Daytona Beach, Fla – Chrysler Group announced here today that it is partnering with the esteemed Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) to deliver its unique SRT Track Experience professional driving instruction program beginning this year. Chrysler Group is expanding its SRT Track Experience program for owners of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® SRT vehicles to include all automotive enthusiasts, regardless of what vehicle they drive.
Started in 2005, the SRT Track Experience offers day-long sessions of on-track driving and classroom instruction designed to maximize participants' driving skills on the street and on the track. Drivers will be exposed to the full range of SRT vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and Roadster, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
“The SRT organization consists of hard-core performance enthusiasts looking to share their automotive passion with drivers of all walks of life,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing, Chrysler Group. “We know that there are many people out there looking for a safe environment with professional instruction to hone their driving skills and to experience the thrill of SRT performance. Richard Petty Driving Experience is the perfect partner for the SRT Track Experience.”
Richard Petty echoes Accavitti's sentiments.
“The Petty family and Chrysler Group have been partners for many years and we both put performance high on the list,” said Petty, seven-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion. “We operated over 1,200 event days and ran close to two million miles on track last year through Richard Petty Driving Experience, so we are geared to manage and operate this program.
“I think the folks who get behind the wheel of an SRT and go through one of these programs will come away with a whole new appreciation for the performance of the vehicle and their own abilities as a driver,” Petty added. “I personally drive an SRT vehicle, and I'm excited that we will be helping highlight SRT performance for Chrysler.”
More than 60 events are planned for 2007, many at well-known tracks across the country including Daytona International Speedway, Road America in Wisconsin, Watkins Glen in New York and Phoenix International Raceway. This season's first program is a three-day stop at the Texas Motor Speedway in Forth Worth beginning February 23. Interested enthusiasts can visit www.driveSRT.com (Track Experience) to view the entire 2007 schedule and register for the track and date of choice.
SRT owners receive a one-day session as part of the purchase of their new SRT vehicle.* Automotive enthusiasts not currently owning a SRT car or truck are invited to participate for a $500 fee.
Programs consist of a combination of four driving modules tailored to each facility, including Autocross, Full Throttle Challenge, Advanced Car Control, Viper Performance, Performance Drive and Drifting. At the end of each day, the participants have the opportunity to ride shot gun and take a “hot lap” around the track with a Richard Petty Driving Experience professional driver. The program is aimed at improving throttle control, braking, handling and reaction time.
About Street and Racing Technology
SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group's boldest, most distinctive products by single-mindedly following its core vision: Deliver benchmark performance at the best price, and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility.
Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: Exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain.
SRT continues to introduce new benchmark performance vehicles. New from SRT in 2008 are the 600-horsepower Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and Roadster, the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 and the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.
About Richard Petty Driving Experience
Richard Petty Driving Experience, a motorsports entertainment and automotive services company headquartered in Concord, N.C., produces and facilitates NASCAR-style stock car drive and ride-along experiences, auto manufacturer ride and drive programs, safe driving programs, mobile marketing events, and production services to the film industry. The company has permanent facilities in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Walt Disney World, Concord, N.C. and Chicago. Richard Petty Driving Experience will operate more than 3,000 event days at over 25 locations nationwide in 2007. For more information, call 1-800-BE-PETTY or visit www.1800bepetty.com.
*SRT owners who ordered their vehicle prior to April 1, 2005, will be subject to the $500 registration fee.
