What makes the World Class Driving program so special?
Didier Theys: I think the most important aspect of World Class Driving is the quality of the cars. Our cars are so new many enthusiasts looking to buy these types of cars haven’t had the chance to actually drive them yet. We have brand new exotics like the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Maserati GranTurismo, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and the highly anticipated Audi R8, all available to drive in one day. The World Class Driving fleet is comprised of only the newest, mint-condition supercars, so participants will have an experience unlike any other they’ve had before.
How did World Class Driving come about?
WCD: The World Class Driving concept began fifteen years ago when I founded a similar driving program overseas in Europe. The fleet was comprised entirely of Ferraris and everyone was extremely pleased with the program. One of my past American customers and friend convinced me to develop the ultimate supercar driving experience. After testing the attraction drivers had for exotic in the US, we decided, with my partners, to launch World Class Driving. Our goal was to show drivers the exhilarating differences of how supercars performed next to each other, and to show their thrilling personalities. We introduced the program in the United States as the first “Automobile entertainment” program and have been successful ever since. Of course, a few people have tried to copy us but have so far failed to do so. World Class Driving is very unique: Best cars, Best roads and State of the Art execution.
Who is the World Class Driving program perfect for?
Didier Theys:World Class Driving caters to two distinct kinds of people. The first group is the casual auto enthusiast who knows about marques like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but has never had the chance to actually drive them. The program offers a relaxing opportunity for driving five of the very best supercars in a completely safe, professionally-managed day-long street course that allows them to experience the power and performance these phenomenal cars offer. Our events offer plenty of adrenaline, but are low on the kind of risk novice drivers can experience trying to take on unknown motorsports tracks their first time driving. Instead, World Class Driving takes a different tactic, encouraging participants to bring along a friend or their significant other and experience the cars riding together.
The second group is the serious supercar enthusiast who is in the market to buy another brand new exotic and would like to conveniently experience a hassle-free, no pressure test drive. Our program not only allows them to experience a day long of driving in the very newest supercars, but to experience any given car they’re interested in alongside its competitors. Without the World Class Driving program, this kind of opportunity is almost impossible to arrange. For us, either way, World Class Driving is about the experience. People also love the great camaraderie by being with people like themselves. It is all about World Class Driving and socializing about driving.
Can you describe the enrollment process and what participants can expect?
WCD: The process of enrollment is extremely easy. One of our top goals at World Class Driving is to make everything convenient for our guests. Those interested in purchasing a seat at one of our programs can speak with a World Class Driving sales associate directly at 877-597-6403 or visit us at www.wcdriving.com. Our website offers all the background information and allows guests to immediately book their experience by viewing our 2008 schedule.
When participants arrive on the day of their driving program, they can expect to be welcomed by our friendly staff in a luxurious resort-style atmosphere. Refreshment, breakfast, and lunch are available to guests all day long. We also present a short briefing session by one of our driving instructors. Afterward, guests are welcomed into the cars and the drive begins. Throughout the day, specific rest areas are designated throughout the course in order for drivers to switch out of their cars into new ones. This guarantees each driver receives seat time in every car. Each course is about 150 miles of driving and ends back at our start location.
What else is coming up for World Class Driving?
In addition to the United States driving tour for 2008, which spans 40 major markets in the United States, World Class Driving will also be presenting a special Hawaiian driving tour in March 2008 that showcases our driving experience behind the most beautiful tropical landscapes. This special driving event will be held on the Big Island. Additionally, our team will also be taking part in a special auto-celebrity poker run drive, with more details coming soon. For this year, we definitely have more than a few exciting surprises in store for our drivers.
The price for World Class Driving events is set at $1,495.00 (U.S.) per driver. Drivers may also have one non-driving guest seat-side for an additional $300.00. Additionally, guests can split their experience into a Dual Drive for just $895.00/person. This special program allows a pair of drivers to each experience three cars during a drive program. Attendees receive an official certificate of completion, digital photography capturing the event, and a special gift package compliments of World Class Driving. Corporate events are also welcome.