New Member, Everyman Racing Question.
Discussion
Hi,
Quick introduction, long time reader, first time poster. Hopefully have seen enough to abide by the rules and etiquette, though I expect to be quickly exposed by the PH resident grammar Nazi's as the virtually illiterate fool I actually am.
With this is mind, a question.
Does anybody have any opinions (good or otherwise) of the Everyman racing driving experiences? I received a gift voucher at Christmas (which I can redeem against any car, any track from the list on the website), and would like to hear from someone who has actually been on one. I have heard that some of these can be a little frustrating (straight into 6th, not allowed to change down Etc), so I would just like my expectations set and maybe some advice on car/ track.
Thanks in advance.
Quick introduction, long time reader, first time poster. Hopefully have seen enough to abide by the rules and etiquette, though I expect to be quickly exposed by the PH resident grammar Nazi's as the virtually illiterate fool I actually am.
With this is mind, a question.
Does anybody have any opinions (good or otherwise) of the Everyman racing driving experiences? I received a gift voucher at Christmas (which I can redeem against any car, any track from the list on the website), and would like to hear from someone who has actually been on one. I have heard that some of these can be a little frustrating (straight into 6th, not allowed to change down Etc), so I would just like my expectations set and maybe some advice on car/ track.
Thanks in advance.
Everyman are based out of Prestwold Hall which is a decent experience venue, enough space to get up to 120ish and some good corners. They do not tell their instructors to hold the drivers back or only use sixth etc unless things have changed since I last worked there (mid last year).
There will always be people who feel that they are being held back but they are usually the ones driving like idiots and they just can't understand why the instructor is stopping them from opening up the huge can of awesome that they've been saving up for their first time on track
.
There will always be people who feel that they are being held back but they are usually the ones driving like idiots and they just can't understand why the instructor is stopping them from opening up the huge can of awesome that they've been saving up for their first time on track
.I worked for Everyman for 15 years, and have seen it evolve to being what it is now, under new ownership! All the good instructors have left, except for one or two, & the majority that are currently there couldn't instruct "how to get out of a paper bag" let alone a supercar! The majority have no motorsport experience, and are virtually working for the novelty value, so don't expect any in depth instruction, just a body who is there to "control" you. You will be one of many there on the day, and the whole experience will be over very quickly, but if you go with the attitude that you just want to sit in & drive a supercar, you should enjoy it. The cars generally are good, the track is good, just don't expect too much and you will be fine. It would be good to have your feedback, ... let us know how you went on.
To be honest, due mainly to finances, I haven't been driving for all that long, and have no desire to bin 100k worth of car in teenage style "look at me" bravado (I'm 22) . Just the "wow, im driving a supercar" buzz will be fine for me. Would like to encourage a little noise down the back straight though...
ginettajoe said:
I worked for Everyman for 15 years, and have seen it evolve to being what it is now, under new ownership! All the good instructors have left, except for one or two, & the majority that are currently there couldn't instruct "how to get out of a paper bag" let alone a supercar! The majority have no motorsport experience, and are virtually working for the novelty value, so don't expect any in depth instruction, just a body who is there to "control" you. You will be one of many there on the day, and the whole experience will be over very quickly, but if you go with the attitude that you just want to sit in & drive a supercar, you should enjoy it. The cars generally are good, the track is good, just don't expect too much and you will be fine. It would be good to have your feedback, ... let us know how you went on.
Don't hold back Howard, tell us what you really think 
walsh said:
though I expect to be quickly exposed by the PH resident grammar Nazi's
Oh the beautiful irony 
Hope you have a great time. Tried to do a track day there many moons ago but got kicked off by the Noise Nazis. I had heard good things about the Everyman setup, but looks like that was the previous Administration. Shame really.
Let us know how you get on.
Bert
Hi there, first time post, but felt so strongly I had to write it down!
