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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A 36-year-old driving instructor was killed Sunday afternoon in a crash at the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway.
Tavon Watson, 24, of Kissimmee, was driving Gary Terry, 36, of Davenport, in a Lamborghini during an automotive experience at 3:30 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
While trying to maneuver through the course, Watson lost control of the car, causing it to leave the racetrack and strike a guardrail, an FHP report said.
"My heart goes out to the family. Can't imagine what they are going through," said visitor Josh Stevenson.
Terry died at the scene. Watson was transported to Celebration Hospital with minor injuries, said a spokesman for Reedy Creek Emergency Services.
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"It's kind of scary to think accidents do happen even though they are rides and there are precautions," said visitor Autumn Stevenson.
The attraction, which allows guests to drive high-end sports cars, sits on Disney property near World Drive and Floridian Way.
"Yesterday we lost a long-time, valued team member of the Exotic Driving Experience family. Senior operations manager and professional driving instructor, Gary Terry, was fatally injured in an on-track incident at the Walt Disney World Speedway. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s family and friends. He will be sorely missed." said a spokeswoman for Petty Holdings, LLC., the attraction's operator.
Troopers said both drivers were wearing seatbelts and that the crash remains under investigation.
Officials said all operations at the speedway will be closed Monday and Tuesday.
According to the spokeswoman for Petty Holdings, the last day of operations at the speedway by Petty Holdings is scheduled for Aug. 9, and that the closing of the operations is not as a result of Sunday's crash.
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