Gotham Dream Cars- opinions? Driving F430 or Gallardo

[frapjap]

These guys have a Groupon at the moment for 3 laps on an short auto-x course and then a WOT pull after your third lap.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gsm-logistics-inc-101

Riding a fancy car provides a brief taste of luxury without outrageous monthly payments or the responsibility of refilling its caviar tank every day. Experience automotive extravagance with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options
•$99 for a high-speed drive in a Ferrari F430 or a Lamborghini Gallardo, valid September 27–29 (a $249 value)
•$99 for a high-speed drive in a Ferrari F430 or a Lamborghini Gallardo, valid October 4–6 (a $249 value)

Experiences require advance registration. See the full schedule here. Drivers reach high speeds and zoom for three laps around a closed course. Once finished, they can pick up a CD with pictures of the experience and, for an additional $25, purchase in-car video footage.

Gotham Dream Cars

Gotham Dream Cars lets drivers grip the throttle of exotic speed machines such as the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Bentley Continental GT for personal rental or specialized thrill experiences. During the Dream Car Sprint, auto enthusiasts slip into a Ferrari or Lamborghini on a closed course and whip their more than 500-horsepower ride three times around the autocross track, learning how to tame their power with the aid of an instructor before coming out of the third lap on a straightaway to open the engine up to its full potential. Riders conduct an orchestra of firing pistons and camshafts for three laps before crossing the finish line and parking to the pianissimo of the softly purring V8 engine. Gotham Dream Cars snaps pictures of the sprint, so drivers are sent home with hands they will never wash and a CD of images to parade before jealous coworkers and humbled shopping carts.

The rate seems pretty decent for a quick blast in a car that we'll likely never get to own or drive again. Based on reviews, the 'track' is an auto-x course in a parking lot. Most reviews stated that the first 1.5 laps were somewhat limited because you're riding with the instructor, and that you aren't allowed to leave second gear (not that the speed would warrant it anyway).

What do you think? Cool? Bad idea? Rip off?
Has anyone had any experiences with the company or program?
Do you think the experience is worthwhile?
Does the 10-15 minutes of driving seem like an even exchange?
Are the driving experiences for similar money in Las Vegas on a speed track a better value?

[Bubba1]

I have a friend who recently began instructing for one of those companies, though not Gotham.

Is it cool? As an instructor? Sure. As a student? No, but I'm a terrible choice to ask, as I've driven many exotics free.

Is it a Rip off? That's impossible to say, as it depends on what you really want out of it. It's extremely expensive given how little time you actually drive. The Groupon discount certainly makes it less outrageous, but still pricey. BUT, if you've always wanted to drive a Ferrari or Lambo or want to be able to boast that you have driven one, (it is on many a bucket list), well, then one might feel it well worth the cost as there are not many other places where you can drive a Ferrari much less make their tires squeel (albeit in second gear).

Some exotic car experience companies offer exotic street driving experiences or driving on a race track (paced laps with an instructor). You get a little more seat time, but they are even more expensive than the autocross ones due to increased risk of damage.

[gwoods]

Have a nice car, wear a polo shirt and shorts show up at any Ferrari/Lamob dealer drive as many as you want for free

Ferrari would be my choice.... Lambo/Audi V10 is a little short on ponies.

[ScrapMetal]

NINETY NINE DOLLARS FOR 15 MINUTES

Read that over and over until it sinks in.

[frapjap]

NINETY NINE DOLLARS FOR 15 MINUTES

You can do worse with a hooker.

[ScrapMetal]

Was a hooker ever an option?

[Bubba1]

Was a hooker ever an option?

I would think much would depend on the hooker.

[krash]

I drove the Gallardo for a lap at Summit Motorsports Park, and then due to a camera failure, got a free lap in an F430. Honestly, if you're like me, you'll be so excited that you'll have a blast in either car.

[flohtingPoint]

I cannot stress this more: STAY AWAY FROM GOTHAM DREAM CARS

The whole org is crooked. Last season, when we were at the SCCA Northeastern Divisionals, we had our event cut short when two idiots that work for this business were street racing and killed a motorcyclist. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/0 ... ead-o.html The owner of this is an avid endorser of street racing and total vehicular idiocy. I'm sure they all got taken down after the death, but he used to have a bunch of youtube videos and stuff where he would brag about his cars and street racing and all this other garbage. The stuff is bad news and you'd be supporting a massive jackoff.

[krash]

Jeez, just read the article. Good heads up man, eff that noise.

I went with Racing Box, they seemed like good people.