Ferrari 296 GTB Track Laps - Putnam Park - Xtreme Xperience

Xtreme Xperience is a "supercar driving experience" that travels the country bringing supercars to the track for 3 lap driving experiences. Instructors provide guidance but drivers can push the cars pretty hard.
I've driven most of the cars over recent years but the 296 is new to the fleet, bringing me back for another drive. And let me say, the 296 is the best car I've ever driven by far. It's like everything I loved about the 488, Lambo, GT3, and McLaren all combined and then dialed up 2 notches. Absolutely awesome car to drive.

[@eedoamitay3341]

Thats a hard session to do for an instructor with such a powerful car but he really did a great job letting you go for it, these new cars are seriously ridiculously fast. But also you looked very much like you knew what you were doing so that probably helped give him some relief. This looked like a great time.

[@blaynem]

Thanks! Yeah, I've driven most of the cars over the XX years, and have done some other track stuff before so I'm pretty comfortable with the speed. The camera doesn't really capture what it feels like, how fast it is, etc... but he was letting me get at it reasonably hard. There were a few times when he said "easy" or "steady" as (I think we both knew) another 5% press of the pedal and the back end was going to go sideways. What a fun car, though...try it if you get the chance!

[@brandonj6548]

I get to drive this car in a few days. Saving it for last after a few different cars so ive learned the track a bit. Cant wait.

[@blaynem]

That's a great way to do it! What other cars you doing first?

[@brandonj6548]

C8, gt3, Gallardo, and a ferrari 4 something or other.

[@blaynem]

That's a great run!!! Will be curious what you think of them. I like the gt3, I've driven it multiple times. Just a surprisingly good handling car, and sounds good, feels like a go kart on track. The c8 and 488 to me feel somewhat similar to each other, and similar handling but underpowered compared to the 296. The back end of the 488 feels a bit looser but it's more to do with the driver being so far forward. The Hurrican is fun but it's heavy and the throttle response isn't linear so I didn't like that one as much.

[@brandonj6548]

​@blaynem ive driven a friend's gt3 and it did feel like a go kart. Shouldn't take me more than a couple laps to remember track. Been on that track a dozen times on a bike but that was a looong time ago. Definitely most excited about this car.

[@brandonj6548]

​@blaynem my god what a car. Got to drive it today. Making 800hp feel somewhat easy to drive is some feat. I loved the 488 as well. Like really loved it. 911 gt3 was fantastic. Lamborghini terrified me. Field of view was horrible and power came on like a two stroke. Chassis felt odd. It was fun but violent and dangerous.

[@MaxRPMs]

Holy crap that thing is fast

[@blaynem]

Yes...Yes it is. I've driven most of their cars, and this one is just in a league of its own!

[@ApexHunter89]

That car is wild isn't it?! Glad you joined us, hope to see you again soon! I think COTA has your name all over it!

[@blaynem]

Are you one of the instructors? I'm jealous of you guys; so much fun. And you're the second person to suggest that I have to make COTA. The problem is it takes a couple laps to really learn a track... so if I made COTA from IL I think I'd have to "drive the fleet" ... we need a loyalty club package. :-) haha. (I think I'm at 15 drives with 13 of them at Putnam, 2 at Gateway.)

[@ApexHunter89]

@@blaynem I am, and was actually at this event. It's a great gig, especially for a part time job!! I'd always do the lead car at a new track - it helps. If you'll be at Autobahn (Joliet, IL) in August, we can meet up and stay in touch and we can discuss alternate options. I'd love to hop in the right seat with you, you're a great wheel man and with that many drives, you have a great grasp of our program.

[@brandonj6548]

​@@blaynemi did a Cota trackday on a KTM 690 years ago. My god it was fun. That track is so nice.

[@AngelaGoulet-b4v]

Koch Mission

[@MichelleBrown-p9k]

Rogahn Center