ULE 3 - Octane Report
It comes as no surprise that super-cars hold a certain mystique in the public eye. Their reputation for desire is often fueled by their exterior design, technology, performance, and price-tag. But the truth is that their beauty is more than skin deep.
Some of those who have never driven a Lamborghini or Ferrari are of the mindset that this category of car is all flash and no sizzle. That high sticker prices are just because of image and status. Those that have driven a Lamborghini at speed can beg to differ.
Founded in the early 1960s by namesake Ferruccio Lamborghini, Automobili Lamborghini has grown into a modern manufacturer of some of the most advanced and thrilling cars on the road today. From taut suspension feel to stiff brake pedals and steering feedback, Lamborghini cars showcase their true reason for desire on track – powerful, GT racecar-like performance without any comfort compromise.
The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience returned to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA for its third event. Sponsored by Lamborghini of Beverly Hills, Al & Ed’s Autosound, and Kenwood, The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience 3 was an all-out private owners’ track day designed to give select Lambo owners the chance to drive their cars the right way.
Driving a super-car at a normal track day is tricky. Its mere presence is likely to draw enough unwanted attention to border on the annoying and its outright pace is enough to make passing other cars a necessary trouble.
The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience did away with these issues by providing private, scheduled track time and added to it with driving instructors and allowing only Lamborghini vehicles to enter. Think of it as an annual Lamborghini owner’s day. At the track – which is even better.
The day kicked off with customer arrivals and a meet and greet with Valentino Balboni, the former chief test driver for Lamborghini. A legendary figure among Lamborghini enthusiasts, Balboni has reportedly driven more than ¾ of all Lamborghini models ever made and was a popular hit among attendees.
As mid-morning approached, customers were drawn together and given on-track instruction and training. The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience spared no expense in the instructor realm, bringing on such driving instructors as Davy Jones, who has competed in IRL, F3, and won the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Customers initially headed out on track in their Lamborghinis as passengers, with driving instructors pointing out braking zones, danger areas, and turns. After a few laps, driver and passenger would switch places, with instructors guiding and watching until customers were deemed ready to do hot laps by themselves.
Many Lamborghini owners had not ever driven their cars on track before and the thrill of pushing the limits was the draw of the event. Auto Club Speedway’s “roval” configuration combined the twisty and intricate infield course with a portion of the high banked super speedway oval. Murcielago, Gallardo, and Diablo owners got to feel their suspension loading through the infield area and then the raw acceleration of V10 and V12 engines on the long front straight.
The engine noise alone, bouncing and ricocheting off the banking, was worth the price of admission.
And, beyond the track time, The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience 3 was equally important as a gathering of all things Lamborghini. Car owners got the chance to swap stories, talk shop, and check out each others’ cars. If they got tired of seeing their own cars, on hand for display was a pair of new 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggeras. Not a bad way to spend a day. Not at all.
