A World Class Day to Drive Your Dream

People often ask me “what’s your average day like?”  The answer is usually “You know, average: phone calls, emails, crank some copy, deal with stuff.”  Naturally, there’s a good bit of driving.  But it’s a great gig, believe me.  The bad days are still pretty good, and the good days can be spectacular.  Once in a while, they’re just off the hook.  Like last Friday.

On that TGIF of all Fridays, I pedalled a super rare Ferrari 599 Fiorano, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, an M&M green Lambo Gallardo Spyder, a McLaren Mercedes SLR, and yet another Ferrari, the never-get-tired-of-it F430.  All in one day.  I’m not bragging about my job — because you can do the same.

“The World Class Driving experience is for enthusiasts who are all about the enjoying great exotic cars” comments Jean-Paul Libert, a former professional sports car racer and a partner in this innovative business.  WCD is a traveling road show that owns a passel of the latest, coolest, fastest hardware.  They pack it in giant semi trailer, and truck it all around the country, for your driving pleasure.  For $1295, you’ll get to sample the same five rides I mentioned above.  “We help keep automotive dreams alive, and even pay for the gas” notes Libert. 

After signing the usual paperwork and a friendly introduction and discussion of the rules, you’ll be turned (mostly) loose in each car for about a half an hour.  You’ll follow a control car so things don’t get too crazy, but there’s still ample opportunity to get to know each machine, and find the upper end of the tach now and again.  Driver swaps are brief, and you’ll get a quick walkthrough of each car’s controls as you segue from exotic to exotic.  The routes are well planned, and there’s lots of picture taking and talk time too.  Daytona and Sebring winner Didier Theys is WCD’s professional driving coach; he drives the lead vehicle, and is available for consultation.  At the end of the four-five hour program, you’ll walk away with a bag full of goodies, photos — even a crystal desk ornament of your favorite car.

WCD will visit more than 30 states, and plans 80-100 dates around the country next year.  What I like about this program, besides the obvious, is that while $1295 is a lot of money for any half day event, you’ll drive about $1.3 Million worth of cars in that time.  Sure, you can rent a Lambo or Ferrari for a day and take it wherever you want, but you’ll pay more than that, and only drive a single car, not five or six.  So if you like prefer gourmet buffet over a single course, this is your deal. 

Most of the particpants play it cool, but there have been a few mishaps.  WCD’s Ford GT is awaiting suspension parts, and it’s RIP for their late, unlucky Porsche GT3.  A new Z06 has since joined the lineup.  The cars are beautifully prepared, there are plenty of support folks around, and everyone is focused on you having a good time.  For $250 more you can bring your passenger of choice.

You may not be able to drive as hard or as fast as you might like, but I promise you’ll come away from the day feeling great about being a car fool, having done something few will do at any price.  Not a bad day at the office. 

DFW Drive Your Dream has similar tours in Texas.  They were voted the #1 cool thing to do in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.  Visit thier website to find out more.  www.dfwdriveyourdream.com