From Borrowed Ferraris to 70-Car Fleet: The Xtreme Experience
About this episode
An engaging conversation with Adam from The Extreme Experience, a company offering thrilling supercar driving events across the U.S. Adam shares his journey from the luxury concierge business to creating a fleet of over 70 supercars, including Ferraris and Lamborghinis. He discusses the challenges of maintaining these high-performance vehicles, the excitement of customer experiences, and the importance of safety. Listeners will also hear about Adam's personal automotive history, including his first cars and dream vehicles, making this episode a rich blend of nostalgia and automotive passion.
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Fifteen years ago, Adam Olalde knocked on every supercar dealership and exotic car owner's door in Chicago with an audacious pitch: "Can I borrow your Ferrari? I'm putting together this cool thing."
Enough people said yes. His first track day event? Pure comedy. No helmets, no walkie-talkies, just people in borrowed supercars told to "go that way." Most spun into the sand and never made it back around.
He charged $150 (versus $2,000/day rentals). Thousands showed up. Light bulb moment achieved.
Today, The Xtreme Experience runs 50-60 events nationwide with 70 supercars, 20 mechanics, and 2 semi trucks. Last year alone: 88,000 people drove supercars. Total since 2012: nearly 500,000 drivers.
Most popular? Ferrari edges Lamborghini, but the C8 Corvette "moves people the most" when they exit.
Adam's philosophy: "Always turn around and look at your car one more time." His first car was a '95 Pontiac Grand Prix from his dad. His AC/DC anthem: "For Those About to Rock." His dream car: Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series in yellow.
His daily driver? Burnt copper Mercedes G63 AMG—"sounds like a boat, burns 3 gallons per minute. Wouldn't trade it for anything."
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Volkswagen Id
"...the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Yeah. I saw one too. Really sharp looking."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW bus. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a cool, vintage style.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan inspired by the classic VW Microbus. It features a retro design combined with modern electric vehicle technology, making it a unique offering in the EV market.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...the new Beetle, right? For example, which sold like hotcakes initially."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a famous car that looks very unique and has been loved by many people for decades. It has a long history and has been redesigned several times over the years.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic car known for its distinctive shape and cultural significance. Originally produced from the 1930s, it has undergone various redesigns, including the modern versions like the New Beetle.
electric vehicle
"...because it's electric. I think it's, it doesn't have the range, right?"
An electric vehicle is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it doesn't produce exhaust fumes and is better for the environment.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
Mazda Miata
"...just like a small sports car, like a Miata, right? They've got it."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. Many people enjoy it for its sporty feel and open-top design.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It's popular among enthusiasts for its simplicity and engaging driving dynamics.
electric car
"...availability of charging is something to get used to when you have an electric car."
An electric car runs on electricity instead of gas. It uses a battery to power an electric motor, which makes it different from regular cars that use fuel.
An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They typically have a battery that stores energy and an electric motor that drives the wheels.
Honda Odyssey
"...ast us. Didn't matter if it was a sob or a Honda Odyssey or a Ferrari 360, whatever it was. I was noticin..."
Ferrari 360
"Didn't matter if it was a sob or a Honda Odyssey or a Ferrari 360, whatever it was."
The Ferrari 360 is a high-performance sports car made by Ferrari. It's famous for being fast and having a beautiful design, making it a dream car for many.
The Ferrari 360 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1999 to 2005. It's known for its performance, handling, and iconic design.
Chevrolet C8
"And I'm going to I'll take my hat off to them right now is the new C8. Man, people get out of that car and they are blown away. We had this. We generally ran a Corvette generation in our in our fleet for a year or two..."
The Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a modern sports car that has its engine located in the middle, which helps with balance and handling. It's known for being very fast and fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette C8 is the eighth generation of the iconic sports car, known for its mid-engine layout and impressive performance. It has received widespread acclaim for its design and driving dynamics.
Pontiac Grand Prix
"So let's see, the Pontiac Grand Prix, the Jetta. And then and then the super cars he has, he has right now."
The Pontiac Grand Prix is a car that was made by the Pontiac brand. It was popular for being stylish and had some versions that were designed for better performance.
The Pontiac Grand Prix is a mid-size car that was produced by Pontiac from 1962 to 2008. It was known for its sporty design and performance-oriented variants, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s.
aesthetic
"I remember I've always been big on the aesthetic. That to me was something that mattered."
Aesthetic means how a car looks and feels. It's about the design and style that makes a car attractive to people.
In automotive terms, 'aesthetic' refers to the visual appeal and design elements of a car, which can significantly influence a buyer's perception and desire for the vehicle.
tail lights
"...I'll never forget the tail lights. They kind of had that waffle pattern tail lights with the string of lights."
