Thruxton Ferrari Experience Review
Discussion
I’ve just completed a Ferrari experience at Thruxton for my birthday and thought I’d share my thoughts with the PH massive. My verdict is that this a suitable experience if you’re buying it for someone who just wants to tick the ‘I’ve driven a Ferrari’ box but anyone with an interest in cars and driving will be left wanting, badly.
After arriving at Thruxton, the day couldn’t have started off any better. I met Tiff Needell who was an awesome guy, had a few jokes and took a few photos. After a quick lunch, I was off to look at the cars already on track – what a selection! Plenty of Porsches, Ferraris California and 355 (the one I’d be driving), one or two R8s, Aston Martin’s and so on. But the crown jewel had to be the Lamborghini SV-670. It was incredible to see (and hear) it in the metal!
It was then time for the briefing which lasted half an hour. There were some yawns in the audience but having never raced/driven on track before, the video conveyed the basic concepts well – straight line braking, smooth turn-in, applying power progressively etc. I don’t want to sound too geeky, but I really enjoyed the briefing!
Equipped with this knowledge and 3 laps of being driven around in an MPS by a cheery instructor, I felt ready to take anything the Ferrari could throw at me! And, some 20 minutes later I found myself sitting behind the wheel of the 355.
“Whatever you do don’t pull the handbrake because it’s really stiff” were the first words the new instructor said to me. Before I’d had a chance to ask her what all the buttons on the dash did, I was beckoned to start driving. 5mph…7, 8… “into second”
Um, sorry, what? Second gear? At less than 10mph? In a Ferrari? On my experience day?
I gave the accelerator one big push to squeeze as much out of first gear as possible before I had to follow instructions. Into second we go. As we set off, the feeling was incredible! I haven’t driven anything like this before. The way the pedals feel, the sensations behind the wheel, fully aware that the V8 was burbling away inches behind me…
We were barely past the first corner by the time I’d been told to put it into 6th. And in 6th I would stay for pretty much my entire time on the track. As far as instruction went, I was only ever told when to slow down before corners, never when to start accelerating out of them. How over-protective can you get?!
I plucked up the courage on my final lap to do a heel-toe downshift (I’d been practising in my own car) from 6th to 3rd. “Did I tell you to change down? Put it back into 6th” snapped the instructor. I sighed and obliged and having had my 3 laps, entered the pit lane.
The instructor did let me reverse the Ferrari as I pulled in (feels surprisingly normal and unsupercary), which was nice – how many non-Ferrari owners can say they’ve reversed one? And with that, my Ferrari experience came to an end.
All in all, it was a very mediocre experience for me, someone who really enjoys all aspects of cars and driving. I’m pretty certain that I could beat my Ferrari 355 time in my Nissan Almera should I get the opportunity – that is as long as there isn’t an over-protective instructor who won’t let me rev beyond 3-4000 rpm sitting next to me!
Have any other PHers done similar experience days – what were your thoughts? Are most instructors just like the one I had?
After arriving at Thruxton, the day couldn’t have started off any better. I met Tiff Needell who was an awesome guy, had a few jokes and took a few photos. After a quick lunch, I was off to look at the cars already on track – what a selection! Plenty of Porsches, Ferraris California and 355 (the one I’d be driving), one or two R8s, Aston Martin’s and so on. But the crown jewel had to be the Lamborghini SV-670. It was incredible to see (and hear) it in the metal!
It was then time for the briefing which lasted half an hour. There were some yawns in the audience but having never raced/driven on track before, the video conveyed the basic concepts well – straight line braking, smooth turn-in, applying power progressively etc. I don’t want to sound too geeky, but I really enjoyed the briefing!
Equipped with this knowledge and 3 laps of being driven around in an MPS by a cheery instructor, I felt ready to take anything the Ferrari could throw at me! And, some 20 minutes later I found myself sitting behind the wheel of the 355.
