R8 and DB9 Thrill Day

[Tempy]

Well, I'm hitting the big 3-0 in a couple of weeks, and for an early present, the missus got me a track experience day. I got to go out for a spin in an R8 and a DB9. It was an absolutely beautifully sunny day and there were some lovely motors on show. It's quite expensive, but was a great experience. I doubt I'll ever get to drive a DB9 or R8 again. Not unless I win the lottery anyway. Had a great run up to leicester in the RO, and I serisouly wanna get it on the track now. I've been thinking about going along to the Brands Hatch VXR track day coming up soon as I now have track fever.

Here are some random pics anyway.









The Poser!!!

[Gas_Man]

I did one of those a couple of weeks ago at Bruntingthorpe... drove some good stuff including a Gallardo, which was memorable for being disappointing after the Ro. The high point of the day was getting the Ro round the track (a lot sideways!) and an awesome ride in a Subaru WRX STi thing which cornered unbelieveably!

Edited by Gas_Man on Friday 9th May 19:06

[Well_Fans]

nice, wonder what the missus will get me as its my 40th in a couple of weeks. Be hard to top that day out you had by the looks of it. As its Kylies 40th same day as me I keep hoping for the invite to her party (well when you get to my age hope is all you have left lol).

[stigmundfreud]

Well_Fans said:

nice, wonder what the missus will get me as its my 40th in a couple of weeks. Be hard to top that day out you had by the looks of it. As its Kylies 40th same day as me I keep hoping for the invite to her party (well when you get to my age hope is all you have left lol).

a pack of Viagra if you're lucky!

Tempy how did the r8 and db9 compare to each other and then the delivery of the Ro?

[Tempy]

stigmundfreud said:

Tempy how did the r8 and db9 compare to each other and then the delivery of the Ro?

Both cars a very quick from the off. I was surprised at how quick they are, especially the DB9 which just had instant pull. It was only a 1.8 mile circuit, but both cars were up over 100mph on the first straight without too much bother. I have always been a fan of the DB9, it's my dream car, but after having driven both, I would seriously be tempted with the R8 should I ever find myself with the funds. It is such an easy and smooth car to drive. The handing was unbeleivable, it just did not want to let go of the road. It didn't feel like it had any roll. The brakes on the DB9 were tough, and needed a good hard push to slow down quickly. The R8 brakes were instantly responsive, so you had to have a light foot, unless you wanted to headbut the dash.

My comparison isn't really fair, as I don't feel that I really got to experience the DB9 to it's full potential. I had never driven a flappy paddle gear box before, and it threw me when gear shifting on the corners. You're fighting against your bodys natural instinct to clutch down and reach for the stick. The R8 being a manual I was just straight in and off......lovely! Nice smooth short shift gearbox.

I had a DVD done of both drives, and thanks to some luck, the R8 dvd failed. As the drive is recorded onto DVD live, they sent me round for another 4 laps for free so they could record another one

I secretly wish it had been the DB9 to have failed, as I think I would have been more prepared for the gears had I had another go. Both cars were absolutely gorgeous to look at and to drive.

The RO did seem a little bit sluggish when I got back into it, but that might have just been because I was buzzing so much when I was driving the other two. I think the only way I could have really compared them, would if I had taken the Ro out on the track, which I will definately be doing as soon as possible.

I will try and get my run up on YouTube at some point.

[Ferb]

Tempy, bring the Ro to Brands this coming thursday evening for track day, £120 only with www.circuit-days.co.uk

[Tempy]

Ooh, that looks good. Thursday is a bit short notice for me though. I would need to sort out Track Day insurance and I'm working away from the office this week, so getting back for 4 would be tight. Next one is on Wednesday 4th June. I'd be up for that. I've got about 3-4 thousand miles left on my rear tyres, might as well burn them off and get a new set

Anyone else interested?

[Tempy]

Gas_Man said:

The high point of the day was getting the Ro round the track (a lot sideways!)

How did you manage to persuade them to let you take the Ro round?

Here's a vid of me going around in the R8. Forgot that I slipped up getting it into third the first time. Oops!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HOvEaHy7IY

Hope the link works. I've only just uploaded it.