Anyone ever done this?

"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
12/04/2015 at 13:27 • Filed to: XMAS

My sister thinks we should get it as a Christmas gift for our dad. I think, even at $99, it still seems like a bit of a rip off considering you only do 3 laps at an autocross track. That’s probably less than 2 minutes of seat time (I think) and you probably never reach any decent speed.

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So what do you guys think? Worth it?

DISCUSSION (11)

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:28

Here’s the link again if it’s not showing up

https://www.groupon.com/deals/experien…

d15b > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:31

Not worth it.

Buy him a really good shaving kit. Or, a really good belt (pants belt, something that will last a VERY long time...aka not from Target).

Ash78, voting early and often > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:32

We almost pulled the trigger a couple times. Everything I’ve read about them (from enthusiasts) seems disappointing, but it probably depends on the location. A lot of locals here said they never got out of second gear or over about 60mph. The acceleration is fun, but most agreed you just couldn’t stretch the car’s legs and it felt like a letdown.

Rico > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:38

I say do it but go for more than 3 laps. I did one 2 summers ago in which I drove a 911 Turbo S, Gallardo and was scheduled to drive a Ferrari but the previous group broke the clutch. You never get out of second is true but it’s an auto x course set up not a track set up. I had a shit load of fun, don’t go for the video it’s not worth it I wasted money on that. Instead have you or your sister record it on your phone. The Porsche was so good I went for 3 more laps in it.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:39

My wife bought me one . It was tremendous fun.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:43

The one other way to get seat time in a car like this is to do an exotic car rental. I looked up a Ferrari F430 at Gotham Dream Cars, and it would cost about $1000 for two days (in Boston, their locations are limited). A Porsche could be had for two days for around $500.

So it’s a jump in price and not necessarily location-friendly (you’d probably have to go to Chicago), but it does offer a much more comprehensive experience. But for only $99, there isn’t really anything else comparable to what you’re looking at.

Steve in Manhattan > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 13:46

I’d say that if it doesn’t cost him anything more (hotel, long trip to get there) then yeah, it’s a great gift, especially if you’ve never driven a Gallardo.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 14:17

Yeah, I hear they don’t let you shift and keep it pretty slow. Seems like a waste of money to me.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Ash78, voting early and often
12/04/2015 at 14:40

That’s kind of what I feel like, I could see it being fun for a non-enthusiast maybe

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Rico
12/04/2015 at 14:43

Can you just go do more laps? Seems kind of set that you only get 3 laps. Or can you simply ask to do more?

Rico > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/04/2015 at 14:44

They allowed me to do more laps right then and there for more money. I could not say no after driving it, I needed more which is why I think they offered it. The place I did it with was Circuit 1, these guys may do things a bit differently. All I know is that the 911 Turbo S was a cabrio and felt much better to drive than the Gallardo which I found underwhelming in an AutoX scenario.