So we're quite taken with Porsche chief instructor Gordon Robertson and his quest to drive the Project 50 race 911 around nine circuits in three days en route to the car's date at Goodwood. Nice to have a good cause and human interest angle amid all the deserved chest beating about the 911's 50th and all that.
PH's Al Suttie joined Gordon for a lap of his local track Knockhill for the first of his three tracks yesterday and here forward we'll be checking in with the man himself to update us on each day's action. The programme is ambitious and detailed in Al's original story. And, as ever, if you haven't already and feel moved to do so you can find out more about, and donate to, Gordon's chosen charity here.
Wednesday July 10, Thruxton and Goodwood
Day three started with the usual M25 rush but the old 911 took it in her stride! We arrived at Thruxton in glorious sunshine and went straight onto the circuit. The guys at Thruxton were amazing, giving us a free rein to get the best experience possible. It was amazing to think that a 50-year-old race car having just sat in stationary traffic for two hours was now at 8,000rpm round the UK's fastest circuit - there is no other 50-year-old so capable in my opinion. My wife Andrea took the controls of the 991 round Thruxton too and had a great time.
Back to roads again and on to Goodwood. We knew it would be busy on the lead up to the Festival of Speed and indeed it was! We got onto the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit at 5pm and had some lovely laps of this flowing yet infamous circuit. During my laps of the circuit I glanced over to my wee girl in the passenger seat to find her sound asleep! It had finally caught up with her!
It was so satisfying but surprisingly disappointing to be finishing The Long Way Doune - it has been a genuinely epic journey. I want to thank the whole team so much. Everyone at Porsche who made it possible, all the circuits involved, our VIP guest drivers who were astounding, the hotels who supplied accommodation, Northants police, friends, and family too. A huge thank you to Dave Dawes and James Eastwood who helped beyond belief and supplied a lot if laughs in the way. But the two most important people to thank are my wonderful wife Andrea and of course my wee princess and co- driver Lucy. Thanks to all for the donations; we are rapidly heading for our target so thank you for the support.
Tuesday July 9: Donington, Silverstone and Brands Hatch
What an amazing day! Weather was perfect. We started off at Donington where Richard Attwood was our guest driver and was superb. He drove the
Follow The 911
car and the Project 50 car. As always he was great fun - very entertaining and one of the finest drivers I've had the privilege of working with.
Next stop was Mallory Park - 'the friendly circuit' and it certainly was. We were made very welcome. I've never driven Mallory before, what a fantastic track - I need to get back there for a race! The old 911 was perfect round there, great fun.
Back on road to Silverstone. We were met by a police bike escort at Silverstone supplied by our friends at Northants police. This was brilliant and we travelled around Silverstone led by blue lights and sirens! Our guest driver at Silverstone was Mark Webber - he was awesome , so accommodating. We even had a race but he cheated - we'd agreed to race for one lap in the old cars but Mark decided to jump into the 991. I would have had him otherwise. I don't think.
On road again - the M1 and M25 filled us with fear but were surprisingly fine. We met lots of enthusiastic passers by who apparently loved the cars. Next stop was Brands Hatch, another fabulous track. Our guest here was Vicki Butler-Henderson who was an absolute star. Nothing was too much trouble, we had some brilliant laps and Lucy got to passenger with Vicki in the museum's 911 which was a huge treat for her. Vicki and family have been so supportive to The Long Way Doune , I really can't thank them enough.
An absolutely wonderful day. Andrea, Lucy and I are so grateful to the team and all helpers today - an awesome job. Thank you. Please keep the donations coming!
Monday July 8: Knockhill, Croft and Oulton Park
The Long Way Doune started very well. We left Doune at 0730h, met up with the rest of the team then drove to a very foggy Knockhill. We were met by the usual Knockhill welcome, namely being eaten by midges, but circuit MD Jillian Shedden organised everything and was an excellent host!
We had Gareth Inman and Aubrey Wood from the Ninewells Cancer Campaign who were so grateful for our efforts. Driving our guest car was Rory Butcher - Carrera Cup racer and an absolute star. Rory drove the 911 from the museum alongside myself and Lucy [Gordon's daughter, who's also benefited from Ninewells care] in the Project 50 911 and [PH man] Alisdair Suttie in our 991. We had some fun on track with Rory showing us how it's really done and Lucy making use of her new Stand 21 race suit for the first time.
We then got onto the road to Croft Circuit. After three hours in the old 911 Lucy and I were ready to stretch our legs. Our friends at Croft were very welcoming and we drove the cars round for a few laps, rekindling my passion for this great circuit.
Back to the grind again and we headed to Oulton Park. Hitting some serious traffic was alarming as we didn't want an overheating car. However, we made it unscathed and were joined by The Stig, who was absolutely awesome. Lucy had so much fun and actually managed to give him a hug, which is apparently a first! The Stig drove the Project 50 911 with Lucy as co-driver. When I asked how he enjoyed it she said "he was speechless!" Oulton Park is one of the finest old circuits in the country in my opinion and the 991 was fabulous out there on track.
Once more to the road and to the Radisson Blu hotel Donington where all the rooms were generously donated to help support the Long Way Doune.
All in all a wonderful start to a brilliant event. Please keep the donations coming in!
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