Monday 25 June 2012

The Supercar Day

Yesterday we went to Dunsfold Park Aerodrome (better known as the Top Gear test track) for The Supercars Event. It's a charity day for The Childrens' Trust where owners of performance cars give their time and tyres taking people on laps of the circuit. We had booked the boys for 2-30 and arrived at 1pm. I had expected about 10 cars or so, but there were more than that number of Ferarris! There must have been 30 or 40 cars, including lambourghinis, Mclarens, GT40s and Aston Martins and not to forget the TVR Tuscan like I used to have :-(  . I had emailed the company organising the event last week to enquire about access and the MD, Bachi had responded saying they would do everything possible to get me in a car. I knew it wouldn't be possible but it was a kind offer.


The boys went off to choose their cars and while doing this, Tracy got chatting to a marshall called Adam about our situation and he was absolutely brilliant. He let us into the paddock and stayed with us all afternoon! He made sure I saw the boys in their chosen cars, arranged a group photo with the cars after and then introduced us to the drivers of some of the best cars. So the boys got to sit inside some serious exotica including a Lambourghini Aventador (that'll be £300k sir) and a £1M Ferarri Enzo. I felt like the event was for MY benefit. Daniel and Luke had their laps in an Aerial Atom (not the most expensive car but pretty exhilerating) and jake chose a 430 spider driven by a very nice chap called Dave.

The Enzo owner was also a lovely chap but I was a bit worried as I had parked the wheelchair 6" away from his car and it was still set on full speed as he approached to say hi. I knew that he would do the usual greeting gesture of touching my right hand which is always well meant but often gets the person's foot run over as they inadvertently push the joystick forward. This time I was less worried about him limping for a week and more worried about footrest shaped holes in the carbon fibre of his motor! Thankfully it was a light touch that only moved me a fraction.

The boys loved it and it was their first experience of circuit driving and although I don't think any of the drivers were pros they seemed to be giving it plenty of beans. We were SO lucky with the weather; if it had been wet it would have been stressful and pretty miserable. But it was one of the most enjoyable days in the last year. It's an annual event for a great cause so put it in your diary for next year.


http://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/default.asp

http://www.petrolheadnirvana.com/





Just checked your bank account Luke; only £999,974.54 to go

.





9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, what lucky boys, and how great that the day was made into such a nice day for you all.It won't be long till they will be wanting to drive themselves now they've been "on the track". Time goes so quickly! Love Christine

Janet said...

Hate to say it Luke -that car was made for you !Get saving x

Joseph Pritchard said...

Looks fab, great pics - Some serious hardware there (that'll be £300k sir) - Love it. Glad you all had a good day

Unknown said...

looks like a great day out, how did I miss that one! Next year I will be there too.

Hilary said...

What a lovely post, Steve, and some great pics. Great memories for you all - you all look so happy.

Love

Hilary x

phil said...

Looks like it was a great day out - glad everyone enjoyed it.

Emma Alter said...

Looks like you had a good day- lovely pics!

Em xx

phil said...

Hi steve, waiting with expectations for your next blog entry. Hope the family holiday was a success.

Pete said...

Hi Steve,

We are holding The Supercar Event again this year on the 15th and 16th June, it would be great if you can come again.

If you drop Bachi an email we will get a family ticket out for you and your family.

All the best

Peter
TSE Committee