Which one will be more fun? Single seater Formula racing car, or a Lotus Elise? If the Elise, is the $100 extra worth it? Have to book today otherwise I might not get a chance... so please voice your opinions soon! Thanks.


Single Seater Course $216

Briefing
2 x Passenger Instruction laps in Ford Fiesta S
3 x Driving Analysis laps in Ford Fiesta S
6 x Driving laps in Formula Ford Racing Car
Debriefing

http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/Driving_Experiences/Single_Seater/2.htm





Driving Experience Advanced $324

Briefing
3 x Passenger Instruction laps in a Ford Focus ST2
4 x Driving Analysis laps in a Ford Focus ST2
1 x Passenger Instruction lap in a Lotus Elise
5 x Driving Analysis laps in a Lotus Elise
Debriefing

http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/Driving_Experiences/Driving_Experience_Advanced/6.htm

5/26/2010 9:56:32 AM

9 laps, 300 bucks..............................................

less than 17 miles...........

[Edited on May 26, 2010 at 10:11 AM. Reason : $20 a mile..............]

5/26/2010 10:08:59 AM

That's kind of a myopic way to look at it. pricewise, this really isn't that bad for someone who doesn't routinely track their vehicles. I'd do it in a second.

5/26/2010 10:24:59 AM

How often do you get to drive an open-wheel car?

5/26/2010 10:27:04 AM

For reference you can go to a Driver's Education event at tracks all over the US for $200-$400 for 2 days worth of driving (usually 80 minutes per day which is 10-20 laps per session depending on track). And you'll have an experienced track instructor giving you pointers.

Only catch is you use your own car. If you don't have a suitable car these don't seem like bad deals.

[Edited on May 26, 2010 at 11:19 AM. Reason : k]

5/26/2010 11:19:20 AM

Quote :

"9 laps, 300 bucks.............................................. less than 17 miles..........."

A bit cheaper than buying my own racing car and chartering/building/buying a racetrack, wouldn't you say?

Booked the first one (bc most probably Formula Racing Car >>> Lotus Elise) for August 6

I will probably do the second one next summer! Or one (or 2?) of these:

Rally Drive ($230)
http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/Driving_Experiences/Rally_Drive/7.htm

Lotus Driving Experience ($475)
http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/Driving_Experiences/Lotus_Driving_Experience/4.htm

This last one is the best one they have. Aside from the 4 instruction laps, you get to do:

3 laps in Fiesta S
5 laps in Focus ST
6 laps in Formula Ford
5 laps in Elise

So you get to thrash all the cars!


[Edited on May 26, 2010 at 1:37 PM. Reason : ]

5/26/2010 1:36:13 PM

http://www.ustraining.com/new/courses/NC/counter-terrorism.asp

5/26/2010 6:18:56 PM

Just did it yesterday!

Will post more in the next couple of days... just bumping this now before I forget. Must sleep, been a very long day.

8/7/2010 7:50:44 PM

well was it worth it?

8/14/2010 5:55:57 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6gWvNKq_7Y&feature=related

8/16/2010 1:09:27 PM

Yes, it was definitely worth it!

The instructor did 3 laps first in the Fiesta S (latest gen) with non stop instructions on where to brake, where to change gears, the racing line, etc.

Then I did 3 laps in it with the instructor next to me, and he guided me and then rated me at the end. The Fiesta is pretty sweet. The transmission and clutch were very smooth, but maybe a bit too soft. Perfect for everyday driving, though.

And finally 5 laps in the Formula Ford, which weighs just under 1,000 pounds with a passenger, and has just over 100 hp. It had a 4 speed manual transmission, which I loved. It was a very mechanical transmission I would say. The gear changes were very short and precise, and had a reassuring mechanical click to them, which I loved. No speedometer, but I would guess I got it up to 100 mph. Was pulling some serious g's around the bends. Open wheels, no windscreen, sitting so low, it all felt exhilarating.

Picture below from Google is on the same track as mine, and the car is exactly the same. In fact, I have a framed picture of me in action coming out of a bend which looks almost the same!





I will probably do the Lotus course next summer, in which you get to drive all 4 cars they have (Fiesta S, Focus ST, Formula Ford, Elise).

8/16/2010 7:53:01 PM