the car in awe of what she had just experienced.

“I love thrill rides and that was the scariest ride I have ever been on.  It was very exciting and very exhilarating,” she said.  “This is by far the best thing we have done since we have been down here, and there was no line!”

But it was perhaps her final comments that most pleased the Indy Racing Experience crew.  Karen had admitted that while she has seen IndyCar racing on television in the past, she had never really sat down and watched a race with much interest.

“I think I’ll start watching it now.”

And in this area known mostly for those popular ears, that comment in particular was certainly music to ours.

The Indy Racing Experience operates daily at the Walt Disney World Speedway and opens for both riding and driving experiences at 4 p.m. ET.  Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) 357-5002. For more information on the Indy Racing Experience, please contact us by phone or submit questions and comments HERE.