I celebrated my 40th Birthday last week and my dear wife had saved to get me a very special gift experience - the chance to drive a Lamborghini and a Ferrari
She'd purchased it via
(yes I know they are just a booking service) and the pack I opened on my birthday was very posh indeed. Thick red boxed style packaging that contained all the details about the day. There would be a drivers briefing, catering facilities at the venue, I'd go out with my instructor as a passenger in a performance car to show me the track and explain the lines, then we'd jump into the Ferrari, do 4 laps and then we'd get into the Lambo so I could to a like for like comparison.
My wife would get a chance to be driven around the track at speed, free of charge, and to keep the kids happy, all guests that came with me to enjoy the 'experience of a dream come true' could have a fun 4x4 ride, again free of charge.
I can't tell you how excited I had been all week at work. I was bouncing off the wall with anticipation of getting behind the wheel of both cars. OMG!!! I was checking the weather forecast almost hourly to make sure we had no rain...
Then came the day itself, yesterday we drove up to Kenilworth (Prodrive Facility) and thankfully the rain stayed away. As for the experience - OH DEAR!!!!!!!!
First and foremost, the drive itself in the Lambo and 360 were fantastic, the two instructors I had for each drive were very professional, friendly and helpful while in the car. Outside of the car was a different matter...
Don't get me wrong, I expected it to be busy and was happy with the waiting around for the rides themselves and I knew I'd only be in the car for a few laps, but what you have to remember is that for many, this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive cars like this, and the 'experience' was very poor indeed and did not live up to the impression that I got when I first opened that Red Letters Gift Pack!
How can I explain it... I guess it is like getting a 1st Class ticket from Virgin Airways for a flight to New York, only to get to the airport and find your flying on Ryanair and would have to pay extra for everything else!!!
There was no driver briefing
Girls who welcomed you were wishing they were somewhere else
Welcome was cold and un-inviting
Would have expected a complimentary welcome drink - NOTHING
More interested in trying to sell insurance waiver!
Was not driven around the track by my instructor, just some youngster - info about lines was difficult to extract - even when asking questions, he didn't come across knowledgeable
My allotted time slot for both drives was a joke, over 1 hour late in the Ferrari 360, and I had to push to get into the Lambo - seems like it was more like shout the loudest and you'll get your drive
As I said, despite the waiting, the chance to drive both cars was fantastic and I loved the Lambo more so than the Ferrari, but still both cars are only a dream for me
I purchased a flash drive for £30 (again - reminds me of Ryanair) to have in-car footage, just the Lambo as I was not worried about getting in-car footage of Ferrari.
Got back to 'hut' to check video footage and they had the wrong graphics on the video, it did not show Kenilworth, it had a different track. The speedo was wrong too, I hit 130 down the straight in the Lambo but only showed top speed of 117 - how is anyone going to believe me now! I asked if they could replace graphic overlay with correct track and the woman was very rude and blunt and said, "no - what do you expect us to do about"
They then tried to sell me a photo for £15 (Good old Ryanair again I see) hard to say who was in the car, but I think I just about spotted my face in the driver’s seat!
Oh and the catering facilities.... a burger van!
OK, so why am I being so negative, simple really. This was bought as a gift from my wife. She'd saved for several months to 'treat me' to my 'dream drive' in a car/marque that I've always loved, ever since I had my Countach poster on my bedroom wall. I've looked at them, I've read about them, I've seen the photos, even sat in many stationery ones, but this was going to be me living out my dream and driving it.
The people who run these events () need to understand this. To them they may be thinking, oh here comes another chav or idiot who thinks he's Senna or Schumacher, but they have to remember that for many this will be their only chance to ever experience such a drive and therefore this is a very special day in deed and they must be treated as such.
Although she didn't show it, my wife was very upset, VERY UPSET indeed. Having spent all that money (might not be much to many here on PH who have the pleasure to own such wonderful machines, but to her it was a lot) and to see what we had to endure - she made a small comment as we were driving home that kind of summed up the day - she thought the whole day was like watching cattle being herded through a cattle market!
Oh and to add insult to injury...
