Which driving experience?

[TeaVR]

Thinking of buying my Mrs a driving experience. I did the Thruxton thing last year, lapped in an MPS, Coxster, 430 and single seater. Was OK.

Also considering the AMG experience and Merc world. I've done this too, and found that the instructors allowed me to play (abuse ) the car loads more - but it's only an hour

Just wondering if there are alternatives?

[Twincam16]

A rally day? OK so the car isn't as 'glamorous' but you'll be able to 'abuse' it in ways you never thought possible on the track. Improves your driving skills too.

Plus there's nothing like being able to point to a photo of a fully liveried Escort Cosworth going sideways very rapidly, spraying the surroundings with mud and gravel, and saying 'see that? That's me that is'.

[Chris_w666]

If I were to go for a driving experience it would be a rally day, a 4x4 day or a palmersport day. Failing that I would rather spend the cash hiring a decent car for the day (or if you own a decent car on petrol and a hotel).

ETA: This looks reasonable if youre up this way. http://www.uklandroverevents.com/experience.htm

Edited by Chris_w666 on Wednesday 8th December 11:17

[TeaVR]

Thanks chaps.

I think the rally idea is superb. I've also done a rally day (actually morning), and it was brilliant!

Why didn't I think of that

Right, we are based in Gloucestershire, so any recommendations for a rally school?

Cheers.

[Ranger 6]

Yup, here: http://www.higginsrallyschool.com

[TeaVR]

Ranger 6 said:

Yup, here: http://www.higginsrallyschool.com

Looks good, but it's 3 hours away Def possibility however - would be a nice drive over there!

[Ranger 6]

Worth doing - with BRC Champions in the family they understand what's needed

[Jasandjules]

I got my OH a single seater day at Brands which she quite enjoyed, take the BMWs round to learn the lines then a few laps in a single seater. We also did a day at a Rally School which was great fun, handbrake turns and so on....

[TeaVR]

Thanks guys.

I have to say that my Thruxton experience was just 'OK'. For me, too much 'CHANGE UP' calls from the instructor. Also, having a single seater and being overtaken on the straights by road cars (due to rev limitor) felt a bit naff

Going to book the rally 1/2 day!

[Gwagon111]

Palmer sport day or half day at Bedford autodrome is feckin awesome fun. It's above average cost, but way above average fun.

[smit8361]

If budget isn't the biggest constraining factor just book a palmersport day. I have done many of the driving events recently. Such as Oulton Park M3 and single seaters, Brands Hatch M3 and single seaters and a 6th gear experience. In my opinion i have always come away from them wanting more. The instructors will very much dictate how hard you can push and due to noise and run off constraints it isnt always that much. Although I know the palmersport day is a LOT more money it is worth every penny. Never before had I driven cars as hard as I have at the event. By the end of the day everyone there was done in. It was absolutely awesome I can't explain enough just how hard the guys push you and how much you can learn with them. I would happily spend my money and go again. The cars were awesome the venue is awesome just do it if you can. Also the camera footage you get while there is a great souvenir to take home i think if i watch it again SWMBO will destroy the USB stick. If you couldn't stretch to the full day they do a half day option too, but trust me it is worth every penny.

[TeaVR]

Guys, thanks so much. I've booked 1/2 day rally (Palmer posts came in just after I made the booking - will do Palmer next time!!!!).

Just remembered, I've got a Ride Drive session from last Xmas as well

[Gwagon111]

Or if you fancy driving a classic Aston around Goodwood you could have a word with Mithril racing.

Edited by Gwagon111 on Wednesday 8th December 17:08

[MrWest90]

I would be interested in doing one of these myself, do you need a clean licence to be able to go on one?