“Whatever you do don’t pull the handbrake because it’s really stiff” were the first words the new instructor said to me. Before I’d had a chance to ask her what all the buttons on the dash did, I was beckoned to start driving. 5mph…7, 8… “into second”
Um, sorry, what? Second gear? At less than 10mph? In a Ferrari? On my experience day?
I gave the accelerator one big push to squeeze as much out of first gear as possible before I had to follow instructions. Into second we go. As we set off, the feeling was incredible! I haven’t driven anything like this before. The way the pedals feel, the sensations behind the wheel, fully aware that the V8 was burbling away inches behind me…
We were barely past the first corner by the time I’d been told to put it into 6th. And in 6th I would stay for pretty much my entire time on the track. As far as instruction went, I was only ever told when to slow down before corners, never when to start accelerating out of them. How over-protective can you get?!
I plucked up the courage on my final lap to do a heel-toe downshift (I’d been practising in my own car) from 6th to 3rd. “Did I tell you to change down? Put it back into 6th” snapped the instructor. I sighed and obliged and having had my 3 laps, entered the pit lane.
The instructor did let me reverse the Ferrari as I pulled in (feels surprisingly normal and unsupercary), which was nice – how many non-Ferrari owners can say they’ve reversed one? And with that, my Ferrari experience came to an end.
All in all, it was a very mediocre experience for me, someone who really enjoys all aspects of cars and driving. I’m pretty certain that I could beat my Ferrari 355 time in my Nissan Almera should I get the opportunity – that is as long as there isn’t an over-protective instructor who won’t let me rev beyond 3-4000 rpm sitting next to me!
Have any other PHers done similar experience days – what were your thoughts? Are most instructors just like the one I had?
Edited by .blue on Tuesday 24th August 09:16
I did one at the Rock (inner twisty circuit) on Sunday which was a Christmas present. And it was completely different to yours I think!
It was a christmas present from the OH and on arrival we had a 15 minute briefing which explained the format, how to attack a corner and some considerable pisstaking from the instructor.
After that we had a 2 lap familiarisation run as a passenger in a MINI Cooper with an instructor not exactly hanging around and then it was back to the paddock to wait for my turn in the Ferrari 360.
On getting into the car (360 Modena with the F1 box) I was asked to gently take it out through the paddock to the track, on getting onto the track he just told me to 'nail it' up to the first corner and from that point on after hitting the apex I was expected to be on full throttle on the straights!
After a lap or two he said I should have a go at using the paddles to change gear as well, there appeared to be no holds barred from a revving point of view with the instructor allowing me to use the full rev range before flicking the paddle and feeling the car lurch into the next gear.
I don't know how many laps we did, maybe half a dozen, but frankly it was enough, I was going faster and pushing harder each lap, and having never driven anything like that before I had no idea where the limits of the car, or indeed my ability to handle it lay and I could quite easily have had a big accident given more time!
It was a great experience, and the instructor was quite happy that if you listened and took on board what was being said then you could push harder and go faster through the corners.
I would be back in a flash given half a chance.
It was a christmas present from the OH and on arrival we had a 15 minute briefing which explained the format, how to attack a corner and some considerable pisstaking from the instructor.
After that we had a 2 lap familiarisation run as a passenger in a MINI Cooper with an instructor not exactly hanging around and then it was back to the paddock to wait for my turn in the Ferrari 360.
On getting into the car (360 Modena with the F1 box) I was asked to gently take it out through the paddock to the track, on getting onto the track he just told me to 'nail it' up to the first corner and from that point on after hitting the apex I was expected to be on full throttle on the straights!
After a lap or two he said I should have a go at using the paddles to change gear as well, there appeared to be no holds barred from a revving point of view with the instructor allowing me to use the full rev range before flicking the paddle and feeling the car lurch into the next gear.
I don't know how many laps we did, maybe half a dozen, but frankly it was enough, I was going faster and pushing harder each lap, and having never driven anything like that before I had no idea where the limits of the car, or indeed my ability to handle it lay and I could quite easily have had a big accident given more time!
