Epcot, Walt Disney World - Test Track opened 10 years ago at EPCOT in the Walt Disney World Resort complex providing a much needed thrill ride to the park. The ride, which puts test cars (and passengers) through a rigorous series of automotive trials, has been sponsored by General Motors since its introduction.

The contract that GM signed with Disney was good for 10 years. That time is now up, and the two parties are currently in negotiations to try and strike a new deal, but the price of sponsoring a Disney attraction combined with the poor economy has things up in the air.



In all probability, a new sponsor would mean that certain changes would be made to the ride to give the new sponsor their own spin. It would also mean a lengthy period of down time for the top drawing attraction at EPCOT.



The real dilemma though, is that while GM may not feel financially capable to sign another long term contract with Disney, every other automotive company is being hit by the current recession just as hard. It is possible that the ride may be sponsorless for a time.