Tail lights are the lights at the back of a car that turn on when the car is driving. They help other drivers see the car, especially when it's dark.
Tail lights are the red lights located at the rear of a vehicle that illuminate when the vehicle is in operation. They serve to signal the presence of the vehicle to others on the road, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.
headlights
"...and in the front, they had the slim headlights and it just kind of felt like a race car."
Headlights are the lights at the front of a car that help you see when it's dark. They make it safer to drive at night.
Headlights are the front lights of a vehicle that illuminate the road ahead when driving at night or in poor visibility. They are crucial for safety and visibility.
Pontiac
"...a Pontiac felt racy, it felt sporty. And when I was driving that car, I felt like people were looking at me."
Pontiac was a car brand from the United States that made sporty cars. They were known for models that many people found exciting to drive.
Pontiac was an American automobile brand known for producing sporty and performance-oriented vehicles. It was a division of General Motors and was popular for models like the Firebird and GTO.
Ford Thunderbird
"...she had a thunderbird in college and then she got married, had kids, sold the car..."
The Ford Thunderbird is a car that was popular in the U.S. for many years. It started as a small sports car and later became a bigger, more luxurious vehicle. Many people have fond memories of it.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that was produced from 1955 to 2005, known for its stylish design and performance. It has gone through several generations, evolving from a two-seat sports car to a larger personal luxury coupe.
Audi A6
"...that's probably when she went and bought that Audi A6. There you go. You know, I created this lifestyle..."
The Audi A6 is a fancy car that offers a lot of comfort and technology. It's designed to be a nice ride for people who want something more upscale than a regular car.
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan known for its sophisticated design, advanced technology, and comfortable ride. It's part of Audi's lineup of premium vehicles, often competing with other luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Ford Mustang
"...when you buy the Mustang or the Corvette, they'll gear you towards something. But for whatever reason, this Corvette just going back to it again..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that's known for being powerful and stylish. It's been around since the 1960s and is very popular.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has a rich history and has been a symbol of American automotive culture since its introduction in the 1960s.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...ted from school and had some money, I bought the Jetta. I bought the little little little brother, litt..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that's great for everyday driving. It's comfortable and saves you money on gas, which is why many people like to buy it for getting to work or school. It's known for being reliable and a good value for the price.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has been popular for its practicality, comfort, and affordability. It offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a common choice for daily commuting and family use. The Jetta is often discussed for its reliability and value in the compact car segment.
Volkswagen Wolfsburg Edition
"...my friends still give me grief today about the Wolfsburger because I still talk about it because it was, you know, who knows where I'd be today..."
The Wolfsburg Edition is a special version of a Volkswagen car that usually has some unique features or designs. It's named after the city where Volkswagen is based.
The Volkswagen Wolfsburg Edition refers to a special trim or package offered by Volkswagen, often featuring unique styling or additional features. It's named after the city of Wolfsburg, Germany, where Volkswagen's headquarters is located.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"I got into the rental business and we had an O8 Lamborghini Gallardo."
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a fast and stylish sports car made by Lamborghini. It has a powerful engine and is considered one of the brand's most popular models.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a high-performance sports car produced by Lamborghini from 2003 to 2013. It is known for its striking design and powerful V10 engine.
Ferrari F430
"...amborghini Gallardo. We had an O7 straight piped F430 coupe. And we had a Bentley with the W12, that c..."
The Ferrari F430 is a really fast and stylish sports car made by Ferrari. It's known for its powerful engine and amazing looks, making it a dream car for many people. Driving it is an exciting experience, and it's one of the special cars that Ferrari is famous for.
The Ferrari F430 is a high-performance sports car that showcases Ferrari's racing heritage and engineering prowess. Known for its striking design and powerful V8 engine, the F430 is celebrated for its thrilling driving experience and is a significant model in Ferrari's lineup. It's often discussed for its blend of luxury and performance.
Bentley Continental GTC
"...0 coupe. And we had a Bentley with the W12, that continental GTC. So suddenly I was driving these cars and I was ..."
The Bentley Continental GTC is a fancy convertible car that's all about luxury and comfort. It has a powerful engine and a beautiful interior, making it a great choice for people who want to drive in style. It's one of those cars that really shows off wealth and taste.
The Bentley Continental GTC is a luxury convertible that combines opulence with performance, featuring a powerful engine and a plush interior. It's designed for those who appreciate high-end craftsmanship and a smooth driving experience. The GTC is often discussed for its status symbol appeal and luxurious features.
Porsche 911 Turbo
"Although the first supercar that we ever bought is extreme experience, I believe was a 996, 9-11 turbo. They was the first one we ever actually we ever bought and put into our fleet."
