So what’s a man to do when he achieves a *significant* birthday? Reach for the cardy and slippers? Pour out a mug of hot tea and settle down on the sofa?
Nah! Rosemary knows better than that!
To celebrate achieving this milestone, she booked me a rally driving experience at Brands Hatch.
I got the fever – rally fever!
Back in the dim and distant days of my youth, I got to drive Formula Fords at Snetterton in Norfolk, and I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of a high performance car again and hear that throaty roar.
I wasn’t disappointed.
MSV Trackdays use the Toyota GT86 for the rally driving experience – a rear wheel drive, low-slung, sweet-sounding, high-revving beauty.
After the obligatory safety briefing and the fitting of the oh-so-glamorous hairnet-and-helmet combo, I poured myself into the bucket seat and was strapped in firmly by my instructor.
Barney was brilliant; reassuring, informative and with a great sense of humour, which he definitely needed on several occasions during the next forty minutes.
There are six cars and instructors available at the Brands Hatch sessions. You’re split into two groups of three, giving plenty of track time for all.
Off road rally driving
First up was the rough terrain of Stage 2, hidden amongst the trees on the hillside above the race circuit. All I could see on my approach was a bit of track as far as the first bend and a man with a big green flag.
The flag dropped, and I was off, out of first gear and into second as fast as possible.
The pitted surface bounced me about as I slid into corners and slipped around chicanes, with Barney calling out advice at every stage.
Sideways slides along the M25 may be frowned upon, but here anything goes. Barney positively encouraged me to let loose and try harder and faster.
But be warned, rally driving forces any bad driving habits you may have out into the open. There’s no way you can be sloppy and let the steering wheel slide through your hands, you have to remain in full control.
I was glad there were no spectators for this section. I managed to avoid hitting any trees, but gathered a fair amount of greenery on the car’s front grill as I spun off the track several times.
Undeterred (but with his finger firmly on the emergency cut-out button!) Barney continued his patient coaching, giving me pointers on when to touch the brakes and where to aim the car.
Mastering the handbrake turn is what it’s all about, and the moment you get it right is exhilarating.
A lap time of 46.06 seconds was respectable, but not spectacular.
Race track circuit
Then it was on to Stage 1 where the grit and gravel adds to the growl of the engine.
Here’s where friends and family can gather to watch your prowess, marvel at your ever-increasing speed, and laugh at your occasional spins.
I managed a good time here (54.81 seconds) and I really felt like I was flying.
Then Barney slipped behind the wheel and took me for a spin, showing me how it should be done. Skilful, slick and breathtakingly fast.
Six smiling faces with sparkling eyes returned to the briefing room to receive their written reports.
So how did I shape up?
Barney rated me as a smooth and consistent driver – 40 out of 50 – with pretty good technique, and I was proud to be second fastest in the group.
Not bad for a 60-year-old!
Disclaimer: We paid our own way – all opinions definitely my own!
All images are copyright to their respective owners. MSV Trackdays photographs taken by Lloyd Horgan.
More information about learning to rally drive
There are two options on offer from MSV Trackdays:
- The Adrenaline version (which I did) lasts approximately 1 hour in total, including registration, briefings and two 20 minutes’ driving sessions plus a high speed passenger lap. Cost in 2024 £219.
- The Ignition version lasts approximately 30 minutes, including a 15-minute driving session and a high speed passenger lap.
- Latest information can be found here
Warning: Do not attempt to drive home straight after one of these experiences. The adrenaline rush was great, but it took me a while to come down afterwards. Plus, there’s a speed camera by the exit!
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