Twice a yr, roughly 50 luxurious automobile purchasers get an opportunity to drive their autos on Sebring Worldwide Raceway, North America’s oldest everlasting street racetrack.

Choose automobile homeowners who attend Dimmitt Automotive Group’s observe days can drive at excessive speeds at novice, intermediate or superior ranges.

“Certain, freeway speeds could make an engine purr, however if you wish to hear an engine sing, you want a racetrack,” a publish on the group’s web site reads.

Primarily based in Florida, Dimmitt Automotive Group sells autos from 9 manufacturers. It bought roughly 7,000 new and used autos in 2022. The group will rejoice 100 years in 2024.

The occasion is mentioned on the gross sales flooring earlier than a purchase order is even made. Purchasers categorical curiosity months upfront. Observe days permit them to see the capabilities of their autos in a managed method, stated Dimmitt Automotive Group Normal Supervisor Andrew Dunton.

The occasion’s rarity helps the novelty issue, and Dimmitt has no plans to extend the variety of observe days it hosts per yr. The extremely anticipated occasion is the product of many transferring components, and its exclusivity permits the group to present clients “the eye they deserve,” Dunton stated.

Dimmitt picks up homeowners’ autos earlier than observe day. As soon as pre-track inspections are accomplished by the producer, the autos are despatched on their approach to Sebring for the occasion.

“We’ll trip with the consumer to indicate them the traces on Sebring Worldwide to get most enjoyment out of the automobile,” Dunton stated. “We’re there to supply technical help through the day.”

The occasion leads to elevated buyer loyalty, whereas the return charges for gross sales and repair are “sky excessive” — which Dunton finds to be the biggest good thing about observe days. Purchasers usually return a number of occasions for repeat visits to the occasion and to the gross sales flooring.

Observe days are as a lot of a “way of life occasion” as they’re a product occasion as a result of Dimmitt is in a relationship enterprise, Dunton stated. Yearslong relationships are constructed with purchasers who take part they usually get to take pleasure in their purchases in a means others may not.

However the occasion is not simply pleasing for these behind the wheel. Some members deliver visitors alongside, who watch vehicles dashing across the observe from the consolation of a luxurious suite stocked with refreshments and producer equipment.

“They bring about households they usually come up they usually can watch,” Tracey Ringstaff, the occasions director, stated. “It is a neat expertise to work together with everybody.”

Dunton has no plans to show observe days right into a aggressive occasion — but when he did, he’d guess that a few of the girls who take part could be favored to win any competitors.

“A few of our top-performing drivers and most loyal and prolific clients are feminine drivers,” Dunton stated. “It is a very numerous group of all age brackets.”

Oftentimes, extra skilled drivers will assist out newer visitors and make them really feel welcome, permitting them to see the total capabilities of their autos. Some members make it their objective to “transfer up by way of the manufacturers,” as they attend extra observe days.

Purchasers “begin with one make and perhaps as their way of life and shopping for trajectory will increase. … Perhaps [they start] with a Cadillac and find yourself with a McLaren or Aston Martin,” Dunton stated.

When the day is finished, Dimmitt collects the vehicles and ships them again to McLaren of Tampa Bay to do a post-track inspection and any wanted upkeep.

“It is a actually social, enjoyable day. Very secure, security first as a result of the No. 1 overriding rule is security — however very enjoyable,” Dunton stated.

The subsequent observe day at Sebring is April 12.

“It’s extremely distinctive, for my 35 years in automotive,” Dunton stated. “This isn’t your typical customer-type occasion.”