IMSA: Fittipaldi opens Exotic Driving experience

Two-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype title winner Christian Fittipaldi has opened a new driving experience program at the Motor Speedway Resort in Houston. The Brazilian's Fittipaldi Exotic Driving program boasts eight luxury sports cars totaling an investment of $1.5 million. Along with business partner Bill Scott, Fittipaldi says serving three major metro in the Lone Star state is the first stage of the FED's expansion plans.

"I've helped the Petty guys design their exotic driving experience, and outside the track, I maintained great connections with the people who were involved there, like Bill Scott," Fittipaldi told RACER. "He was there for 15 or 20 years, and now we're working together to run Fittipaldi Exotic Driving. We're looking to expand this in new directions, and we think starting in the Dallas, Houston, and Austin area is a great starting point. Bill's also been doing this for a long time, so we're coming into this ready to go."

Coming off his second Prototype championship in the No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette DP with co-driver Joao Barbosa, Fittipaldi is leveraging his success to build a new business in the twilight of his driving career.

"This is something I'm really passionate about, and the timing is right," he continued. "It's a driving experience – to give opportunities to enthusiasts so they can drive exotic cars. And this isn't a driving school; the person is going to drive and have a co-driver with them, and will have instruction to help get the most from the car. If people head down to a Ferrari dealership, you know you need to bring a pretty big check to even sit in one, so we're giving people a chance to try something that isn't easily available."