So in Pic Of The Week on Friday I mentioned something about
going to Spa in a Lotus
. Which I am on Saturday.
PH in his mirrors this time next week? Possibly...
This stems from a phone call from Peter Ternstrom of
Gran Turismo Events
calling us up a couple of months ago and waxing lyrical about the high roller track days he runs at circuits all over Europe,
including Spa
, the 'ring and more. 'You should come along to one!' was the basic gist. My arm didn't need a whole lot of twisting, it has to be said.
Now, you'll see from the promo video below that the standard of vehicles attending Gran Turismo's events is somewhat toward the exotic end of the spectrum. Presenting a problem; what to take.
Much as I loved the giant-killing abilities of my little Mazda at Goodwood Spa is a fast, fast track and it'll take more than orange wheels and a loud exhaust to make much of an impression. Though I quite like the absurdity of turning up to a supercar track day in a £1,200 Mazda.
Plucky underdog spirit is the plan of attack...
No, I'll need something much more serious. A GT3 would be perf- ... oh. McLaren? The 650S's are all busy on the launch event in Spain and, somewhat inconveniently, they've sold all the P1s. A Speciale would be nice but the press cars haven't left Italian soil yet. A Huracan would be good - indeed, our man Peter has one on order - but we're a bit soon for that.
The trouble with taking a supercar on a track day, besides mere trifles like trying to find someone who'll underwrite it, is the burden of expectation to properly 'see what she'll do'. Which is fine. But inclined to make those approving insurance request forms rather jumpy. Something quick enough to justify presence but with a pricetag more likely to slip under the radar of the suits responsible for signing such antics off.
I did consider nicking Matt's Caterham. But he needs to get it stickered up ahead of his first competitive outing. In a Lotus frame of mind and meditating on the fact I've not yet driven the Elise S Club Racer I put in a call...
Exige spotted among exotica in vid offers hope
I like to think a supercharged 220hp, sub-tonne Elise will do us rather well. There'll be no shame if I'm being overtaken by Ferraris on the long straight to Les Combes or fast run through Blanchimont to the chicane. But I like to think in the twistier sections between the Lotus might show a bit of plucky underdog spirit and snap at a few exotic heels. Plus, as explored in POTW, little Lotuses have some Spa pedigree, which affords opportunity to reminisce on some past glories with essential pilgrimages to the Masta Friterie and other iconic spots from the 'old' Spa on the roads surrounding the modern circuit.
Final preparations are being made, Eurotunnel is being booked and the excitement levels are rising. And I'll be blogging from the trip as I go at the weekend. Stay tuned!