For the first time, the Owensboro Air Show will give visitors the chance to drive a Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, or other select exotic supercars down the runway at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
The new attraction, operated by Precision Exotics, will be available Sept. 11-13 during Air Show weekend and joins the event’s lineup of aerial demonstrations and interactive attractions.
City of Owensboro Director of Public Events Tim Ross said the experience will allow participants to choose from a fleet of high-performance vehicles, including Lamborghinis, McLarens, Porsches, Corvettes and other exotic sports cars. Drivers will have the opportunity to accelerate down the airport’s 1.5-mile runway alongside a professional instructor.
“We’re thrilled to be able to add another experience for people to participate in during the Air Show,” Ross said. “Most people can’t get behind the seat of the aircraft and fly the aircraft, but here you can get behind the wheel of some amazing exotic sports cars.”
Ross said the attraction has become increasingly common at air shows around the country, though it will make its Owensboro debut this year.
Participants can either drive one of the vehicles themselves or ride along with a professional driver. Ross said each driver will select the vehicle they want to experience from a fleet of approximately six or seven cars that will be on-site throughout the weekend.
Unlike a slow parade lap, Ross said drivers will have the opportunity to experience the performance the cars are built for.
“You can get after it,” he said. “You can go 140, 150 miles an hour, or whatever that car lets you do.”
A professional instructor will accompany each participant in the vehicle, and Ross said the experience takes place in a controlled environment on the airport runway.
“The roads are closed, you’re on a runway that’s a straight stretch for a mile and a half, and with the width of the runway, it’s a safe environment to be able to do it,” Ross said. “These folks have been doing it for years all over the country at different air shows and different fairs. We wouldn’t have brought them on board unless we thought it was safe.”
Driving experiences begin at $299, though Ross said a limited-time promotional discount available through the Owensboro Air Show website reduces the cost by about $100. Because the number of driving sessions is limited, organizers encourage participants to reserve their spots in advance. Tickets are available now here.
The addition joins several new attractions previously announced for the 2026 Owensboro Air Show, including demonstrations by a C-17 Globemaster III, a U.S. Coast Guard water rescue demonstration, and appearances by Red Bull Air Force performers.
The Owensboro Air Show returns Sept. 11-13 along the downtown riverfront, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the free event. While the flying performances take place over the Ohio River, the exotic car experience will be based at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