My wife never got her 'free driver' - they wanted me to pay £40 for the ride!!!
...and the kids who came along too to watch their dad 'experience the dream' who were looking forward to some mud and fun in the 4x4 - they wanted £3 for the 'free ride'
I now feel terrible that my dream day, a very special day will not quite live in the memory of my wife and I as it should have.
As I say, I've read PHs for many years and have always wanted to experience that thrill of a supercar, but have ruined that experience.
Needless to say, will be getting a letter from me very soon this week. They may only be the bookers, but they MUST take full responsibility for the companies they choose to associate themselves with.
My only advice...
If you want the Virgin Experience in a driving day - go hire a car yourself and take the wife away for a weekend somewhere in the lakes to have the pleasure of driving such beautiful machinery.
However, if you love Ryanair and are happy to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for the worst customer service, then is the one for you!
This has really put me off trying any other track day now for life!
Prodrive should also consider the impression that is being left on their face too as their branding is all around the facility...
RIP-OFF BRITAIN RULES OK
ETA
Names removed under N&S policy
I celebrated my 40th Birthday last week and my dear wife had saved to get me a very special gift experience - the chance to drive a Lamborghini and a Ferrari
She'd purchased it via
(yes I know they are just a booking service) and the pack I opened on my birthday was very posh indeed. Thick red boxed style packaging that contained all the details about the day. There would be a drivers briefing, catering facilities at the venue, I'd go out with my instructor as a passenger in a performance car to show me the track and explain the lines, then we'd jump into the Ferrari, do 4 laps and then we'd get into the Lambo so I could to a like for like comparison.My wife would get a chance to be driven around the track at speed, free of charge, and to keep the kids happy, all guests that came with me to enjoy the 'experience of a dream come true' could have a fun 4x4 ride, again free of charge.
I can't tell you how excited I had been all week at work. I was bouncing off the wall with anticipation of getting behind the wheel of both cars. OMG!!! I was checking the weather forecast almost hourly to make sure we had no rain...
Then came the day itself, yesterday we drove up to Kenilworth (Prodrive Facility) and thankfully the rain stayed away. As for the experience - OH DEAR!!!!!!!!
First and foremost, the drive itself in the Lambo and 360 were fantastic, the two instructors I had for each drive were very professional, friendly and helpful while in the car. Outside of the car was a different matter...
Don't get me wrong, I expected it to be busy and was happy with the waiting around for the rides themselves and I knew I'd only be in the car for a few laps, but what you have to remember is that for many, this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive cars like this, and the 'experience' was very poor indeed and did not live up to the impression that I got when I first opened that Red Letters Gift Pack!
How can I explain it... I guess it is like getting a 1st Class ticket from Virgin Airways for a flight to New York, only to get to the airport and find your flying on Ryanair and would have to pay extra for everything else!!!
There was no driver briefing
Girls who welcomed you were wishing they were somewhere else
Welcome was cold and un-inviting
Would have expected a complimentary welcome drink - NOTHING
More interested in trying to sell insurance waiver!
Was not driven around the track by my instructor, just some youngster - info about lines was difficult to extract - even when asking questions, he didn't come across knowledgeable
My allotted time slot for both drives was a joke, over 1 hour late in the Ferrari 360, and I had to push to get into the Lambo - seems like it was more like shout the loudest and you'll get your drive
As I said, despite the waiting, the chance to drive both cars was fantastic and I loved the Lambo more so than the Ferrari, but still both cars are only a dream for me
I purchased a flash drive for £30 (again - reminds me of Ryanair) to have in-car footage, just the Lambo as I was not worried about getting in-car footage of Ferrari.
Got back to 'hut' to check video footage and they had the wrong graphics on the video, it did not show Kenilworth, it had a different track. The speedo was wrong too, I hit 130 down the straight in the Lambo but only showed top speed of 117 - how is anyone going to believe me now! I asked if they could replace graphic overlay with correct track and the woman was very rude and blunt and said, "no - what do you expect us to do about"
They then tried to sell me a photo for £15 (Good old Ryanair again I see) hard to say who was in the car, but I think I just about spotted my face in the driver’s seat!
