Stig in training?

Well I’m shattered. Absolutely shattered.

'She's a great model and she goes like stink. And the car's not bad either! Come on, let's go burn some rubber!' I do my best Alan Partridge pose..

But I’m a happy bunny. I’ve just got back from Rockingham, after almost 14 hours (we left home just after half eight this morning) I’ve got my first proper track-time under my belt.

And I loved it.

I was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Lumina (or Holden Commodore or Vauxhall VRX8 depending on which part of the planet you’re on) that  raced in a one-make series at Bahrain in 2008 (hence it being badged Chevorlet, rather than Holden).

With a top speed of 160mph, the 5.7 litre engine develops around 400 bhp, throwing it from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds, impressive stuff.

Once the drivers briefing was out of the way I was handed a rather natty blue hair-net (which was eerily remiscent of the day I interviewed for a job at a bacon-packing plant, but that’s for another time.) and then grabbed myself a lid. Being big bonced, I ended up with an XL, and soon realised open faced helmets do nothing for yours truly.

After a couple of brief familiarisation laps in an ’09 MINI Cooper, it was soon time to get into the Aussie machine. Strapped into the car I had to then over-come the fact I’ve only ever driven a left hooker once before, at MG, when I test drove the Chinese spec Six, and after years of using my left hand to change gear, I admit I was a tad apprehensive.

The most difficult thing I found was the idea of setting the car up to turn just once, out on the road we make loads of adjustments as we corner, but not on track. Wayne (the school’s instructor) was telling me to give the car more power and unwind the steering, but my head was struggling with the idea! Still, after a while I was starting to get to grips with the car, and the circuit, brake at the red cone, turn in at the yellow, power-out at the blue. Simple. Well, maybe not but after a little while I was soon getting some positive comments from Wayne.  There’s so much to think about, my brief session in the car really was hard work, my brain was on over-drive to make sure I kept the car on the racing line (or at least try to!). I’ve always been a big motorsport fan, but today I gained a new level or respect for racing drivers, how on Earth they manage to do all that work, and worry about everyone else trying go that bit better than they are, I don’t know.

It was a brilliant day, from start to finish, and something that I definately want to try again. I’m sure with more time in the car I could really get to grips with the technique, one thing is certain, being on track is bloody addictive, and I think I am hooked!

Next stop the Bathurst 1000? Probably not, but it's nice to dream, eh?