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From Bucket List To Bucket Seat: Xtreme Xperience Delivers On Exotic Car Racing

Dionne Grayson
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WWNO

Not everyone gets the chance to sit inside an exotic supercar, let alone drive one at high-speed — but you can sate that desire to do just that over the next few weeks at the NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale.

It's called the Xtreme Xperience.

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, Nissan and McLaren are just some of the cars anyone can get in and enjoy the rumble of its engine on the road.

It’s a niche experience that few get to enjoy. Adam Olalde and his Xtreme Xperience crew tour the country, offering up the event to locals who may want to check off the experience on their bucket list and get into bucket seats.

Credit Dionne Grayson / WWNO
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The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560.

“It all came from an idea that we all love adrenaline. We love flashy, fancy things we’ve seen in magazines and have posters of, but we’ve never gotten the opportunity to get behind the wheel and test them out,” Olalde said. “We said, ‘What if we could put together an opportunity for you to sit behind the wheel and try one?’”

That’s where the company started. Olalde points out that the event is for anyone. Never driven stick shift? No problem. Never driven a fast car? That’s okay. Olalde said all are welcome to enjoy what they call supercars — some costing up to $400,000.

Credit Dionne Grayson / WWNO
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During our ride-along this Ferrari 458 Italia topped out at nearly 160 mph.
Credit Dionne Grayson / WWNO
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Hand-signed engine of a Nissan GT-R.

Because of the high price tag on the cars, safety is key. Drivers must take a 30-minute class on how to drive an exotic car, which is notably different than driving a sedan. Students taking the class learn how to handle the cars — how to take a turn, brake and passing. All those things sound basic to normal drivers, but when you’re moving at speeds of 140-160 mph, those simple functions turn into complex skills that require some knowledge. But you won’t be hitting the track at NOLA Motorsports solo. An instructor is with you in the car, guiding you the whole way as your put your pedal to the metal.

“My favorite on the race track is probably the Ferrari 458 Italia,” said Olalde. “The Ferrari is the quintessential F1 race car. It’s got some of the most advanced stability, handling, transmission control than all the vehicles.”

However, Olalde said the Lamborghini is the one you’ll get the most looks in on the street.

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“There’s nothing like a Lamborghini that makes people hit the brakes and whip out their cellphones,” he said.

The Chicago-based Xtreme Xperience hosts 30 events annually at 17 racetracks across the country.

With additional reporting and production by Jason Saul.