Oh and the catering facilities.... a burger van!
OK, so why am I being so negative, simple really. This was bought as a gift from my wife. She'd saved for several months to 'treat me' to my 'dream drive' in a car/marque that I've always loved, ever since I had my Countach poster on my bedroom wall. I've looked at them, I've read about them, I've seen the photos, even sat in many stationery ones, but this was going to be me living out my dream and driving it.
The people who run these events (
) need to understand this. To them they may be thinking, oh here comes another chav or idiot who thinks he's Senna or Schumacher, but they have to remember that for many this will be their only chance to ever experience such a drive and therefore this is a very special day in deed and they must be treated as such.Although she didn't show it, my wife was very upset, VERY UPSET indeed. Having spent all that money (might not be much to many here on PH who have the pleasure to own such wonderful machines, but to her it was a lot) and to see what we had to endure - she made a small comment as we were driving home that kind of summed up the day - she thought the whole day was like watching cattle being herded through a cattle market!
Oh and to add insult to injury...
My wife never got her 'free driver' - they wanted me to pay £40 for the ride!!!
...and the kids who came along too to watch their dad 'experience the dream' who were looking forward to some mud and fun in the 4x4 - they wanted £3 for the 'free ride'
I now feel terrible that my dream day, a very special day will not quite live in the memory of my wife and I as it should have.
As I say, I've read PHs for many years and have always wanted to experience that thrill of a supercar, but
have ruined that experience.Needless to say,
will be getting a letter from me very soon this week. They may only be the bookers, but they MUST take full responsibility for the companies they choose to associate themselves with.My only advice...
If you want the Virgin Experience in a driving day - go hire a car yourself and take the wife away for a weekend somewhere in the lakes to have the pleasure of driving such beautiful machinery.
However, if you love Ryanair and are happy to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for the worst customer service, then
is the one for you!This has really put me off trying any other track day now for life!
Prodrive should also consider the impression that is being left on their face too as their branding is all around the facility...
RIP-OFF BRITAIN RULES OK
ETA
Names removed under N&S policy
Edited by Big Al. on Friday 10th June 12:17
How ironic!
Just logged in to see if anyone replied with a similar experience that I had this weekend and what do I see at the top of the page?
An advert from promoting their Ferrari v Lamborghini packages...
Well, the letter will be on it's way in the morning, looking forward to their reply, that's if I get one
ETA
Names removed under N&S policy
Just logged in to see if anyone replied with a similar experience that I had this weekend and what do I see at the top of the page?
An advert from
promoting their Ferrari v Lamborghini packages...Well, the letter will be on it's way in the morning, looking forward to their reply, that's if I get one
ETA
Names removed under N&S policy
Edited by Big Al. on Friday 10th June 12:18
I think it depends massively on the car you chose.
For a start, most of the "high end" cars are hired from the owners, so they have to be very careful about driving them. This often means limiting speeds, overtaking etc.
I've done several of these things, and I have to say I wasn't impressed by the circuit at Prestwold - it's a very flat & wide circuit with little braking, really designed for people to cruise around on. The worst part was other cars - one of the cars was a Hummer, and as drivers were only permitted to overtake on the straights it meant a queue of exotica being forced to follow at a slow speed for half a lap at a time.
Unfortunately this isn't just them - I did another experience at Thruxton (admittedly different company) with other nice cars and it was exactly the same. All the "nice" stuff (i.e. Lambo's etc) were limited to 130 (might even be 110, I forget) , which in a car with 600+ HP isn't actually that hard to reach. While I was (relatively) free to push car around the circuit (I was in an MX5), they weren't allowed to push anywhere near as hard as the car would go round the corners, and on the straights they'd soon come up behind someone who wasn't checking mirrors and not letting them past (don't underestimate - loads of nervous people in DB9's etc were holding back the humble 2L MX5, I dread to think how galling that would be in a Lambo etc)
Personally while I'd love to say I drove a Ferrari, it just doesn't feel right getting in a supercar and then not really using it's performance and paying through the nose for the privilege.
