Car Club Blog

Several high-risk Canadian teens recently had the automotive experience of a lifetime when they got a chance to take a ride in some amazing exotic cars, according to the Calgary Herald.  The second annual Cardel Homes Ride of a Lifetime was sponsored by several Calgary businessmen and featured many impressive exotic cars.

“I loved reading about this event,” said Tom Warren, general manager for a Dallas exotic car rental business.  “Exotic cars can bring people together, and there’s no doubt about their ability to inspire,” insisted the rental car company executive.

Inspiration was one of the main objectives of the event, which encouraged kids to have big dreams and stay in school to make them a reality.  Damon Ockey, marketing manager for Cardel Homes explained to the Calgary Herald about the origin of the event.

“My brother Ryan, who is president of Cardel Homes, and I are both exotic car enthusiasts,” he said.  “Friends and family love to join us at the race track and we thought it would be a great experience to share with people who have never been around exotic cars,” said the marketing manager.

Kids invited to the track included high-risk teens from Big Brother and Big Sisters of Calgary, Hull Family and Child Services, and the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre.  The kids got to ride in a Dodge Viper, a Maserati, a Lamborghini, and many other exotic cars.

“We had 26 drivers from the Exotic Car Club of Calgary who donated their time, gas, track fees and car expenses to spend time with the kids,” says Ockey. “They are all local, successful business people who have interesting experiences and stories to share,” noted the Cardell Homes marketing executive.

Exotic car clubs are a great way for like-minded exotic car enthusiasts to share their love of exotic vehicles.  Some exotic car clubs even own a garage of exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles for members to drive.

For the kids involved in the Ride of a Lifetime, the experience is unforgettable.  Jesse, a 13-year-old participant, told the Calgary Herald, “I’ve never seen such expensive cars before. It taught me to strive harder in my life and maybe someday I will have my own car.”

“Kids love exotic sports cars,” said Warren.  “It’s a brilliant idea to give them an opportunity to see how much fun a day at the track can be and to see how many opportunities are out there for them. I applaud the folks from Cardell Homes and the exotic car club for doing something so fantastic for Calgary’s kids,” insisted DFW Elite Car Rental.com General Manager Tom Warren.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities.  Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.