My event took place on 9th November at Tockwith Motorsports Centre, near York, a typical airfield circuit. I really liked the mix of short and longer straights, chicanes and long left hand corners.
Although there were a fair number of cars on track at all times, the organisation of the event and expertise of the driving instructors made traffic not a problem; there was real opportunity to open it up on the straight!
Although I was booked to drive the GT40, I also opted for the Shelby Cobra; I wanted to try the Mustang GT350 as well, but it was just too popular for me to wait in the time available to me at the venue. I wanted these cars, because they epitomised my early teenage years.
The day was BITTERLY cold, so by the time I was called for my first drive, I was shivering uncontrollably.
The first drive was in the Cobra. Very short cockpit, very difficult to get into, awful driving position, with steering wheel in chest. Monstrously heavy clutch, heavy brakes, heavy steering. Open side pipes, shatteringly noisy. GREAT!
Although I had already done some passenger sighting laps, I was glad I drove the Cobra first, because it enabled me to experience the circuit from a driver's perspective before my 'main car'. The Cobra was exhilarating, but let down by the driving position in my opinion - typical of the ear I suppose. The instructor was patient, guiding me on my first, tentative lap; my total of three laps were over all too quickly.
A few minutes later, I was called to the GT40, still shivering. To enter the drivers seat required standing on the seat cushion, before sliding down to sit, then duck while the instructor closed the door before I could raise my head into the roof bubble. Right from the start, the instructor was fantastic, an older guy (young by my standards!) and really enthusiastic about the car and getting the best out of it.
Master switch on, throttle down, turn the key, MUSIC.
Because the gear linkage has to travel right to the back of the car, the selection was quite notchy, but it suited me immediately - slow, positive movements and very rewarding changes.
Set off in 3rd, with no throttle, oodles of torque. I was asked to use only 3rd and 4th gear until my final lap pit entry, when 2nd was used.
Pick up - INSTANTANEOUS
Accelaration - FANTASTIC
Steering - VERY RESPONSIVE and suprisingly light when under way
Cornering - FLAT
Brakes - REASSURING.
My first lap was exploratory, but, encouraged by my instructor, I began to open it up more, with plenty of throttle, rapid acceleration and fine sound up the short straight.
I think you can tell I enjoyed it; in fact I am not ashamed to say that it brought me to tears when I emerged at the end of my 7 laps; still does when I think about it.
I hope my thank you and handshake with the instructor conveyed my feelings adequately - FABULOUS.
Alan Young