On the other hand, i've done some really good ones - usually with lower value cars. From Everyman I did the Rally experience at Prestwold (which is next to the "main" circuit which I was watching while waiting...) - the cars were dogs (as in, they'd had a lifetimes abuse already), but you weren't forced to baby them at all. You could treat the cars as they were meant to be (which includes sideways, bouncing off the rev limiter) and really experience why they were so special.
However, Prestwold isn't a "nice" place in the sense of hospitality. But thats not why I was there.
And yes, the pictures / videos are expensive. But it's up to you if it's worth it - I usually say no to these sort of things, and i'm fairly sure the videos from the circuit ones would be fairly boring, but I wish in hindsight i'd got one from the really one...
For a start, most of the "high end" cars are hired from the owners, so they have to be very careful about driving them. This often means limiting speeds, overtaking etc.
I've done several of these things, and I have to say I wasn't impressed by the circuit at Prestwold - it's a very flat & wide circuit with little braking, really designed for people to cruise around on. The worst part was other cars - one of the cars was a Hummer, and as drivers were only permitted to overtake on the straights it meant a queue of exotica being forced to follow at a slow speed for half a lap at a time.
Unfortunately this isn't just them - I did another experience at Thruxton (admittedly different company) with other nice cars and it was exactly the same. All the "nice" stuff (i.e. Lambo's etc) were limited to 130 (might even be 110, I forget) , which in a car with 600+ HP isn't actually that hard to reach. While I was (relatively) free to push car around the circuit (I was in an MX5), they weren't allowed to push anywhere near as hard as the car would go round the corners, and on the straights they'd soon come up behind someone who wasn't checking mirrors and not letting them past (don't underestimate - loads of nervous people in DB9's etc were holding back the humble 2L MX5, I dread to think how galling that would be in a Lambo etc)
Personally while I'd love to say I drove a Ferrari, it just doesn't feel right getting in a supercar and then not really using it's performance and paying through the nose for the privilege.
On the other hand, i've done some really good ones - usually with lower value cars. From Everyman I did the Rally experience at Prestwold (which is next to the "main" circuit which I was watching while waiting...) - the cars were dogs (as in, they'd had a lifetimes abuse already), but you weren't forced to baby them at all. You could treat the cars as they were meant to be (which includes sideways, bouncing off the rev limiter) and really experience why they were so special.
However, Prestwold isn't a "nice" place in the sense of hospitality. But thats not why I was there.
And yes, the pictures / videos are expensive. But it's up to you if it's worth it - I usually say no to these sort of things, and i'm fairly sure the videos from the circuit ones would be fairly boring, but I wish in hindsight i'd got one from the really one...
Jakg said:
I think it depends massively on the car you chose.
However, Prestwold isn't a "nice" place in the sense of hospitality. But thats not why I was there...
Mine was at Kenilworth not Prestwold, though from the sounds of things the hospitality is just as bad.However, Prestwold isn't a "nice" place in the sense of hospitality. But thats not why I was there...
I hear what you say Jakg about why you are really there, but I think your missing the point of my post.
This was a gift given to me by my wife who's saved up to get it. It is described in the lovely Red Letter Days pack as a dream come true, they build up the expectations of a very professional day out for you and the guests.
But they failed big time on everything apart from those few minutes I had in the cars. Which for that matter were not held back. II had my foot flat to the floor in both the Ferrari and Lambo, but the straights were so short that by 130mph I was on the breaks for the corners
As I said in my OP, the
pack made me feel like I was going to get the 'Virgin' treatment when it comes to customer service, however on the day it was the 'Ryanair' treatment that I got.I'm sorry but that is simply not acceptable for any company offering 'Dream Days' and I will certainly not recommend
(what ever they want to call themseleves) to anyone thinking of getting a gift for their loved ones.If however, you are spending your own money, happy to be treated like muck, just to get a few laps in the cars that you'll never be able to afford, then you've all been warned...
