Photos:: The Formula One GP Experience

The GP Experience starts with a briefing by professional drivers, including Didier Theys, right. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

March 20, 2015 3:29 PM PT

The program is based on a series that began in Europe a decade ago. Formula One GP Experience drivers pay as much as $9,995 for a few high-speed laps around the track — and the day of training to prepare.

The GP Experience staff prep a participant in the F1 car prior to heading onto the track. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Participants orient themselves with the track by following instructors in a variety of Lotus sports cars, namely the Evora S. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

After lunch, Theys briefs the group on the intricacies of the F1 car. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The Formula One GP Experience. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The 620-horsepower, V-10-powered F1 car participants use. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The GP Experience staff prep a participant in the F1 car prior to heading onto the track. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

David Undercoffler with his racing gear. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

David Undercoffler in his racing helmet. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

David Undercoffler in his F1 car before heading out onto the track. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

The GP Experience staff prep David Undercoffler in the F1 car prior to heading onto the track. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

David Undercoffler in his F1 car before heading out onto the track. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

The GP Experience staff prep David Undercoffler in the F1 car prior to heading onto the track. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

Drivers are shown the best lines through the turns and the best ways to avoid destroying the Renault F-1. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The F1 car heads out onto the track. (Michael Harley / For The Times)

The GP Experience staff prep a participant in the F1 car prior to heading onto the track. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The Formula One GP Experience. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

After piloting an F1 car on their own, participants get hot laps with Theys in a specially-designed three-seat F1 car. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

The Formula One GP Experience. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)