'Ferrari/Lamborghini Driving Experience' - Cool or Lame?

[june82000]

I see these pop up from time to time on Groupon being touted as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity'. This is just me, but I'd feel like a real TOOL if I bought one of these for myself. At $99 for 3 laps (a $549 value ) on a 3/4 mile oval - I guess it's not that bad, but still not worth it - to me anyway. The 'experience' occurs on a 'controlled' (read, you probably won't be breaking any speed records) autocross course, so what's the point? Again, where are they getting these retail values from? $1,128 (plux tax and gratuity of course) to drive 4.5 miles? No thanks.
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From the ad:

Choose from Six Options
•$99 for three laps in a Ferrari 360 Modena or Lamborghini Gallardo ($549 value)
•$129 for three laps in a Ferrari 360 Modena or Lamborghini Gallardo with video ($579 value)
•$199 for six laps in a Ferrari 360 Modena or Lamborghini Gallardo ($1,098 value)
•$229 for six laps in a Ferrari 360 Modena or Lamborghini Gallardo with video ($1,128 value)
•$129 for three laps in Ferrari F430 ($649 value)
•$159 for three laps in Ferrari F430 with video ($679 value)
Driving experiences take place on August 22, 23, or 24.

With the first four options, customers choose between the 400 hp, RWD Ferrari 360 Modena, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, or the 500 hp, AWD Lamborghini Gallardo—also 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Once behind the wheel, drivers tear around an autocross course at Richmond International Speedway as they get a feel for the incredible speed and agility of these supercars. Customers can also opt for the even quicker 500 hp, RWD Ferrari F430, which boasts a 0–60 time of 3.6 seconds. Optional damage waivers are available. Tax and gratuity are not included. Customers must register online and fill out a participation form.

The Motorsport Lab

Getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari may seem like a fantasy to some—but it's a perfectly attainable adrenaline fix at The Motorsport Lab. The Lab's vehicular experts allow clients to take a Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, or other rare and exotic automobile out for a once-in-a-lifetime spin.

After explaining the vehicle features and the proper safety protocols, staff members turn over the keys. Drivers can develop a feel for the automobile's speed and cat-like agility while guiding it around a controlled autocross course for several laps. For a truly immersive experience, The Motorsport Lab occasionally rents out its sports cars for weekend-long escapes that let clients travel in style and become the object of envy at any drive-through dry cleaner.

[Dantilla]

I've driven the Gallardo- Stunning acceleration, but way too wide for Autocrossing. It would take several laps just to learn where the sides of the car are, especially since the visability is poor except for straight ahead.

Autocross is not where the Lambo shines.

I have no opinion on the Ferrari.

[Seahawk]

This is the quintessential moped moment: You know it is going to be fun to ride but...

For $99.00 scooters (tax and gratuity not included) I was be very tempted right up until this part of the ad:

The Lab's vehicular experts allow...

For a truly immersive experience, The Motorsport Lab occasionally rents out its sports cars for weekend-long escapes that let clients travel in style and become the object of envy at any drive-through dry cleaner.

That type of a--hattery cannot be supported in our space and time by reasonable men and women. :d

[GG Allin]

My wife bought me one last year for Father's day. $99 for 3 laps on basically an autocross course. I chose an F430. Fun as hell, but not worth $99.

[joe payne]

I did Exotics Racing in Las Vegas. Took out a Ferrari 458 for 6 laps at $399.00 I think.
They have a nice small road course that really lets you feel the performance of these cars.
It was really cool to feel 575 h.p. behind me. The drive instructor was a bit annoying.
The reason I got 6 instead of the usual 5 laps was because I was held up by my boss and his boss on the course.
I had to pass a Mercedes SLR AMG and then Porsche 911 Turbo. Even know I'm a Porsche guy I couldnt pass up driving the 458. It was awesome and sounded the same!

[David]

My girlfriend bought me two 3 lap sessions for my birthday. It was an autocross course so not too fast but I'd never driven one before so I think it was worth it at $129, not worth it at the advertised price. The Ferrari was pretty fun but the Lambo pushed like a truck. The guy riding in the Ferrari with me gave me more room to play and even put the car in race mode. The guy in the Lambo was scared to death of my driving and thought I was trying to kill him

[Ayles]

LiveLeak.com - Guess you're not driving the ferrari!!

[stuttgart46]

I've worked as an instructor and thrill ride guy for some of these exotic experience guys. It can be a lot of fun. It reminds me of how much I love Porsches every time. The 997 Turbo is the best IMHO to teach in and to do thrill rides in. The Lambo and Ferrari are fun but most people have a hard time getting used to throttle which leads to a sore neck for the guy in the right seat. It's a great introduction to the exotics. Kind of like kissing a supermodel but not really getting to taker her home.