Drive Supercars, Hampton Downs
Some dreams stick with you. For me, it was after visiting the home of Ferrari in Italy – seeing the heritage, the passion, the cars up close. Since then, I’ve always wanted to drive one. Not just see it. Not just hear it. Drive it.
It was a stunning Thursday morning, and Hampton Downs was the place, home to Drive Supercars. That dream was finally about to come to life.
The whole experience was something special from the moment I arrived. There’s an energy there – a low, steady hum of excitement, and it’s not just the engines. It’s the people. The staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly just as passionate about cars as the guests. You don’t feel like a customer. You feel like a mate they’re letting in on something amazing.
Walking up to the Drive Supercars line-up was like stepping into another world
Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lotus… and there, gleaming in the sun – the Ferrari. Sleek, low, dangerous-looking. I still half-expected someone to tell me it was just for show.
But no. This was happening.
Four cars. Four drives. Each one different
The Aston was effortless power and grace, the Lotus was a manual drive and so much fun – I had to remember how to drive a manual again, the Lamborghini was pure smooth adrenaline – but the Ferrari… the Ferrari was the one I had always wanted.
The first thing you noticed was the power – a bit scary at first until you got used to it. For those first few moments, it felt like the car was driving you, not the other way around. The sound alone was enough to send a shiver down your spine. It was pure excitement. Every dream, every ‘maybe one day’ thought I’d ever had was packed into that moment, and it didn’t disappoint. Not even close.
What struck me most was how relaxed the experience was. Professional, yes. Safe, absolutely. But never uptight. Never rushed. It felt like everyone – staff and drivers alike – were there for the same reason: to experience pure joy on four wheels.
It’s hard to explain the feeling when you finally tick off a lifelong dream and it turns out better than you hoped. You can’t bottle that. You can’t fake it. It stays with you.
Driving four supercars in one day was incredible
But driving that Ferrari… that’s the memory that will always roar a little louder in my mind.
And then came the hot lap!
We all fancy ourselves as a bit of a racing car driver – how hard can it be, right? A bit of practice and we’ll be up there with the best. As the final part of the day, you get to ride a lap of Hampton Downs with a professional racing driver.
The reality of what we think we can do and what they actually do is miles apart. You don’t realise the speeds they hit, the late braking, and the perfect lines they drive – until you’re in the passenger seat. That’s when it hits you: time to stick to the day job! It’s fantastic to watch experts in action.
If you ever get the chance – take it with Drive Supercars. Life’s too short not to drive your dreams.
FAQ"s
Where is Drive Supercars located?
Drive Supercars operates at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, situated at 20 Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata, in the Waikato region of New Zealand.
How long does the experience take?
The duration of the Drive Supercars experience can vary depending on the package selected. Typically, participants should allocate approximately 3 hours for the entire experience, which includes registration, a safety briefing, driving sessions, and any additional activities such as hot laps.
Which supercars can I drive?
Drive Supercars offers a fleet of high-performance vehicles for participants to experience. The available cars include:
- Ferrari F430 Spyder
- Lamborghini Gallardo
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage
- Lotus Exige
Will I receive instruction before driving?
Yes. Before taking the wheel, all participants receive a comprehensive safety briefing and orientation. Additionally, a professional instructor accompanies each driver during their session, providing guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Is this a racing experience?
While the Drive Supercars experience allows you to drive high-performance vehicles on a racetrack, it is not a competitive racing event. The focus is on providing a thrilling yet safe driving experience, allowing participants to appreciate the capabilities of each supercar under the guidance of professional instructors.
