"Thunderbee - Has the engine that kids like" (thunderbee)
08/04/2014 at 06:01 • Filed to: None
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"Thunderbee - Has the engine that kids like" (thunderbee)
08/04/2014 at 06:01 • Filed to: None | 2
| 1 |
Told you I'd get around to the write up! As some of you are aware, I attended the Silverstone Rally School yesterday to learn the techniques involved in rally driving as well as behind the scenes stuff like pace notes and what to do should you get yourself into a bad situation. Before I even arrived at the track, I saw a Porsche 918 and Macan leaving the Silverstone circuit at such a pace, by the time I fumbled to get my potato cam out, they was long gone. I took it as a sign; the petrol gods were smiling upon me! Here's how it went down...
That handsome chap is me! More to the point, that's me wearing a smile that says 'I'm super nervous but I refuse to show it'.
The thought of doing 60 over loose ground in someone else's car with a seasoned rally veteran watching over you will do that to a guy.
Anyway, following a detailed speech about safety, the do's and don't's and how to use the handbrake to get the car sideways we stepped outside for one last briefing before it was into the car and onto the dirt. Taking us through our adventures were the two silver haired foxes nearest the car; ex rally drivers Andy Johnson ( in the black) and Tom French ( in the red).
The cars in question were mid 90's Subaru Impreza WRX's that were caged and stripped out ready to race. There was also a Ford Escort RS2000 that was used by a couple of people, until the tire decided it was bored of the rim and went walkabout.
The first couple of runs were to get to grips with handbrake turns and using the throttle to get the car sideways and control it. I soon learned that handbrake turning can be pretty tricky, as my body was trying to do everything at once; turning the wheel, engaging the clutch, pulling the handbrake. The first attempts were... less than stellar. But as I got used to the car, it all came together.
Pictured: 4 wheel driftoruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Trick is to look where you want to be, so you're looking out of the passenger side window, at which point it all worked out as the back of the car stepped out and I used the throttle to power out of the corner with style.
As the day progressed, things became more challenging. Tasks like chaining three corners into one long slide and getting the car sideways before you actually get to the corner, enabling you to power through and out.
Sadly, the best corners were hidden behind trees and crests meaning no sr20 of my sweet uphill slides :(
By the end of the day the heavens had opened and we were doing timed laps of the whole circuit combining everything we had learned thus far. Out of the 5 who remained for the full day, I came second to the guy who had done the course before! Many prouds were had. My back still hurts from patting it so much. I was never going to become a pro driver over night, but second overall? I'd say that was pretty damn good.
So, to recap:
I went sideways
I went sideways A LOT
I got to thoroughly hoon a car I've always wanted
I now really want a Subaru
A veteran of the rally world told me I was 'excellent' at powerslides
I'm now thinking about getting into rally cross
Was it fun? Of course it was, you couldn't wipe the smile off my face for all the Subaruuuuu impossibruuuuuu in the world. It was an experience I would thoroughly recommend for the newbies and veterans alike.
Silverstone Rally School also offer Masters and Experts classes, which involve the use of proper pace notes and night stages. I think I know what to ask for this Christmas…
TL:DR - Silverstone Rally School is the BOMB. Subaru hoonage - what's not to love!
Got any questions? Want to come with me for round 2? Fire away in the comments.
Dusty Ventures
> Thunderbee - Has the engine that kids like
08/04/2014 at 17:31 |
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If you're seriously considering a "round 2" I suggest taking a look at Higgins rally school. It's run by brothers Mark (Isle of Man record holder) and David (Mt Washington record holder) and has been visited by many top rally talents, including Petter Solberg