World Class Driving Experience!!!

[Wpcmac]

Ok, first things first. This post contains descriptions of events that the conservative, law-abiding, citizens here may find upsetting and I don't care to get a verbal flailing over my actions. That said, forgive me father for I have sinned...

I noticed the advertisement for WCD in the back of Car and Driver and was instantly intrigued. Drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, and several other dream cars for $800, that's a no-brainer. My friend and I signed up for the event in Tampa right away.

The event started at the Radisson in Tampa at 7:00 am with a briefing and by 7:30 we were in the cars and ready to go. At first, as I reviewed the day's agenda, I was bothered that they had my friend and I driving at different times. That was, however, until they informed us that other drivers could ride with us. (You can bring a passenger, but it's $250. As a paying driver, there is no additional charge to ride) This turned out perfectly. This way I got to drive and ride in every car. No waiting time like the single drivers, just out of one car and in to the next all day long.

I drove the Bentley Continental GT first, while my friend rode anxiously in the passenger seat. All 6 cars followed the pace car and aside from a few tests of the cars handling, braking, and acceleration the first run (30 miles) was reasonably slow and uneventful. (Of course, that's compared to the rest of the day.)

We moved to the Porsche Carrera S (6 spd with the sport chrono package) next. My friend was driving now and a few miles into the route he decided to jump out of line and race in and out of traffic passing everyone except the pace car. I thought for sure we were going to at least get a warning, but surprisingly, they didn't say a word as we changed cars.

I moved into the Corvette Z06 next (6 spd as well) and based on our experience in the Porsche, I decided to push the envelope a little farther and really stretch the Z06's legs. A few controlled fishtails and a few runs to 100+ mph later, I thought for sure I would get a spanking...Nope not a word. By now, the other drivers were starting to catch on and started to get a little more aggressive too.
Surprisingly, even with a 0 - 60 time of 3.5 secs, this car did not feel like the fastest. No offense America, I love my country, but we don't have cars figured out like the Germans and Italians. It's not a magazine editor bias, it's true. The Vette was a blast and performed excellently in every way, but not quite a confidence inspiring direct link to my brain like some of the others.

The Aston Martin (DB9 Convertible) was next, which had an absolutely exquisite interior and beast of an engine, but the brakes and handling (comparatively) left something to be desired. Don't get me wrong, an amazing machine and one of the sexiest vehicles I've ever seen, but it still ranked lowest of the day on my list.

My turn at the Porsche, which believe it or not, is more fun to drive than the 2003 Porsche Turbo (my friend's) that we drove to the event. He is in all honesty considering trading his Turbo in for a new Carrera S. It doesn't have the rocketship acceleration of his Turbo, but felt more linear and responsive in it's handling and braking. This car was the most fun to drive save the Ferrari and Lambo and I will soon be in the market for one.

To be cont...