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a fast and fancy sports car that many people dream of owning. It's known for being really powerful and fun to drive, especially because it has a special engine that helps it go super fast. The 996 version was one of the first to combine modern features with the classic 911 look.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. It represents a blend of luxury and extreme performance, making it a significant model in Porsche's lineup and a favorite among enthusiasts. The 996 generation, in particular, marked a pivotal point for the 911, introducing modern technology and design elements.
ultra high performance
"So but either way, those three, four cars really kind of brought me into the world of ultra high performance. And I have a lot of fond memories, feeling those out of the warehouse..."
Ultra high performance means cars that are really fast and handle well. They're often supercars that have special designs and technology to make them exciting to drive.
Ultra high performance refers to a category of vehicles that offer exceptional speed, handling, and overall driving experience, often associated with supercars and hypercars. These vehicles typically feature advanced engineering, powerful engines, and cutting-edge technology.
Audi R8
"you would just see this line on the highway of 430s and 9-11s and Gallardo's and Audi R8s and Nissan GTRs."
The Audi R8 is a luxury sports car that started being made in 2006. It's known for being very fast and having a lot of cool technology.
The Audi R8 is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in 2006. It features a mid-engine layout and is known for its luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
Nissan Gtrs
"you would just see this line on the highway of 430s and 9-11s and Gallardo's and Audi R8s and Nissan GTRs."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that has been made since 2007. It's famous for its powerful engine and great handling on the road.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 2007. It is known for its advanced technology, powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, and exceptional handling.
Ford Pinto
"and he switched from that to to the pinto"
The Ford Pinto is a small car that Ford made in the 1970s. It was cheap and easy to drive, but it had some safety problems that people talked about a lot.
The Ford Pinto was a subcompact car produced by Ford in the 1970s. It was known for its affordability and compact size but also gained notoriety for safety issues related to its fuel tank design.
supercar
"And so there is really no way to drive a supercar down here, whether it's traffic or whether it's potholes or whether it's seasons."
A supercar is a really fast and expensive sports car. These cars are designed for high performance and are often very powerful and stylish.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that is typically very expensive and offers exceptional speed, handling, and design. They are often seen as the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
AMG
"...I love the AMG."
AMG is a special part of Mercedes-Benz that makes faster and sportier versions of their cars. They add more power and unique features to make the cars more exciting to drive.
AMG is a performance division of Mercedes-Benz that specializes in high-performance versions of Mercedes vehicles. They are known for enhanced power, handling, and distinctive styling.
horsepower
"...I think mine has five seventy one horsepower. I think it's right in that neighborhood somewhere."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It gives an indication of how much work an engine can do over time, which is crucial for understanding a vehicle's performance.
eight cylinder
"...that eight cylinder that burns about three gallons of gas a minute and sounds like a boat."
An eight-cylinder engine is a powerful type of engine that can make cars go faster. However, it usually uses more gas than smaller engines.
An eight-cylinder engine is a type of internal combustion engine that has eight cylinders. This configuration can provide more power and performance compared to engines with fewer cylinders, but it may also consume more fuel.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
"...ink I would hesitate and consider these new 9-11 GT3 RS is or the GT2's. Man, Porsche is just knocking o..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a super sporty version of the 911 that's built for racing and high-speed driving. It's lighter and faster than regular models, making it really exciting to drive, especially on a racetrack. People love to talk about it because it's one of the best cars for performance enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track-focused version of the 911, designed for maximum performance and handling. It features a naturally aspirated engine and lightweight construction, making it one of the most exhilarating cars to drive on both the track and the road. This model is often discussed for its racing pedigree and engineering excellence.
Porsche Man Porsche
"these new 9-11 GT3 RS is or the GT2's. Man, Porsche is just knocking out of the park and these things are animals. And so that would be something new that I've never or we throw all that out"
The Porsche Macan is a small luxury SUV that's fun to drive and very comfortable. It has a sporty feel, like a sports car, but with more space for passengers and cargo. People like it because it combines the best of both worlds: luxury and practicality.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV that offers sporty performance and practicality, making it a popular choice among those seeking a versatile vehicle. It features Porsche's signature handling and design, providing an engaging driving experience while maintaining everyday usability. The Macan is often discussed for its blend of sportiness and comfort.
Lamborghini Countach
"and so that would be something new that I've never or we throw all that out the window and we go get a Kuntas and we just call it a day because that's the poster I actually had on my wall as a kid."
The Countach is a famous sports car from Lamborghini that looks very cool and is very fast. It was popular in the 1980s and is still loved by car fans today.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its striking design and powerful V12 engine. It became an icon of the 1980s and is celebrated for its performance and unique styling.
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