Comments on: World Class Driving Review – One Day, Five Supercars http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/ A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Tue, 22 May 2012 08:55:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Jim http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-143711 Jim Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:30:19 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-143711 I had a very uncomfortable experience with World Class Driving on August 24th. This was at the Monticello Motor Club course and the brochure says a full day of driving instruction with racing Ferrari's on the 4.1 mile course. Also in the brochure, it states that a former Formula 1 driver would be doing the instructing and your American Express credit card would be held to charge you up to $8,000 in the event of an accident. On the morning of the event, the participants were told the credit card would be charged up to $20,000 in the event of an accident, they were using only the South Course (less than a two mile track with no straight aways) and the instructor, who never drove Formula 1, would not be in the car instructing, but critiquing videos after the drive. I have attended many a driving school, primarily NASCAR, and had always gotten along with the in car instructors. On this day, the instructor yelled at me and I decided to end the session half way through. I was trying the best I could do. I asked for less than half my fee back, but they rejected the request. The school in overpriced and the risk you take in getting into one of these cars and damaging is not worth the excitement. I had a very uncomfortable experience with World Class Driving on August 24th. This was at the Monticello Motor Club course and the brochure says a full day of driving instruction with racing Ferrari’s on the 4.1 mile course. Also in the brochure, it states that a former Formula 1 driver would be doing the instructing and your American Express credit card would be held to charge you up to $8,000 in the event of an accident. On the morning of the event, the participants were told the credit card would be charged up to $20,000 in the event of an accident, they were using only the South Course (less than a two mile track with no straight aways) and the instructor, who never drove Formula 1, would not be in the car instructing, but critiquing videos after the drive. I have attended many a driving school, primarily NASCAR, and had always gotten along with the in car instructors. On this day, the instructor yelled at me and I decided to end the session half way through. I was trying the best I could do. I asked for less than half my fee back, but they rejected the request. The school in overpriced and the risk you take in getting into one of these cars and damaging is not worth the excitement.

]]> By: Yuri http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-133362 Yuri Sun, 10 Oct 2010 13:04:25 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-133362 I've been thinking of making myself a birthday present ever since WCD started to advertise and to be honest I probably never will. To me $1500 is a very steep price to pay. I stand corrected.... $1500 may be reasonable for once in a lifetime chance of driving super cars but with my pay it would be wiser to spend that money on a week's cruise to bahamas, dive with sharks, pet a shark and do an upside down hand stand on top of a giraffe or something. $1500 is a little too expensive for a chance to sit in traffic for half of allotted time. Frankly speaking if you are going to sit in a stand still super car you might as well just go to a car show and pay $80 admission fee and sit in every single super car there. I noticed that WCD now offers track racing which I think is more appropriate considering all options. 10 laps in a super car x 5 or 6 different cars in a racing environment is absolutely definitely worth $1500. Now that would be a good birthday present. Except that they probably charge $5000 or more for that kind of thing. I've been thinking of making myself a birthday present ever since WCD started to advertise and to be honest I probably never will. To me $1500 is a very steep price to pay. I stand corrected…. $1500 may be reasonable for once in a lifetime chance of driving super cars but with my pay it would be wiser to spend that money on a week's cruise to bahamas, dive with sharks, pet a shark and do an upside down hand stand on top of a giraffe or something. $1500 is a little too expensive for a chance to sit in traffic for half of allotted time. Frankly speaking if you are going to sit in a stand still super car you might as well just go to a car show and pay $80 admission fee and sit in every single super car there.

I noticed that WCD now offers track racing which I think is more appropriate considering all options. 10 laps in a super car x 5 or 6 different cars in a racing environment is absolutely definitely worth $1500. Now that would be a good birthday present. Except that they probably charge $5000 or more for that kind of thing.

