Xtreme Xperience Summit Point

So you have a dream to take a high performance exotic car to triple digit speeds?  For the price of great seats at your local NFL stadium this dream can be a reality and even you can hop behind the wheel and take one of many exotic cars around the track with Xtreme Xperience.  We signed up to take a Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4, and a Porsche 911 GT3 (991) 3 laps each at Summit Point Motorsports Park on the Jefferson Circuit.  You read our coverage of Exotics Racing out in Las Vegas. So how did this compare?  Was it worth the money?  Let’s find out.

Xtreme Xperience Summit Point

Arrival/Registration

Compared to other high performance driving events and track days I have attended, the whole process to get you into the car was one of the easiest I have seen. You arrive (sign a waiver to get on the track’s premises) then you approach Xtreme Xperience’s registration tent. You sign their waiver and provide your registration confirmation (printed or digital). If you paid for in-car video they provide you an USB stick for their in-car Race Keeper. You also can use your own GoPro’s as long as you paid for their video.

You have to then sit through a basic track classroom session. It is more geared to those who have not driven anything over 200 hp, but car enthusiasts who have never visited a track will pick up a tip or two.  Regardless, It makes sense to prep customers and make sure they know what they are getting into.

Xtreme Xperience Summit Point

The Cars

As I said earlier we chose three vehicles from their fleet, a Ferrari 458 Italia, a Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4, and a Porsche 911 GT3 (991).  There are other options such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, Audi R8 V10, and Nissan GT-R. The cheapest car you can drive is the Nissan GT-R which comes in at $219 for 3 laps not counting the endless discounts this company will sent you via email. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter, its worth it.

Porsche 911 GT3

Being a car enthusiast I wanted to be sure to drive what is always on top of any drivers car list, that meant driving the Porsche 911 GT3. This car had the lowest power output of the cars we drove, but the noises this beast makes at 9000 RPM’s rivals all other automotive sounds I have heard. Be sure to press the sport exhaust button on the center column passenger side to hear the full glory. Driving the 911 GT3, I felt like I was in complete control of the car around the track and in my opinion was the most fun to drive of the three.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Everyone wants to drive a Ferrari on the track. Before getting in the 458 I was warned that I would not be able to hear my instructor. Reason being? They removed the catalytic converters, so the exhaust was much louder flat out and on downshifts. Speaking of downshifting, the gearbox took a bit to get used to, but that may have just been due to the drive mode the transmission was set in. It would wait patiently for my up shifts and I felt like it was anticipating my downshifts based on my braking patterns.  Regardless, it made for great fun on the track.

Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4

Now the most powerful of the three  was also the heaviest. Perhaps the weight contributed to the end result, sadly it was my least favorite to drive on track.  Most of laps I was left feeling less in direct control of the car.  However, it was the car I reached the highest speed, but was not always satisfying on a road course.

Enough of my words. Check out the video:

The Verdict

This is the dream experience for any car enthusiast on a budget. Weekend warriors who gawk at these exotic cars at their local Cars & Coffee’s should definitely consider taking advantage of the low price to get behind the wheel.

 

Photography by Danny Korecki

//Follow @DKorecki on Twitter

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8 comments
        1. Hmm, sadly not. Only time you are back in our area is October at Pittsburgh and we have plans that time. How about you (or someone from your leadership) reach out to our Editor in Chief, Will Byrd at will@rightfootdown.com and set something up for next year when you guys are either at Summit Point, NJ, or Pittsburgh?

  1. Surprised you didn’t talk more about the depth of experience that the instructors have. They are all well versed in high speed and high performance driving (& racing). They coach the inexperienced thru the race course like none other I’ve seen. Quickly assessing the skills of the novice driver and adjusting their teaching methods to the situation. If the driver shows prowess and skills; they’ll push you harder. If the driver is a wimp and wuss…well then, you’ll finish your three laps with a smile, but won’t be breaking any lap time records.

    As a two time attendee to this even at Summit Point, my wife and I both really enjoy the time we spend with the vehicles, the track, the instructors, and the crew. Everyone is very welcoming and professional. From the small talk in the pits to the serious instruction during a quick few laps around the track; its time (& money) well spent.

    See you next year.

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