What’s new at Dream Racing?

Dream Racing has introduced a new line-up of racing machines, allowing even more thrill seekers the opportunity to drive on track just like the professionals. The new racing division features a variety of luxury supercars including the Ferrari 458 Italia and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, McLaren MP4-12C, and Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Why, you ask?

“In the past year we have seen the exhilaration on driver’s faces as they climb out of the racing Ferrari,” said Dream Racing co-owner and former professional race car driver Enrico Bertaggia.  “We wanted to offer a similar thrill with an entry level package that was accessible to a greater number of people, whilst keeping the high standards for which we distinguish ourselves.”

“By adding to our Ferrari fleet with street legal makes and models we are able to expand our offerings with a more affordable experience that still gives people the thrill of driving a sports car on a race-track,” adding the company’s co-owner Adriano De Micheli, also a former racing pro.

Ready to race?

Learn more about the speedy additions to Dream Racing’s squadron with a brief introduction of each make and model as well as what Dream Racing’s professional instructors think:

• The Ferrari 458 Italia is an exotic sports coupe that boasts a 570-horsepower direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 engine and uncompromising design, integrating style with cutting-edge, track-derived technology. Between the F1-style steering column-mounted shift paddles and magnetic fluid-filled shock absorbers, the fiery roadster allows for extremely quick gear changes and reacts instantly to track conditions and driver inputs.

“I love the 458; it’s easy to drive and lots of fun. It’s sort of like wearing a tailor made suit—everything is built around the driver. The McLaren may have amazing technical features, but a skilled driver in the Ferrari 458 can step up to the challenge, making it my favorite car!” Matt Jaskol

• Bringing F1 racing technology and performance to the road, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano strikes a balance between sport and luxury and is sure to impress with its immense power and torque. What makes this Italian grand touring sports coupe unique is the 6.0-liter V12 engine with more than 600 horsepower.

“Although it’s heavier than the mid-engine cars we have, once you turn on the engine and listen to the powerful V12 engine, you’ll want to take this supercar on the track. Just the fact it’s a Ferrari and a V12—that’s all I need.” Jordan Payne

• The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is a modern super car with speed in its lineage. Mainly constructed of  carbon fiber,  the overall weight of the car is reduced, making it the lightest road-legal Lamborghini in its range . Known for a 5.2 liter V10 engine and an extremely smooth ride, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera will not dissapoint.

“The Lambo is a lot of fun, and what makes it slightly slower than the Ferrari 458 and McLaren is actually what I like about the car! The driver is more in charge, which allows you to drive a perfect lap by managing the weight transfers. Not to mention the sound of the engine and the kick of each gear shift!” Nic Sacco

• With a touch of British engineering, the McLaren MP4-12C showcases technological innovation that truly pushes the boundaries of sports car development. The car not only has a powerful engine with 625 horsepower, but also has the ability to attack corners with precision. On the design end of the spectrum, the leather and faux suede are sewn to Savile Row standards, bringing a touch of elegance to this super car.

“Coming in with a completely different technical approach, the McLaren is just as fast as the Ferrari 458. This is an amazing car with extraordinary care taken during its building process. Just look at the cockpit and you’ll realize what I’m talking about, even before starting the engine! It looks like it’s from the future.” Alessandro Bressan

• Once you turn the key to the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the sound of an exhilarating roar will fill the air. The seventh-generation model of the Porsche 911, the Carrera S is built with a lightweight body featuring aluminum-steel composite construction, 400 horsepower, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

“The Carrera deserves a lot of respect because of its racing history and when you drive it, you’ll understand why. Let’s be honest: it has a 3.8L engine with ‘only’ 400hp. It’s hard to compare to other cars that are in the 600hp power range, but these differences are immediately forgotten once you start driving. It can be a lot of fun!” JT Montes

Originally from California, Matt has called Las Vegas home for more than 20 years. Matt has more than 18 years of driving experience under his belt and has done everything from coaching to professional racing including motorsports, open wheel Indy and Nascar.

Now Matt spends his days racing Ferrari 430 GTs at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway track. As Dream Racing’s Chief Instructor, he ensures that racing hopefuls get the most out of their time on the racecourse through a truly unique driving experience.  The fact that guests get to race a real racecar is the main differentiator between Dream Racing and others. His favorite characteristic of the racing Ferrari is the sound and extreme grip levels, perfect for the track’s high speed corners. He says the corners allow you to be quick, yet technical at the same time, which is key for a great racecourse.

