The website of Adam Sloman, freelance motoring journalist and author.
Wannabe Racing Driver
Back to the track
Aug 10th
My quest to see if I have any motorsport potential continues, thanks to a One to One training day at Hampshire’s Thruxton circuit…
Getting back on on track, this time at Thruxton
Arriving at a sunny, but cool Thruxton I was surprised to see just how quiet the circuit was, and just how different it felt from when the British Touring Car circus is in town. In fact, I didn’t recognise it all all. Then I realised I was at the Karting Centre. The simple fact of being directed to a different entrance was enough to confuse my simple mind and make me take a wrong turn.
Still, soon enough I was at a much more familiar looking paddock and ready to take to a track where I’ve been watching motorsport since the age of 10.
After a brief chat with BTCC driver Tom Onslow-Cole, I met up with my instructor for the day, Mike Turner. Mike has over twenty years competition experience and was keen to learn what I wanted from my time with him and the car. I explained I was keen to learn if I had any ability on track and if I might, someday, pass an ARDS test.
Mike’s teaching style was very relaxed, showing me the best lines around track and helping me to work out just where to put the car. A few laps in and I was starting to find a little bit of pace, with Mike complementing me on my car control. I was mildly concerned by the juddering from the front wheels, though I relaxed somewhat when Mike explained they don’t balance the wheels of the school cars as tyres are changed on a regular basis!
The Mazda 3MPS is an impressive car, with 0-62 covered in 6.1 seconds and though there’s a noticeable amount of torque steer it’s great fun, particularly on a track as fast as Thruxton.
My already considerable respect for racing drivers has gone through the roof after this though.
There’s so much to think about out there, and that’s without having to contend with 15 or 20 other drivers all trying to follow the same racing line as you. After my laps my head was buzzing and I was shattered.
Back in the pitlane, Mike informed me that had I been taking an ARDS, he would have gladly passed me, congratulating me on the smoothness of my driving, my pace and my impressive car control.
In a word, I was chuffed. Swapping over, Mike then took my place in the driver seat and took me out, to show me how it was done. In comparison it felt like I’d crawled round the circuit, such was the speed at which he completed a lap. Still, you have to walk before you can run!
Back in the paddock I took a look at Mike’s assessment of my drive:
“Very good drive. Good awareness and basic skill. Very smooth steering and impressive car control, well balanced throttle and brakes. Picked up the lines very well and very accurate. 83%”
Trying to look cool in the Paddock. I don't suit an open face helmet...
So there we have it. Not a bad start, eh? Now, who wants to sponsor me? Hmm?
The need for speed…
May 18th
Chances are if your the sort of person that likes cars you’ve always fancied yourself as something of a racing driver. But, the question is, what seperates mere mortals like you and I from the driving Gods?
Do I have the Stig gene?
I’ve always wondered if I have the ‘Stig gene’ and I’m becoming increasingly keen to find out. Am I just another driver or somebody, who in the right circumstances, could be a potential racing driver? Motorsport is never cheap of course and one thing I don’t have is a budget so my first steps into this are going to be somewhat tentative.
At this stage though I’m not after glory, I’d just like to know if I’ve any talent on the track. Some teams offer ‘arrive and drive’ packages in the marque specific championships, however at this stage the idea of taking to a field of 15 or 20 cars somewhat daunting!
So how does the novice go from excited spectator to nervous newbie? How do I get that black ‘X’ in the yellow box on my car, in fact, before that, I need to get a car!
So many questions and so much to think about….