ETA
Names removed under N&S policy
Edited by Big Al. on Friday 10th June 12:20
LamboFan said:
My only advice...
If you want the Virgin Experience in a driving day - go hire a car yourself and take the wife away for a weekend somewhere in the lakes to have the pleasure of driving such beautiful machinery.
However, if you love Ryanair and are happy to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for the worst customer service, then Everyman is the one for you!
This has really put me off trying any other track day now for life!
Prodrive should also consider the impression that is being left on their face too as their branding is all around the facility...
RIP-OFF BRITAIN RULES OK
What did you REALLY expect for the money? If you want the Virgin Experience in a driving day - go hire a car yourself and take the wife away for a weekend somewhere in the lakes to have the pleasure of driving such beautiful machinery.
However, if you love Ryanair and are happy to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for the worst customer service, then Everyman is the one for you!
This has really put me off trying any other track day now for life!
Prodrive should also consider the impression that is being left on their face too as their branding is all around the facility...
RIP-OFF BRITAIN RULES OK
I guess she paid less than £200?
A weekend away of course would be lovely. But it would be around £2k for even just a 360 with any decent mileage!!!!
So of course it would be better!!
You get what you pay for in life funnily enough!
Dont let it put you off though. If you want a proper day
http://www.palmersport.com/
AMAZING. just amazing! Done it 18 times now... would do it again tomorrow. I've got my own F430 and track it reguarly... but would MUCH MUCH MUCH rather do the Palmersport day. Thats how good it is!
OH and the Speedo thing on the video? if they were using a GPS system on the video then 130mph showing on the speedo is almost certainly a true 117mph. Most speedos overread by at least 10%. That one was exactly 10% it seems.
Edited by Porkie on Wednesday 18th May 08:50
Thing is Porkie the sort of people these days are marketed to (and I can't think of a way to write that without it sounding snotty - which is not what I mean) are not in the know about these matters. They don't know that to get the sort of day a chap would relaly like you need to be spending £600 plus at a minimum. It's all dressed up very nicely and looks very exciting when you buy it.
I know you can't polish a turd but even if the vehicle bit is limited (and at those prices of course it is) but it seems more and more that the bit that could be done well isn't. It costs a company exactly the same money to deal with a client nicely as it does to be miserable gits.
Melindi
I know you can't polish a turd but even if the vehicle bit is limited (and at those prices of course it is) but it seems more and more that the bit that could be done well isn't. It costs a company exactly the same money to deal with a client nicely as it does to be miserable gits.
Melindi
Thats very true melindi
Fair enough, as you say I don't suppose his wife would have realised what a really good event would cost.
I apologise!
Lambofan, I see you are in Bedfordshire. I go to Bedford autodrome at least once a month. email me your number if you like and I will take you and your wife out for some laps in my F430 and some other faster cars next time I am there. I dont have a Lambo though sorry.
I am there this Friday evening actually. But its a Renault only night, so will only have my Clio 172cup there. You are welcome to have some laps though. Its awesome little thing.
hope that will make up for your dissapointing day before! Proper Trackdays are awesome fun. dont let that one poor 'experience day' put you off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLWbkl_S050
Fair enough, as you say I don't suppose his wife would have realised what a really good event would cost.
I apologise!
Lambofan, I see you are in Bedfordshire. I go to Bedford autodrome at least once a month. email me your number if you like and I will take you and your wife out for some laps in my F430 and some other faster cars next time I am there. I dont have a Lambo though sorry.
I am there this Friday evening actually. But its a Renault only night, so will only have my Clio 172cup there. You are welcome to have some laps though. Its awesome little thing.
hope that will make up for your dissapointing day before! Proper Trackdays are awesome fun. dont let that one poor 'experience day' put you off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLWbkl_S050
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