]]> By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-72921 Chris Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:15:28 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-72921 Atlanta - I haven't driven the Countach yet, but I'd love to. From what I understand they're much more difficult to drive, but I adore those cars. Keep an eye out here, I hope to do a feature on the Countach in the near future. The Gallardo is very easy to drive, very responsive. Atlanta – I haven't driven the Countach yet, but I'd love to. From what I understand they're much more difficult to drive, but I adore those cars. Keep an eye out here, I hope to do a feature on the Countach in the near future. The Gallardo is very easy to drive, very responsive.

]]> By: Atlanta http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-72920 Atlanta Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:58:39 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-72920 That's pretty neat, I still like the Lamborghini though. In fact the Countach 25th Anniversary is my favorite. I wonder how the older Lanbos fair against the new one? That's pretty neat, I still like the Lamborghini though. In fact the Countach 25th Anniversary is my favorite. I wonder how the older Lanbos fair against the new one?

]]> By: Peter http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-65205 Peter Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:22:30 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-65205 Chris, I'm excited. I'm also debating about doing the Ariel Atom Experience. Google it. It's blow the pants off a Lambo! After I saw it on Top Gear, I have wanted one. Not as exotic as driving the WC cars, but it might be more fun. I'll write back in regardless. Chris, I'm excited. I'm also debating about doing the Ariel Atom Experience. Google it. It's blow the pants off a Lambo! After I saw it on Top Gear, I have wanted one. Not as exotic as driving the WC cars, but it might be more fun. I'll write back in regardless.

]]> By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-65204 Chris Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:07:50 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-65204 Peter, great gift! There are definitely times during the drive in which you can hit some decent speeds. You're not "supposed" to go that fast obviously, but there are plenty of chances to fall back and step on it. I think you'll enjoy the event - please come back and let us know how it goes. Peter, great gift! There are definitely times during the drive in which you can hit some decent speeds. You're not "supposed" to go that fast obviously, but there are plenty of chances to fall back and step on it. I think you'll enjoy the event – please come back and let us know how it goes.

]]> By: Peter http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-65200 Peter Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:50:00 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-65200 I am glad you posted this. My father and I are giving this to each other for Christmas. I was wondering though if you can really DRIVE these cars. I'm looking for a little more adrenaline rush possibly. Maybe I'll look at the Ariel Atom course. Thanks for the post though. I am glad you posted this. My father and I are giving this to each other for Christmas. I was wondering though if you can really DRIVE these cars. I'm looking for a little more adrenaline rush possibly. Maybe I'll look at the Ariel Atom course. Thanks for the post though.

]]> By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-65135 Chris Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:53:37 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-65135 Alison - I'm glad to hear you had a good time, and I agree that it's worth it at least once. That's a good point about the rental car - a day in a mid-range supercar will cost as much or more than WCD, and you only get one car. Alison – I'm glad to hear you had a good time, and I agree that it's worth it at least once. That's a good point about the rental car – a day in a mid-range supercar will cost as much or more than WCD, and you only get one car.

]]> By: Alison http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-65132 Alison Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:46:08 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-65132 Just saw this review on WCD and saw u guys chatting a bit and wanted to jump in. Gotta say totally worth it at least once. My bf is a car junky and he's been twice. I bought him the experience the first time and went along with him. I thought about a rental for us instead, but it was way more expensive. This way, you can get a behind the wheel of a bunch of cars. Sorry to hear about the Scud! We drove it in French Lick! AMAZING. Just saw this review on WCD and saw u guys chatting a bit and wanted to jump in. Gotta say totally worth it at least once. My bf is a car junky and he's been twice. I bought him the experience the first time and went along with him. I thought about a rental for us instead, but it was way more expensive. This way, you can get a behind the wheel of a bunch of cars. Sorry to hear about the Scud! We drove it in French Lick! AMAZING.

]]> By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-64995 Chris Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:01:06 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-64995 Vinay, I consider a touring car a comfortable cruiser that also has power, so I wouldn't consider a 599 or a Murci a tourer, but that's just me. If I were to replace it with one though - I'd probably go with an Aston Martin DB9 or V8 Vantage. Vinay, I consider a touring car a comfortable cruiser that also has power, so I wouldn't consider a 599 or a Murci a tourer, but that's just me. If I were to replace it with one though – I'd probably go with an Aston Martin DB9 or V8 Vantage.

