This photograph was taken in 2000. I was working at a marketing agency and one of my clients, Brands Hatch, provided me with the opportunity to drive at Snetterton race track. Not only that I would get to experience four supercars – a Lotus, an AC Cobra, a Ferrari and a Porsche. I was beyond myself with excitement.
The day started with a safety briefing before we each hit the track in a BMW with an experienced driver. This was so we could learn where to apex before being let loose in the supercars.
The first car I was presented with was a Lotus. I noticed the engine light was on when I’d got in position. When I queried it, I was told the car was absolutely fine so off I went.
Not the most comfortable of drives with my helmet knocking against the crash bar. But overall being in a supercar on a race track was exhilarating. The acceleration was so smooth compared to the car I had.
I was mortified when the engine failed a few laps from the finish. Although not my fault, being the only female in the group only fueled the “you broke a Lotus” banter.
I really wanted to love the AC Cobra, it was a beautiful beast of a car. However its huge bonnet and my dip in confidence made for some pretty mediocre laps.
That said I really picked up the pace in a Ferrari. The speedometer was covered so I was oblivious as to how fast I was going. But I did overtake several in the group.
The Porsche was phenomenal, a dream of a drive. It did everything I wanted it to. I sensed my lap times were even quicker than when I was in the Ferrari. They were. I’d hit one hundred and fifty miles an hour.
Although a long time ago, this was an unforgettable day and one that saw me satisfy my need for speed.
We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story, the photography Linky on this blog, and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.
What a great photo! And an amazing opportunity to drive all those cars and really put your foot down (with no speed cameras in sight!!). Good luck with the linky! xx
Thank you Xandi, it was an amazing day albeit a long time ago now. Would love to do it again 🙂
Wow what an incredible experience. And one so far removed from a ‘mummy life’ – wonderful to relive it in the post.
Thank you Emma – it’s something that will stay with me for some time to come I’m sure 🙂
Sounds amazing! My husband went on a track day seven or eight years ago and he couldn’t forget it. It inspired him to build his own Caterham last year which is his pride and joy.
Wow how incredible to build his own Caterham, not surprised it’s his pride and joy. It’s an amazing experience 🙂
What a cool pic!
Thank you 🙂
That sounds like my ideal day out. I’d love to drive a supercar especially a Ferrari.
It was amazing, you’d love it! Be great to do it again – just brilliant 🙂
Amazing! I’d love to do something like this….sounds like you relished every moment too! Great to look back at old photos and capture the memory all over again. Thanks for hosting and good luck with the linky!
It was brilliant Suzanne – you’d love it! And thank you, I’m already loving reading through everyone’s posts 🙂
Always liked the porsche best anyway, sounds like a great day out!
Just an amazing car as I remember it – sadly not been in one since 🙂
Sounds amazing day xx
A great day thanks Lisa, still remember it so clearly 🙂
I did this back in the day too. I remember Alistair being a year old and coming with me, now at 15 he wishes I still had these corporate treats!
Ah life before the recession! I think they should be offered free as a motivational treat 🙂
A great story even for someone who does not drive herself – I love speed when someone else is driving though! x
Thank you – maybe a little trip to the Autobahn is in order 🙂
I am so envious I would LOVE to do something like this! I can see why it’s a #MagicMoment for you 😀
I’d love to do something like this again. Surely there must be a way?!
I think the fact that you ‘broke a Lotus’ is quite a fabulous claim to fame :)) Great story x
It is isn’t it – maybe I should use it! Managed not to break the Linky yet 🙂
Well jel! Hubs got to drive an Aston Martin (bought the experience for him for his birthday a few years ago) and would love to drive a super car one day! I’m a speed demon!
What a great photo and memory! x
Now that would be good!! I have been in an Aston Martin before but not to drive sadly. I’d love to do one of these days again – when the broken wing is better 🙂
Some say she’s the person to be taking over from Mark Webber at Red Bull.
Some say that she’s the person Ferrari go to for advice.
Some people say that she taught Michael Schumacher all he know.
All we know is that she’s called CharlyDove…………………….
Fab post hun xx
popping over from #MagicMoments xx
Thank you for that Cathie – and your lovely comments! I was going to respond with more “some say…” quotes but we might be here a while 🙂
Would love to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari – huge fan, keep hinting to POH, but he’s as deaf as a post on that one! #whatsthestory
Even though it was a long time ago, I just remember it being brilliant. Would love to do it again – perhaps you could write POH a note or show a picture?! Thanks for linking up with #whatsthestory
Wow what an exciting day and a great opportunity – very jealous!
Thank you – it was a long time ago now but a great day all the same 🙂
I would love to do something like this, It must be amazing to go at speeds like that :0)
It was a long time ago now but I remember it being great fun! Definitely do it if you get the opportunity 🙂
[…] this idea for a Linky launched in July last year accompanied by a thrill seeking story entitled The Need for Speed. There have been so many amazing posts since and such incredible variety too. Thank you […]