Matt analyzing the telemetry after a client’s driving session

Aside from getting to drive the car, Matt says the best part of his job is helping someone do something they have never done before. For those who have yet to drive a racecar, Matt’s best advice is to not be afraid to push the car, but remember that smooth is fast.

Outside of racing, you can find Matt competing in triathlons, cycling, kart racing and flying small aircrafts.

Since Dream Racing’s March 2012 launch, the luxury racing experience has thrilled a multitude of visitors on their Las Vegas track. The Ferrari haven has attracted many car enthusiasts, but mostly those who just feel the need for speed. International sports figures have also taken notice as Dream Racing has chauffeured a bevy of international athletes through their Ferrari-centered program.

American BMX pro rider and host of MTV’s The Challenge TJ Lavin was spotted passenger side at Dream Racing’s grand opening while former English Rugby superstar Jason Robinson enjoyed his personal reservation behind the wheel of the 430 GT speedster.  In town for the NHL Awards, hockey stars Pavel Datsyuk, Jordan Eberle, John-Michael Liles, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Joffrey Lupul and Henrik Lundqvist made their way out on their off-day and enjoyed revving engines accompanied by a bit of friendly competition.

 

Las Vegas hosts a large number of international visitors, which is also reflected on the track at Dream Racing. The luxury driving experience draws a worldly crowd and Dream Racing offers a unique and personal experience to customers from around the globe.

A port of many languages—from Italian to Spanish and English to Afrikaans—the thrill seeking destination houses a melting pot of crew members. Yet at the end of the day, the team at Dream Racing speaks a language that is understood by all—speed.

Enrico Bertaggia and Ado De Micheli, the creators of Dream Racing, have journeyed to many continents during their professional racing careers, both having picked up on various languages including Italian, English and German for Ado and Italian, English and French for Enrico. When crafting the idea of the driving experience, they knew it was necessary to bring a skillful staff to launch their venture in the United States. Antonio, Alessandro and Sergio add to the strong Italian contingent with years on the Formula 1 track and a dedication to the sport of racing. All three speak Italian and English, while Alessandro also speaks a bit of French and Sergio is fluent in Spanish.

From the country of South Africa come Jodie and Nic. The couple specifically moved to Las Vegas to launch Dream Racing with Nic as a Lead Racing Instructor and Jodie as VP of Sales and Marketing. The two bring a light and adventurous spirit to the track, while fluent in the languages of Afrikaans, Portuguese, Italian, French and English.

These bilingual individuals make up the core of the Dream Racing team.

 

Behind the scenes of the luxury Ferrari driving experience are two gentlemen who are quite familiar behind the wheel of these powerful machines, Ado De Micheli and Enrico Bertaggia. The former Italian race car drivers created Dream Racing from years spent on the professional circuit. The two are not hard to spot as they can be found daily on the track coaching customers or listening to the exciting recap of the driver’s speedy ride over an espresso in the Dream Racing lounge.

Here is their take on Ferraris, Las Vegas and building their dream.

How did you come up with Dream Racing?
ADO: Dream Racing came from the passion that both my partner and I have for beautiful cars, speed and racing. We both have the desire to share this passion with others and the ambition to create one of the most exclusive driving experiences.

Why Las Vegas?
ENRICO: We have traveled around the world throughout our racing careers. When we conceived the Dream Racing concept we knew that Las Vegas, with all of its energy and excitement, would provide the ideal location for such an exhilarating, but luxury adventure.

What made you choose to strictly use Ferraris?
ENRICO: Who wouldn’t like to drive a race-ready Ferrari F430 GT? The car is light, powerful and one of the most finely engineered automobiles in existence. It responds immediately. It’s an experience. It’s an emotion.

What do you hope your customers walk away with?
ADO: The entire Dream Racing experience was built so that our customers can truly feel what it means to be a race car driver. Our intent was to create something unique, exhilarating and authentic. Now that I see it all done, I feel like we have accomplished our goal.

ENRICO: The rush of adrenaline you will feel combined with the sense of achievement will leave you wanting more. It’s something you will never forget, almost as if being in a dream like state. This is why we’ve named it Dream Racing, because it’s a dream experience—something that you will look back on and cherish for the rest of your life.