It was a great experience, and the instructor was quite happy that if you listened and took on board what was being said then you could push harder and go faster through the corners.
I would be back in a flash given half a chance.
I did a Ferrari 360 Experience at Rockingham on Saturday and would say it was the complete opposite of what you have said.
The instructor did get me up to 3rd quite quickly and it was mostly 3rd and 4th gear round the track but once I'd completed a couple of laps he was pushing me harder and harder.
I ended up on the arse of a Lamborghini who didn't want me to pass so we got into a race. My instructor was pushing me to get round him and I spent most of the time inches from the Lamborghini. It was only a miscomunication that allowed him to get away - Instructor said go left, I assumed he meant pits as there was no space to the left of the Lamborghini but he meant push past on the left!
Amazing day and will be done again. My instructor was called John Simpson, he was bobbing on a bit too. Brilliant instruction and brilliant encouragment.
The instructor did get me up to 3rd quite quickly and it was mostly 3rd and 4th gear round the track but once I'd completed a couple of laps he was pushing me harder and harder.
I ended up on the arse of a Lamborghini who didn't want me to pass so we got into a race. My instructor was pushing me to get round him and I spent most of the time inches from the Lamborghini. It was only a miscomunication that allowed him to get away - Instructor said go left, I assumed he meant pits as there was no space to the left of the Lamborghini but he meant push past on the left!
Amazing day and will be done again. My instructor was called John Simpson, he was bobbing on a bit too. Brilliant instruction and brilliant encouragment.
.blue said:
I plucked up the courage on my final lap to do a heel-toe downshift (I’d been practising in my own car) from 6th to 3rd.
I'm afraid most instructors will be pretty hacked off if you do this, particularly in a car like a 355, which is not know to be the most forgiving Ferrari. You've got to bear in mind that a track like Thruxton is very fast and bad things can happen very quickly when mistakes are made. The instructors are there to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable time. Thruxton is also a 'driving experience' and not a 'racing school' or 'rag a supercar' day.
They are known to have the newest and some of the best supercars on offer, but there are other places you can drive fast cars on more open circuits with more run off and those experiences will often allow you to push the cars harder.
I flew over to Bedford (from Northern Ireland) at the start of August to do the Palmersport full day. I wanted to do some driving, and decided to go for PS based solely on the reviews I'd heard.
It's expensive, and it took a bit of time to justify the price.. But having done it, I'd have absoloutely no problem paying that money again!
Starts at 8am, right through to nearly 6pm. Breakfast, lunch, and I suppose what you could call tea after the days over. At every paddock you go to, there's coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc whatever you want.. And you can just help yourself. The hospitality alone was incredible!
We started with the Caterhams around a circuit, I was in the first batch.. Was a bit nervous as they had a clutch and I'm used to big diesel cars. But I slowly went out on track, it was a bit wet so I tried to take it easy, after a lap or so I started to build confidence.. The entire time, I had the instructor telling me to go faster and faster! I felt like I was on my limit, but he was trying to push me..
Finished up there, took off the helmet and was buzzing.. Sat and watched the next crowd go around and I started to cool down a bit.. Next thing I hear "Okay guys, we're going to the Clios and the 911s now!".
Again, the same thing again.. Instructor pushing me as hard as I could go.. I started putting in some decent times, and I surprised myself more than anything..
Coming upto a corner in the Clio, your heads telling you to brake.. But he's sitting beside you shouting to keep pressing on!
(I have to get back to work)
That, along with the M3, Land Rovers, Caterham Pursuit, Gokarts, Jaguar racecar and Formula Jaguar Single seater.. Was a truly awesome experience!
And I WILL be back!
It's expensive, and it took a bit of time to justify the price.. But having done it, I'd have absoloutely no problem paying that money again!
Starts at 8am, right through to nearly 6pm. Breakfast, lunch, and I suppose what you could call tea after the days over. At every paddock you go to, there's coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc whatever you want.. And you can just help yourself. The hospitality alone was incredible!