]]> By: Vinay M http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-64992 Vinay M Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:56:00 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-64992 The CCX costs about twice what the McLaren SLR did. I believe the Koenigsegg CCX costs around $900,000 +, and the SLR was in the $450,000 range. Out of curiosity, what touring car would you choose in place of the Maserati, Chris? I suppose I would take a 599 GTB Fiorano, although I kind of think of the Murcielago as a touring car. Atleast part touring car / part spaceship! The CCX costs about twice what the McLaren SLR did. I believe the Koenigsegg CCX costs around $900,000 +, and the SLR was in the $450,000 range.

Out of curiosity, what touring car would you choose in place of the Maserati, Chris? I suppose I would take a 599 GTB Fiorano, although I kind of think of the Murcielago as a touring car. Atleast part touring car / part spaceship!

]]> By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-64991 Chris Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:39:25 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-64991 I would only suggest having one ultra-supercar there like the CCX or Zonda. They had the MB SLR McLaren there, which cost more than the CCX, just slower and without the personality of the CCX. The only thing about those cars is that they're SO insane, I think there would be more of a chance of wrecking them, which isn't a good idea. Good list of yours - that would be cool. An hour drive time I think is a reasonable request, although getting a closed course might be a problem, and would end up costing more. Plus, you have to keep in mind these are mostly amateur drivers who wouldn't know how to handle these cars if there was no speed limit. Would I own one of those? Yes - the Audi R8 was fantastic, and would buy one right now if I had the money. The Lambo was the most fun to drive, but I could think of other cars I'd rather have for the money. The SLR was overrated and overpriced, and the Maserati is a great touring car, but there are other touring cars I'd rather have for the money. We didn't drive the 430 Scuderia, so I can't comment on that yet. I'm still pissed about that :) I would only suggest having one ultra-supercar there like the CCX or Zonda. They had the MB SLR McLaren there, which cost more than the CCX, just slower and without the personality of the CCX. The only thing about those cars is that they're SO insane, I think there would be more of a chance of wrecking them, which isn't a good idea.

Good list of yours – that would be cool. An hour drive time I think is a reasonable request, although getting a closed course might be a problem, and would end up costing more. Plus, you have to keep in mind these are mostly amateur drivers who wouldn't know how to handle these cars if there was no speed limit.

Would I own one of those? Yes – the Audi R8 was fantastic, and would buy one right now if I had the money. The Lambo was the most fun to drive, but I could think of other cars I'd rather have for the money. The SLR was overrated and overpriced, and the Maserati is a great touring car, but there are other touring cars I'd rather have for the money. We didn't drive the 430 Scuderia, so I can't comment on that yet. I'm still pissed about that :)

]]> By: Vinay M http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-64988 Vinay M Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:17:37 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-64988 Wow - Zonda and CCX. I suppose if $ Million Plus Supercars are included, I would choose: - Enzo Ferrari - Koenigsegg CCX - Pagani Zonda F - Mclaren F1 - Gumpert Apollo I suppose a list like that would cost MUCH more than 1500 bucks. I think for 1500 bucks, I would find Great value if there was 1 hour drive-time in each car, on a closed course, and if the line-up was: - Ferrari 430 Scuderia - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 - Porsche Carrera GT - Ariel Atom - Mosler MT900S Is that asking too much? Man, I still can't believe some amateur driver crashed a rented 430 Scud!!!!! From the cars you drove, Would you personally own any of those? Wow – Zonda and CCX. I suppose if $ Million Plus Supercars are included, I would choose:

- Enzo Ferrari

- Koenigsegg CCX

- Pagani Zonda F

- Mclaren F1

- Gumpert Apollo

I suppose a list like that would cost MUCH more than 1500 bucks. I think for 1500 bucks, I would find Great value if there was 1 hour drive-time in each car, on a closed course, and if the line-up was:

- Ferrari 430 Scuderia

- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

- Porsche Carrera GT

- Ariel Atom

- Mosler MT900S

Is that asking too much?

