Pamela Corbin and Brad Barnett recently took a one-day vacation from Indiana to Orlando just to take a 2-seater experience with Arie Luyendyk, Jr., at the Walt Disney World Speedway.

IRE Fan Focus: New Place, Familiar Face
Indiana native takes one-day vacation to Orlando to ride in 2-seater with Luyendyk, Jr.

Pamela Corbin had never been to Florida, but as a race fan she had often left her home in Terre Haute, Ind., to cross the country watching races in Texas, St. Louis, Chicago, Nashville, Kentucky, Las Vegas and Pikes Peak.  But never Florida.  So what made her frantically log on to priceline.com and book a one-day trip to Orlando this past February?  A brief text message from Arie Luyendyk, Jr.

Corbin has long been a follower of the Luyendyk family.  She grew up admiring two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, Sr., and has closely been watching and cheering on the promising career of his son.  The Corbin-Luyendyk connection runs much deeper than that of a fan sitting in the stands rooting for their favorite driver. 

There is a personal connection between Corbin and the Luyendyk family, so there was no reason to believe that text message from Arie, Jr., was anything out of the ordinary.

The younger Luyendyk had been blogging on his website that he was in the Orlando area giving rides at the Walt Disney World® Speedway in the Indy Racing Experience 2-seater.  When Corbin e-mailed him back to ask how long he was going to be down there, his response was short and his stay was even shorter.

“Arie said in his e-mail to come down and visit him, but he texted me on a Thursday and said Monday was going to be his last day giving rides,” said Corbin.  “So I told him I was sick of the Indiana winter weather and I would be there.”

And that’s exactly what she did.

Corbin immediately planned the quick trip for two, catching her longtime fellow IndyCar spectator Brad Barnett off guard.

“We got the text Thursday, booked Friday, left Terre Haute Monday morning, flew non-stop to Orlando, and then it was back to work on Wednesday.”

All for just one three-lap ride and a chance to talk to her favorite driver.

“It’s great she came all the way from Indiana to take a ride,” the younger Luyendyk said.  “Pamela has been a fan of my family for years now and it’s always great to see familiar faces at the track.  It’s great too, because it shows support for us down here in Orlando and hopefully she’ll head back home and share her experience with others.”

The interaction between driver and fan has been strengthened at the Indy Racing Experience’s Walt Disney World® Speedway operation.  It is not uncommon for IRE drivers like both of the Luyendyks to get out of the car and talk at length with several customers at the track. 

It’s all a part of the overall experience, and for Corbin, having the chance to chat with her favorite driver meant the world to her.

“I was a big fan of Arie’s dad and started following him in 1991 after he won (the Indianapolis 500),” Corbin said.  “That was my first Indy 500 as well and I have not missed one since.  And I have spent this whole time watching Junior grow up as well.”

Asked if his father would be impressed a fan flew down to Orlando just to take a ride with him, Luyendyk responded with a smile.

“(Senior) has seen (Corbin) at the track for years along with her granddaughter Mallory, who is a big fan of mine as well,” he said.  “Pam makes her shirts and everything.  You always want to have those fans that will stick with you and she has done that.  Hopefully I can surprise her with an Indy 500 start this year.”

Luyendyk added that Corbin has even raised money in the past to help support his Indy 500 efforts.

“If I were to get a ride for the 500 this year, she would be as thrilled as my parents.”

And likely the recipient of another text message as well.

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.