Steve Metz, Chief Driving Instructor, at Longhorn Racing Academy, fills us in all things fast... and not so furious, and the eternal allure of supercars.
Why did you decide to open the racing academy?
The founders of LRA took their personal love of driving and built up our driving program from a Miata-based program to the exotic supercar experiences we offer today. We offer Driving Experiences and High-Speed Ride Alongs at both Harris Hill Raceway (San Marcos, TX) as well as Circuit of the Americas (Austin, TX).
Getting to drive one of the vehicles you have would be a dream come true for so many motorheads…
We offer experiences in the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Ferrari Portofino, Porsche 718 GTS 4.0, Porsche 911 GT3, and more! These vehicles are so special because the barrier to entry is typically so high for these exotic supercars. We allow anyone to experience these incredible cars for themselves without the hassles of ownership, insurance, maintenance, storage, etc. - with a driving instructor by their side or behind the wheel!
What makes a good driver?
Awareness, responsiveness, and - most importantly - smoothness make a good driver.
Why do you think Formula 1 is becoming such a big sport in the US now?
Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity internationally as the technology develops and media covers it more. For people in the US specifically, F1 took off when Circuit of the Americas (COTA) opened as a venue where fans could go to spectate at the races and, with The Longhorn Racing Academy, drive the very same track as the pros!
What should people expect from a session with your academy?
People should expect to have a blast when they book a session with The Longhorn Racing Academy! We provide everything from the track rental, supercars, helmets, friendly instructors and event staff, a classroom session and safety briefing, to add-ons like reconnaissance laps or our video and photo packages. We cater each experience to the skill level of the individual so that anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver's license can experience the thrill of the latest Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and more for themselves. We also offer kid-friendly high-speed ride alongs where our drivers take guests around the track at top speeds in the passenger seat for an exhilarating family outing!
EXPERIENCE: High-Speed Ride Along Experience with The Longhorn Racing Academy
TRACK: Harris Hill Raceway
COST: $99-$299 for High-Speed Ride Along Experiences, $399-$499 for Exotic Supercar Driving Experiences
AVAILABILITY: See website for availability and booking.
WEBSITE: longhornracingacademy.com
ADDRESS: The Longhorn Racing Academy, 2840 Harris Hill Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666