Man, I still can't believe some amateur driver crashed a rented 430 Scud!!!!!

From the cars you drove, Would you personally own any of those?

]]> By: Chris http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-64985 Chris Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:51:02 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-64985 Vinay, thanks for the comment and compliment. To answer your questions: "How do you feel about the value of this excursion for 1500 bucks?" In my opinion, it's worth it at least once if you have the money. Some of the people there have done it more than once, and almost all of them said they would do it again for sure. Driving a supercar is like nothing else, and truly an awesome experience. It's weird for a lot of people, because exotic cars are just in a another class. Buttons are in the wrong place, door handles are weird, the controls are totally different, and it's just amazing. If someone has only driven regular cars, getting into a supercar is a great experience. They're hooked once they tap the paddle shifter into 1st and hit the throttle. You're right in that it went by fast (very fast,) and I think the drive times in each car should be lengthened; 20-30 minutes in each car is just way too short, especially when you're dealing with city traffic. "If you could hand-pick the 5 cars yourself, which ones would they be?" I would keep the Audi R8 there, and probably keep the Ferrari 430 Scuderia (that or the 599 Fiorano, which is on some WCD routes.) I would probably replace the Gallardo Superleggera with the new Lamborghini 560-4 or Murcielago LP640. I'd add the Aston Martin DBS or V8 Vantage, and I'd love to see a supercar like a Koenigsegg CCX or Pagani Zonda; something very exclusive like that would attract a lot of people. How about you? Vinay, thanks for the comment and compliment. To answer your questions:

"How do you feel about the value of this excursion for 1500 bucks?"

In my opinion, it's worth it at least once if you have the money. Some of the people there have done it more than once, and almost all of them said they would do it again for sure. Driving a supercar is like nothing else, and truly an awesome experience. It's weird for a lot of people, because exotic cars are just in a another class. Buttons are in the wrong place, door handles are weird, the controls are totally different, and it's just amazing. If someone has only driven regular cars, getting into a supercar is a great experience. They're hooked once they tap the paddle shifter into 1st and hit the throttle.

You're right in that it went by fast (very fast,) and I think the drive times in each car should be lengthened; 20-30 minutes in each car is just way too short, especially when you're dealing with city traffic.

"If you could hand-pick the 5 cars yourself, which ones would they be?"

I would keep the Audi R8 there, and probably keep the Ferrari 430 Scuderia (that or the 599 Fiorano, which is on some WCD routes.) I would probably replace the Gallardo Superleggera with the new Lamborghini 560-4 or Murcielago LP640. I'd add the Aston Martin DBS or V8 Vantage, and I'd love to see a supercar like a Koenigsegg CCX or Pagani Zonda; something very exclusive like that would attract a lot of people. How about you?

]]> By: Vinay M http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-64982 Vinay M Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:13 +0000 http://www.automoblog.net/2008/12/15/world-class-driving-review-one-day-five-supercars/#comment-64982 Great Article. I was really looking forward to reading this. What I found most interesting about your review were all the minuses you mentioned. I would completely fall into the category of being someone who would be very specifically looking forward to certain cars, and it would certainly irk me if the line-up were to change. A couple of questions. How do you feel about the value of this excursion for 1500 bucks? From reading the review it seems like a quick afternoon that must have flown by and felt very brief. Also, If you could hand-pick the 5 cars yourself, which ones would they be? Very good review, and great photos too. -Vinay Great Article. I was really looking forward to reading this. What I found most interesting about your review were all the minuses you mentioned. I would completely fall into the category of being someone who would be very specifically looking forward to certain cars, and it would certainly irk me if the line-up were to change. A couple of questions. How do you feel about the value of this excursion for 1500 bucks? From reading the review it seems like a quick afternoon that must have flown by and felt very brief. Also, If you could hand-pick the 5 cars yourself, which ones would they be? Very good review, and great photos too.

-Vinay

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