Get your open-track kicks in a simulator without tearing up your equipment.

Last Friday night, a friend invited me to World Class Motoring in Agoura Hills, Ca. World Class is ostensibly a retail outlet for automotive accessories, but their physical store also has a very addicting full-motion racing simulator that you have to try for yourself if you ever get the chance. This high-tech virtual simulator costs about $25 grand, and features three large flat-screen high-definition monitors, and motion actuators to simulate the ride. It also has steering feedback that transmits road feel, and slip-angle sensations. After talking with Fred LoBianco of World Class Motoring, I also discovered that the simulator was developed by racing teams to help train drivers without the expense of eating equipment on the track. Boy, is this thing realistic!

You don’t need 25 large, however, to experience the simulator. You can drop by World Class, and rent it for about $75 per hour. In fact, World Class has a barbeque every Wednesday afternoon, when they charge just $5 for 5 laps in the simulator. If you’re throwing a party, and you’re looking for something really unique, World Class can also rent out the simulator for between $2,500 and $3,000, which also includes transportation to your venue, set-up, and operation. I was there after hours for a private party, and everybody had a blast trying to knock down the best lap—which was the Mid-Ohio road course, using a Porsche GT3 spec racer. Many other tracks and many other cars can be chosen too.

If you’re interested, you can contact World Class Motoring at 818-706-9999 (ext. 225-ask for Fred), or log on to www.worldclassmotoring.com.