Dream Ride for Kids

[Martin]

This past Saturday I joined a group of exotics on a "Dream Ride for Kids". It is an annual event that gives underprivledged and a few ill children the opportunity to go for a ride in a "dream" car. We had a police escort for most of the trip (about 15 miles) and we all had a blast driving fast but still getting the "ok" from the cops. I've never in my life passed a cop at 90 miles an hour on the freeway and they just gave the thumbs up!
I had onboard with me a girl of about 13 who was all smiles as we were treated with a sense of royalty as all the "other" cars had to sit and wait as we all went whizzing by. It was a great experience and the best part was seeing the joy in the kid's faces.

Here is a little video from some of the cars as they were leaving.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkfMvOE0TX8

...and there was defenitely more than 17 kids (video says 17).

[RoadDad]

I'm sure that was a great feeling for you and the kids. There is another such "drive" in the Atlanta area (may be the same one as I'm not sure where you are) that I have heard about. It made me want to set up a similar event in my area, but sadly I've been too busy. You've reinspired me to get back on it.

[jimmybondi]

We do this once a year with the German Lotusclub.
It is great to see all the smiling faces of the kids - one of the best things you can do.

[Autocross7]

There was a group here in Mobile that tried to get something like this started... I am not sure what happened with it? It never got going though... but I'd sign up in a second. I remember the first time I saw an exotic car, knew what it was, and the owner was not a butt head... a Mclaren M6.

Cameron

[Martin]

A real one? :ohmy:

[Autocross7]

A real one? :ohmy:


Yes... a real one. Guy was really nice and let me sit in it and he fired up the motor and let me blip the throttle... I think I was 10? (ish anyway). That was the moment I realised not all exotic car owners were buttheads with attitudes and there were some really nice folks out there.

Later I got to drive one on track as a guy here in town had one and we swapped rides. I still like the Esprit best! He sold it a couple years ago and quit working... I think for the rest of his life...

I ran into another good example of a bad exotic car owner not long ago... a 348 owner. It was parked at a gas station and I just happened to be filling up (outch!) across from the guy (not in my Esprit). Anyway, a man goes up to him and says, "my son really likes your car, do you mind if he comes over a gets a closer look"?

The 355 driver says something like. "well, when he grows up and gets a job he can just buy of his own"... gets in and drives away. WHAT an ass! I do not personaly think folks like that should even be allowed to have such a fine automobile!


Cameron

[Martin]

What does that guy get out of belittling (spelling) that guy and depriving that young kid of a harmless glance? That kid may grow up hating Ferraris, or at least the owners.

That is the direct opposit of the Dream ride for kids. Like you said Cameron, what an ass.
I say you guys that don't have a "Dream Ride" in your town......you should start it! Just think, there are endless positives to take advantage of while you are donating your time to a good cause. :yes: