Chance to drive 599

I have so enjoyed this forum over the last few months, the knowledge here is outstanding. I truly have a Ferrari in my future at least in my heart. I learn every time I log in here. On to the drive, last September outside Atlanta I drove the F430, Gallardo, Ford GT, Z06 thru one of the exotic driving companies. Month long smile with the F430, sophistication to the 100x degree. I just received an email from the company that they will be receiving a 599 this week and will be available in their arsenal. I have booked the trip to Phoenix the weekend of 9/22 with my 15 year old to drive the 599 along with a GT3, Aston Martin Vantage, the GT and Gallardo again. He'll be able to video each drive. That's me in the green shirt kneeling next to the GT!

Thanks for such a great fourm!
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Sounds cool! What company do you do this through? Thats a great way to test a few cars before buying!

 

is that in fredericksburg? ive never seen any exotics around here

 

How much actual drive time did you get in each car? Seems tempting but I'd want to have a good bit of fun time in each car.

 

Leave the Vantage and replace it with the F430!

 

Stan,

Way to grab life by the horns!

Best,
Stan

 

You get 20 - 25 min in each car. Basic rule, do not pass the car in front of you. We had a lot of catching up to do. The lead car was driven by a former European driving champion Jean-Claude (someone) and the other one, any tickets are your responsibility. I got to drive each one and ride as well, the last ride was in the F430, 25 min of engine signing playing cat and mouse with the Gallardo. The F1 trans in race mode, flawless! Hands down the F430 was the best car of the bunch.

Nope, this picture was taken north of Atlanta near Helen, GA. Just outside Unicoi State Park.

 

Stan,

This sounds quite like World Class Driving's program. Am I correct?

 

http://www2.wcdriving.com/home/ Yes it does sound like this World Class Driving. They came to Salt Lake City this year. Hopefully they come next year and maybe I'll get the chance to go

 

I did this up in Conn. Had a great time. Did a write up a while back here in the NY section. It was with World Class driving, and I think if my mem. serves me correctly the lead car was Jean Claude somthing. The 430 like I posted in my write up, blew me away. I had stated before now I understand why used 430s go for what they do and why used Gallardos are priced so much cheaper. The 430 was superb. Hit one long stretch where I was able to to go thru some nice F1 gears with the 430 and hit about 110-115. hey what was I supposed to do? you are supposed to follow the lead car His lead car was a SRT* chrysler 300. If a 599 is coming, I will be attending again.

 

No Im sorry, I just remembered, It wasnt Jean Claude, out lead car was John Paul.

 

WOW...I'm envious.

sounds like a truly great experience!!!!

 

Pretty sure the pro driver was Didier Theys. Other members of their company have at lot of experience, but Didier is pretty amazing. I am pretty sure he was the longest continuous factory driver while Enzo was alive; he primarily drove endurance races, and won a lot with the 333SP. Rumor has it, Enzo was a tough guy to drive for.

 

Just came back from Tucson! Drove the 599 GTB, McLaren SLR, Austin Martin Vantage, Porsche GT3, and the a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Took my 15 year old out with me. This is the second time I've done this. Smile and grins a mile wide. Didier Theys leasd the group of five out into the AZ hills. Came back after we drove each car and he then took my son out in the 599 and SLR!

Impressions:

599 GTB, finesse at the highest level. This brand new 599 has only 1800 miles on it, gorgeous in all aspects and every angle. I was not capable of brining out what most certainly is the pure exhilaration of this automobile. Interior, engine bay, body, everything flawless. Smooth, smooth, smooth is the ride, shifting, everything, you could go cross country in this at 140 and never have a worry.

Austin Martin Vantage: FUN, easy to drive, the six speed was effortless. Comfortable, one handed steering and shifting at 120 with out concern.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder: This car just screams, raw excitement is the best way to describe this ride. We got a late start at one of the switch outs and had to "catch up" as it where. I stopped looking at the speedo at 130. The F1 shifting not as smooth as the 599 or F430 from last year.

McLaren SLR: Lucifer, this is what this car is wrapped in silver. Never ending power, this car scares me. True race everything, ceramic breaks, pin point steering, growl from the beast of an engine. Press on the accelerator and it just does not stop pulling, and pulling hard at that. Elated to have had the chance to actually drive one, but just f'in scary.

Porsche GT3: Second best seating behind the 599, this could be a fun daily / weekend track auto. Spend the longest time in this one, and fun, fun, fun. Screams all the way to 8K. One could learn to really bring out a lot from this car.
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Ok I have to do this. I just have to figure out a way to keep it a secret from my wife.