Grosse Ile Man Brings Exotic Sports Car Driving Experience to America

As an automotive robotics specialist, Grosse Ile resident Kurt Kearney has traveled the world.

It was in the United Kingdom, just over a year ago, when Kearney came to own his first exotic sports car and decided to bring 6th Gear Experience to the United States.

6the Gear Experience offers men and woman the opportunity to drive some of the fastest cars in the world including a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Porche 911.

Kearney's Lamborghini Gallardo can go from zero to 60 mph in just under four seconds and has a top-speed of over 190 mph.

There are a handful of driving experience companies in the U.K., but his is the only one in the U.S., according to Kearney.

“I provide the customer an opportunity to drive an exotic sports car,” Kearney said.

So far, Kearney has organized two 6th Gear events and has had tremendous success. The second event sold out with over 150 driving experiences sold. The next 6th Gear Experience event is planned for October 28 and thrill seekers have already begun to contact Kearney about the upcoming event.

For $249 people can climb behind the wheel of a super-car for four laps around a course at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport. Drivers can let the instructor take over for an additional lap for $50 more. The "Hot Lap" is said to leave passengers speechless, according to the 6th Gear Experience website.

To get started, Kearney takes drivers around the course in his Ford F-150 SVT Raptor to help them get a good feel for the track, and then it's into an exotic sports car for an instructor-assisted driving experience. Kearney said customers often get both available sports cars up to and exceeding 130 mph.

"Just getting behind the wheel of something so powerful and so exotic, you almost need the instructor there because you sort of forget little things because you're like 'Oh my God, I'm in a Lamborghini,'" Kearney said.

Those looking to be a passenger in the ride of a lifetime can experience all the thrills by jumping into the Detroit-built Deronda race car also available -- for passenger rides only. The Deronda has a top-speed of over 180 mph, so riders are strapped in and equipped with a helmet for this $50 thrill ride.

Kearney encouraged people to attend the upcoming at 5 p.m. Sept. 14 for a hands on encounter with the Gallardo and a chance to score one of two driving experiences.

Both driving experiences will be part of a silent auction where Kearney said he will allow patrons of the event to sit inside his super-car.

"I love showing it off," Kearney said. "Growing up around here I was exposed to these cars and there was always this two-foot barrier ... I give them a chance to sit in it."