We started with the Caterhams around a circuit, I was in the first batch.. Was a bit nervous as they had a clutch and I'm used to big diesel cars. But I slowly went out on track, it was a bit wet so I tried to take it easy, after a lap or so I started to build confidence.. The entire time, I had the instructor telling me to go faster and faster! I felt like I was on my limit, but he was trying to push me..
Finished up there, took off the helmet and was buzzing.. Sat and watched the next crowd go around and I started to cool down a bit.. Next thing I hear "Okay guys, we're going to the Clios and the 911s now!".
Again, the same thing again.. Instructor pushing me as hard as I could go.. I started putting in some decent times, and I surprised myself more than anything..
Coming upto a corner in the Clio, your heads telling you to brake.. But he's sitting beside you shouting to keep pressing on!
(I have to get back to work)
That, along with the M3, Land Rovers, Caterham Pursuit, Gokarts, Jaguar racecar and Formula Jaguar Single seater.. Was a truly awesome experience!
And I WILL be back!
Did my Lamborghini experience at Silverstone.
Ok, only 4 laps after half hours briefing but what 4 laps they were.
Instructor was actually telling me to go faster & allowed me to accelerate pretty much as hard as the car would allow.
Loved it & would definatley go there again.
Y2blade.... 
Ok, only 4 laps after half hours briefing but what 4 laps they were.
Instructor was actually telling me to go faster & allowed me to accelerate pretty much as hard as the car would allow.
Loved it & would definatley go there again.
Y2blade.... Edited by boobles on Tuesday 24th August 15:30
I've done the experience at Thruxton and can pretty much echo the OP's comments.
However, most of the people there had big smiles plastered over their faces. Everybody seemed to have a great time.
I suspect that it is aimed at the general public as opposed to PH enthusiasts.
I wouldn't do Thruxton again, but I did buy the "Aston Experience" for my son's 18th birthday. He really had a great day.
Don
--
However, most of the people there had big smiles plastered over their faces. Everybody seemed to have a great time.
I suspect that it is aimed at the general public as opposed to PH enthusiasts.
I wouldn't do Thruxton again, but I did buy the "Aston Experience" for my son's 18th birthday. He really had a great day.
Don
--
CraigW said:
OP, i'd write to them and explain how you feel. Ive done a fair few days and it does often come down to the instructor.
6th gear never failed me though.
I heard great things about 6th Gear too, and as such recommended them to my brother's fiance for my brother's birthday - he's doing his day in a month or so I think and really looking forward to it.6th gear never failed me though.
.blue said:
I plucked up the courage on my final lap to do a heel-toe downshift (I’d been practising in my own car) from 6th to 3rd. “Did I tell you to change down? Put it back into 6th” snapped the instructor. I sighed and obliged and having had my 3 laps, entered the pit lane.
A good example of why I'd never want to be an intrsuctor like that (and this is not a question of your ability) - but your idea of 3rd could have been 2nd, because it's a dog leg 1st in a 355 and as such, you could have buzzed the engine going from 6th to 2nd (ok, 6th at not very fast, but you take my point?).However, I completely understand your frustration and so am not questioning or belittling what you say - just thining of it from the instructor's point of view
CraigW said:
yup thats a fair point, I was at one of the original supercar experience's at snetterton, during the time I was there someone went from 4th to 1st instead of 3rd in an F355 and also blew up an Esprit turbo (not the same bloke!) so I guess they do have to be on their guard.
I imagine it doesn't take very many occasions of that sort of thing happening before rev limits, speed limits and other such restrictions are very quickly put in place.TonyHetherington said:
CraigW said:
yup thats a fair point, I was at one of the original supercar experience's at snetterton, during the time I was there someone went from 4th to 1st instead of 3rd in an F355 and also blew up an Esprit turbo (not the same bloke!) so I guess they do have to be on their guard.
I imagine it doesn't take very many occasions of that sort of thing happening before rev limits, speed limits and other such restrictions are very quickly put in place.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff