I’ve been up for the last couple nights replaying this day in my mind. The sound, the speed, the lateral G’s, the acceleration, and the pure adrenaline rush was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. I have gained a lot of respect for the Superleggera after this weekend. Any car can go fast in a straight line but the track really unleashes its full potential. There is so much performance in this car begging to be unleashed I can’t help but feel like it’s bored sitting on a freeway in rush hour traffic. Kind of like Kobe Bryant playing basketball in high school--going directly into the NBA was long overdue. So being a considerate bull owner, I finally let him loose on the track and for the first time he felt right at home.

For my very first track day I decided to bring the Super G out to Talladega Grand Prix Raceway. It’s a good place for someone like me to get started. For you hardcore track guys I’m sure you can relate to your first time out on the track. For those of you that have never been, you owe it to yourself at least one time to give it a shot. Even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie or a speed demon you will enjoy it.

The Super G belongs on the track. I have to admit I was a little nervous bringing an exotic to the track, but after a couple of test laps I had no problem putting the gas pedal to the floor. The car stays planted no matter what you do to it and in terms of acceleration and torque it just keeps pulling, I was pushing about 120 down the straights but the car was begging for more. In each and every turn the AWD instilled so much confidence I found myself going into each one faster and faster. Being that it was my first time out there I wasn’t willing to push it to the max. I was probably at 80% of it’s potential if that. My track buddy, a seasoned track veteran of 10 years gave me some words of wisdom before we went out on my first run “There are no winners on track day, just losers. Don’t be a loser.” The last thing I wanted was to end up on wreckedexotics.com.

Over the course of the day, I ran 5 sessions at about 15 laps each. I was happy with my lap times, but I couldn’t help but feel like I could do better. On the video I did about 1:15 but I know I can shave off a few seconds. I’m told this reaction is normal “oh yeah, I wasn’t pushing it that hard anyway, I could have done way better.” I have to give credit to the car, it really makes you look like you know exactly what you’re doing. Plain and simple, everything works the way it should, no rattling, no shaking, always enough torque, grip, it was perfect. It’s beautiful when a machine performs exactly the way you want it to, I really think the car is flawless. I even let my [cop] friend take it out during one of the sessions and it absolutely made his day.

My track buddy had an HD camera setup and we mounted it next to the engine compartment. Some of the sound quality was lost when I uploaded it to Vimeo but you get the idea. It’s sheer bliss. To me the sound alone justifies the price of the car. It is worth every penny. I threw in a couple extra downshifts just for you guys. With the sound of 10 cylinders screaming behind me (windows down of course) I couldn’t help but crack a smile each time. There really isn’t anything more liberating than pushing a Lamborghini down a straightaway at wide open throttle in a controlled environment. No cops (except for the one riding shotgun), no deer, no distractions. Nothing but absolute freedom.

On a sentimental note, exactly 8 years ago to this very day I left college and drove down to LA in my little Nissan Sentra to start my career. I was inspired then, and I'm even more inspired now. I’m humbled by the opportunity to own such a fine automobile and to be able to share my experience with you.

After today I have a soft spot for Lamborghinis that become garage queens and only see occasional action on weekends or date nights. That is just cruel. I’m going to start a Save-the-Bulls charity. I will connect volunteer drivers with neglected Lambos and give them an opportunity to experience the good life. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJDKzdtYfaw

 

more pics

 

congrats on letting the bull out of the cage!

 

^ Thanks. After this weekend, driving it on the streets and highway feels so slow now.

 

Excellent write-up. Love your Superleggera.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, glad to see and hear your first track day with the Super G was a positive experience, you took a wise aproach by holding back some of the enthusiasm and took some time to get to know the car first.

I dont know you personaly, but you seem like a very grounded and appreciative individual, I really enjoyed your post:-)

 

Awesome write-up and pics ATL! Sounds like you had a blast. Track days are addictive....you'll be back for more!

 

Nice work. Thanks for sharing. Going to need Euro seats and rollbar soon.

 

Excellent pictures and write-up. Looks like you had a great time, and from experience the track will become an addition quick! If you're thinking of other tracks I'd recommend Roebling Road in Savannah. Check out CoCo's track schedule for a list of HPDE events within driving distance.

 

looks like fun time.

 

thanks for sharing, excellent footage, now where can i get that video recorder from and how much, send me a pm if you can or post info please, thanks...

 

It's a gopro hero, wide angle camera. I got it for around $200, but you can find them cheaper online. Make sure you get the one with the wide angle made for motorsports.

The only limitation is that you cannot go over 1gb per file I think (maybe 2gb). If you do, you'll lose the entire session. It's OK to have multiple files on a larger card (the box says not to use larger than 1 or 2gb card, but that's only so you wouldn't go over the limit per file. I use a 4gb card and it does fine).

I've mounted the camera to my bumper, trunk, side of car, etc. Works great. Easy to move, only took 30 seconds to switch from my car to ATL's!

 

Thanks for the comments. The camera belongs to Achilles. I need to get one as well!

 

This thread is awesome in so many ways!.....killer write up to. You sound like one of those educated car guys. LOL

As for the first track day - YES, i totally am with you on that one. Its like nothing you have ever done before isnt it? Be careful....its a slippery slope my friend

Thanks for sharing with us.

 

^ Thanks buddy! The only thing that saved me from addiction is this crappy weather. I've barely driven the car since that day.