fordmantpw Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Well, not exactly a test drive, but a fun few laps around Corvette National Museum Motor Sports Park in Bowling Green, KY. After seeing akirby's videos, I had to try it for myself, so for my 40th birthday, my wife got me a drive in a 458 Italia. It was an absolute blast! I also did the ride around the track in the Mitsubishi Evo. Wow, those drivers can flat run that little car around the track! I didn't enjoy that as much because my Dramamine wasn't quite potent enough. I didn't lose my lunch, but it was enough to make me queasy the rest of the day. Friday was a rainout, so there was a big backup for Saturday (my scheduled day), but it was worth the wait. If you've never had the chance to experience a Ferrari, it is definitely a machine to behold. Not just the pure beauty of the car, but the way the engine and transmission react seamlessly together. It's like it can read your mind and do exactly what you want it to do, but before you know what you want it to do. The throttle also changes while you are driving based on your driving style. The first lap for me was pretty easy, but as I started pushing the car a little more, I could feel the throttle and transmission becoming much more sensitive and responsive to my inputs. I could tell I was only using 5% of that car's capability. It's amazing how buttoned down it is, how much power it has, how...just...everything about the car rocks! You just can't explain it until you are there. Oh, and don't forget the sound. Wow, it's just pure heaven on earth. I didn't focus much on the sound during the drive because there is just so much going on. Turn to turn, the instructor is right there with you telling you what to do every step of the way. It is such a fast-paced experience that I didn't have time to really take it all in. Unfortunately, my video failed for some reason, which really sucks. I was hoping to relive it and really listen to it scream down the straight, but that won't happen. I guess I will just have to drive it again soon! I actually had a little more time in the car than most because the instructor had to fill it with fuel. That's where I took the chance to snap a few extra pics of the interior (and hence the reason I'm on the passenger side). Since Bowling Green is a 7+ hour drive for us, we decided to make a small family vacation out of it. We pulled our fifth wheel down and stayed a few days. There are some caves nearby that we visited and did a few fun things for the kids. We also took in the National Corvette Museum. As I mentioned to a friend, I may be a Ford fan, but I can appreciate other makes, especially something as iconic as the Corvette. I've added a few pics of the cars that fell into the sink hole and couldn't be repaired. It's really heartbreaking to see the shape of them cars. The Mallett Hammer Vette was donated only 2 months before the collapse. I truly had a blast, and is quite possibly one of the funnest things I have ever done. If you ever have a chance to do it, I highly recommend it. I'm hoping to do it again some day, and now my wife wants in on the action too! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danglin Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Sounds like you had a blast! My brother and a buddy will be making a day trip to Corvette Museum. Looking forward to the visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Come on tell the truth - you were faster than me and didn't want to show me up! This is a great gift. You can get in as low as $200 including insurance. Use discount code xtremevip - www.thextremexperience.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted May 28, 2016 Author Share Posted May 28, 2016 Come on tell the truth - you were faster than me and didn't want to show me up! This is a great gift. You can get in as low as $200 including insurance. Use discount code xtremevip - www.thextremexperience.com Ha! I wish! For some reason the instructor kept telling me to 'stay in the gas!' I was pretty nervous but still had fun. And yes, it is a great gift, and thanks for the discount code! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 All I heard was brake hard......harder....HARDER!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whateverls15 Posted June 24, 2016 Share Posted June 24, 2016 your word is awesome, that's a very memorable event never saw a ferrari in my life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carrera911 Posted May 10, 2017 Share Posted May 10, 2017 I've done a few laps in a Ferrari 458 Italia in Vegas, indeed an exceptional experience. For the ones who can not afford to buy a Ferrari but still want to get a taste of it I think it's a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefduane Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 In a previous career I was involved in sports marketing for a fortune 50. We sponsored an Indy Racing League team. Got to drive a pace car around Indianapolis Motor Speedway during race week for a few years. The yellow shirt that rode with me never let me go faster than 100mph. Also did pace car laps at Vegas, Texas, Phoenix, Pikes Peak, and Orlando. Pretty cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 In a previous career I was involved in sports marketing for a fortune 50. We sponsored an Indy Racing League team. Got to drive a pace car around Indianapolis Motor Speedway during race week for a few years. The yellow shirt that rode with me never let me go faster than 100mph. Also did pace car laps at Vegas, Texas, Phoenix, Pikes Peak, and Orlando. Pretty cool. I haven't done the oval thing, but the most fun part for me was cornering. You're doing 60-100 heading into the corner, you stand on the brakes, the dual clutch is downshifting keeping the revs up (the sound is amazing, especially in the Ferrari). You hit the turn-in mark, get the car rotated, then nail the throttle coming out of the corner. Rinse and repeat. www.thextremexperience.com will be in Austin in December - you should give it a try. With discounts you can get in for under $250. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefduane Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 That sounds very cool, much more 'driving experience' than what I did. Mine were more like a leisurely jaunt around the track. Fast, but not really anything pushing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 It's a blast for sure. https://www.youtube.com/user/ajkirby812 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted May 13, 2017 Author Share Posted May 13, 2017 Yes it is a blast. And now you've gone and done it...akirby's video has shown up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 At least I only posted a link this time.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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