High-end cars available for high-speed test drives

By Jinae West

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | 1:55 a.m.

If there's anything better than driving 100 mph down a private race track, it's doing it in style.

At Supercar Life, guests are able to get behind the wheels of a Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin DB9, Porsche Turbo 997 and Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Series. Vice President Joe Douthitt said the cost varies from $399 per person for a morning session to $1,895 per person for the full-day experience at the track. Driving sessions usually last between two to three hours, Douthitt said, and are available at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. Breakfast and lunch are served as part of the full-day package.

"Nobody else in the world offers what we offer, which is the chance to drive these super cars," he said. "We allow the public to drive them on private racetracks at speeds they were designed for. You'll find other driving experiences, but not with this collection of cars where you get to try the Porsche first, then immediately after that, the Ferrari."

Douthitt said instructors are on hand to give advice and make guests feel at ease in each car. All are professional drivers, including Darren Law, who recently competed in the 2009 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series; Ross Thompson, a NASCAR driver with more than 12 years of experience; and Craig Stanton, a veteran driver who has won multiple auto-racing championships in his more than 20 years of driving. Guests receive personalized training from instructors and become comfortable with the track before driving at top speeds. Knowing how to drive a manual transmission is not required, as the cars provided are either clutchless paddle shifters or automatic transmission.

"We will let guests go as fast as they're comfortable with," he said. "We encourage everyone to push the limits of each car. Some guests will peak at over 100 mph. Some are more comfortable with lower speeds. It's based on comfort level. But most people like to push the 100 mph mark."

According to its Web site, there are typically 10 cars available for use. While it is not necessary to purchase special insurance, drivers must be 21 years old and have a valid driver's license.

Douthitt recommended booking about a week or two in advance. He said the program sells out three weeks leading up to an event.

For Douthitt, the Ferrari is his favorite to drive on the track from a performance standpoint, but he said the Mercedes is "a fun, fun car."

"Going out there that fast -- it's an exhilarating feeling," he said.