Exotic Car Driving Experience - Ferrari F430
 

For Christmas, my uncle purchased a Groupon for an exotic car driving experience. They had a few cars to choose from including a F430, Gallardo, Bentley CGT, and a Aston Martin DB9. I chose the Ferrari because its red and looked too good to pass up.

The overall experience was short but it was fun. I don't think I would pay to do this myself but as a gift, it was great. You get one lap in the Aston Martin as a passenger to learn the course then they let you drive your choice for 3 laps. They keep someone in the car and unfortunately with the Ferrari and the other cars, you can't use the flappy paddles. They don't give too much freedom with speed but I tried to push it where I could. The guy was telling me to slow down whenever I hit the gas with any conviction.

From my short stint behind the wheel, I can say a few things.

- I loved being behind the wheel of the Ferrari
- The engine note is amazing
- The steering is very tight and transmits a lot of feedback
- The brakes are firm and work very well
- I would have LOVED to lapped this car hard

Based on the pics below...I think Rich (Jersey Devil Detailing) needs to spend some time with these cars. The cars were certainly not beat up but def could use some paint correction.

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GoPro Video: (Uploading Now)

Good to know what I am getting into, how long was the whole thing?

JW :D

Seat time was a little longer than what you see since I rode in the Aston. I was there for about an hour since they want you there 30 min prior and then they talk to you briefly before you go out there.

I would've done the same thing with the F430...no question. The rest are barges. I always forget that the vast majority of the public can't drive, so you wouldn't be able to really do anything in it :|

Definitely cool to be able to do it, even if you weren't pushing hard.

You should have hit them in the face with a copy of GM High Tech and just grabbed the keys.

All joking aside, looked like a fun time. Ferrari for sure.

Haha I prob should have added I tried to do a little BSing while I was there. When they said I needed to take the first lap as a passenger to learn the course, I told them I've been here before with my C6Z... :rofl:. "Always wanted to drive a Ferrari though..."

Suffice to say, they didn't care and I obliged and sat in the Aston Martin for a lap.

My uncle and cousins all went that day too. Looked like it was a cool experience but 3 laps is such a tease imo.

any of the cars they offer to drive have a third pedal?

Nope but would have likely been my choice if they did.

Definitely made the right choice, looks like a lot of fun!