Perhaps the recent Pistonheads blast at Bruntingthorpe has left me with a new and rather unique hobby. Do I perhaps really enjoy standing around beside airfield runways on freezing cold days watching Porsches flash past?
I ask because the kind invitation of Paul Davis from U Drive Cars saw me join the U Drive team at a deserted airfield, this time in Oxfordshire, to take part in the initial shakedown runs of the new addition to their trackday car rental fleet- a Porsche 996 racer.
The Porsche is a recent acquisition for the company, who's other track cars include a pair of Japanese Banzai rocket saloons from the stables of Subaru & Mitsubishi.
Its very YELLOW!
It may look like a GT3, but like all early Cup spec 996's the car is based on
the 3.4litre 996. It was commissioned in 1998 and built in Germany to 'Cup' race
spec for the UK Pirelli Cup. This car is rather special, because not only for
various reasons was it never raced, but it is also RHD- simply because the
original purchacer had specifed he didn't want a LHD car.
Currently the car has the full weld in Cup/Clubsport type rollcage with the crossbracing on the doors- which makes entry and exiting the full race seat rather a challenge! However the top crossbracing bar will soon be removed, which will considerably improve access
To cope with the ever strict trackday noise regulations, the car is very similar in volume as it drives past, to a standard 996. However on the inside the lack of any carpets, rooflining or soundproofing, leave you in no doubt that it is a Porsche flat six engine that is growling away behind you.
This was the first run in a long time for the 996, as the winter has seen the udrive team- and local Porsche specialist Fearnsport, get everything sorted to run properly after its long lay up. A few more test days were planned to ensure the car can cope with a season of track day frolics.
Foot Down
With this being an initial shakedown session, I took it relatively easy on the car. After a handful of laps I pulled in to speak to Paul, who- after a quick check of engine & brakes, cheerfully told me to feel free to give it a bit more stick, after all- he said with a smile, "what is there for you to hit out here if you spin!"
Feeling an instant liking for Paul and his philosophy, I set off again - this time driving a fair bit harder and basically having a great time!
Power & Handling
Lack of go in any 911 is rarely a problem, especially when they have 300bhp and have been on a serious weight reduction program. The very taught chassis is far stiffer than a road going 996 and is a hoot to drive hard - being responsive and very adjustable on the throttle. I'm told that before being let loose with the public, some Touring car and GT racer bloke called Tim Harvey was going to offer advice on a few final tweaks to the set up. I don't know why they need him though, as I'm available for the very reasonable rates of free tracktime and lots of pies...
Asian Temptress
With the photos in the bag and after many laps in the 996 I was about to head
off, when Paul asked "Would I like a few laps in the Mitsubishi"
Now even a someone as clueless on Japanese machinery as I am, knew that the Evo
7 RS Sprint was something of a beast, with a power to weight ratio far better
than the standard Evos and almost equal to a Porsche 996 GT3 or Turbo - so I
really didn't need asking twice!
Banzai!!!
After a few warm up laps I was soon having an absolute ball in the Evo, with 320 turbocharged Japanese horses giving jet fighter like thrust down the straight bits, while the dump valve whooshed away merrily under the bonnet whenever I backed off for the bends. The Evo is great fun to drive fast and very forgiving, so even if your driving abilities are more Maureen from driving school than the standard of a certain Mr Makinen, the hugely entertaining and absurdly quick Evo will certainly put a smile on your face - and make you feel like a Tarmac event WRC god for days to follow.
Bargain Priced Banzai Action
With trackday packages in the Subaru and Mitsubishi starting at £199, this type of arrive and drive set up certainly will appeal to many who simply cannot justify having a dedicated trackday car.
I'm happy to thoroughly recommedn the U Drive experience, because not only are they decent bunch of enthusiastic and friendly petrolheads, they also realise you do not want to be treated like a teenager on his driving test while on a trackday. They do not restrict your revs or speed - you simply drive the car as hard as your personal limit will allow, with helpful advice and coaching available on hand.
Links: www.udrivecars.com, Fearnsatlarge@AOL.com (Fearnsport)