What Is Cooler Than Driving a Maserati? Driving a Maserati Fast

Amateurs can transform themselves into professionals at Maserati’s Racing Academy.

Calling all gentleman racers: the sixth Maserati Trofeo World Series kicks off in April, and the famed Italian marque is giving you a chance to sharpen your skills in advance. On March 21 and 22 the Maserati Racing Academy gets underway in Vallelunga, Italy, with programs run by professional drivers for both beginners and those with track time who want to improve their performance. At the end of the course, participants will have the chance to take the test that allows entry into the Trofeo World Series itself, which attracts Maserati enthusiasts from around the globe. 

The cost of the program starts at €9,500, or about $10,750, so these aren’t cheap thrills. For €25,000, or about $28,000, you can take part in the pre-season group test session and Race 1 of the 2015 Trofeo series in France on April 25–26, in addition to the Academy training. Unless you’re really, really good; the academy’s two top drivers will get to race the opening round for free. The race calendar will then make its way across three continents and three new circuits making their series debut. Want to race them all? It’ll run you €125,000 (about $141,500). But here’s the good part: Maserati provides the wheels.

No ordinary old road car either but an asphalt-eating, race-prepped Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo. They’ll even provide a backup if it, er, breaks. There’s also a dedicated team of engineers and pit crews to provide support during competitions. Following the season opener in France at the Circuit Paul Ricard, round 2 will take place at Spielberg, Austria (a new track) on May 24. On June 28 comes another new track: Road America in Wisconsin, USA, followed by VIR – Danville, in Virginia, on August 23. The come October 25 the championship heads to Suzuka, Japan, for the first time ever, followed by the final race in Abu Dhabi. May the best man win.