If you want to give your favourite car fanatic the ultimate driving experience or track day then this second part of our guide to high octane motorsport gifts is essential reading. It aims to give you the lowdown on the wide range of adrenaline-fuelled driving experiences available, featuring everything from Skid Pan & Controlled Driving, karting, tank driving, moto cross or rally driving experiences.
Rally Driving Rally driving is one of the most exciting sports in the world and it is great fun if you get a chance to have a go. Usually reserved for those with a large bank balance rally driving is one of the ultimate high adrenalin activities. Try out some of the skills of champion rally drivers. Engine revving and wheels spinning, you skid sideways around corners in ways you won't believe. Normally your instructor alongside you has briefed you on techniques used by champions and explained the safety procedures. You'll be taught to handle a rally car on tarmac or loose surfaces and to cope with cornering at speed and braking.
Moto Cross Motocross racing is widely considered the world's most popular form of motorcycle racing. Held on enclosed off-road circuits it has evolved from scrambling which was invented in the UK in 1924. With large tracks they usually incorporate many natural Motocross terrain features with added man made jumps and other extras. Whether you are a complete off-road novice or a seasoned dirt junkie, there are guided off-road adventure tours that will suit you down to the ground!
Tank Driving During the course of the day you could be driving a Russian Grozdilka tank, a fully amphibious Hagglund tracked carrier, an FV 432 armoured personnel carrier or a Rapier rocket carrier. You could even get a ride in a Lance missile carrier, spend an hour in the armoury and there are other military-themed activities available too - learn how to fire a range of classic weapons like mortars and muskets, go on an SAS woodland patrol or try clay-pigeon shooting. At some events at the end of the day, the best driver gets to crush a car with a 56 ton Chieftain tank!
Skid Pan & Controlled Driving Skidpan driving focuses on both avoidance and recovery, and you'll normally learn the skills of driving on ice, aquaplaning and skid avoidance exercises with friendly and expert instructors, who'll always keep their head even if you're a bit spooked. Courses are held either on an oil-like surface or using a computerised skid frame (looks like stabilisers on your bike, only they're not very stabilising). Some courses also include time trials to test your new skills!
Junior Driving There's no need to wait to get your licence before you can drive a car. Now kids can discover the thrill of driving as they get behind a steering wheel for the first time in safe, controlled conditions. An Approved Driving Instructor can show them the rudiments of driving and help them gain confidence in open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere. This experience is all about helping young (and not so young!) learners to make the most of that crucial first drive - to learn more, to experience more and to have lots of fun too.
Karting. Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motor sports. Karts vary in speed and some (known as Superkarts) can reach speeds exceeding 160 mph. A KF1 kart, with a 125 cc 2-stroke engine and an overall weight including the driver of 150 kilograms has a top speed of 85 mph. It takes a little more than 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph with a 125 cc shifter kart (6 gears), with a top speed of 115 mph on long circuits. Kart racing is usually used as a low-cost and relatively safe way to introduce drivers to motor racing. Many people associate it with young drivers but adults are also very active in Karting - it is considered the first step in any serious racer's career. It can prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills.
Rally Driving Rally driving is one of the most exciting sports in the world and it is great fun if you get a chance to have a go. Usually reserved for those with a large bank balance rally driving is one of the ultimate high adrenalin activities. Try out some of the skills of champion rally drivers. Engine revving and wheels spinning, you skid sideways around corners in ways you won't believe. Normally your instructor alongside you has briefed you on techniques used by champions and explained the safety procedures. You'll be taught to handle a rally car on tarmac or loose surfaces and to cope with cornering at speed and braking.
Moto Cross Motocross racing is widely considered the world's most popular form of motorcycle racing. Held on enclosed off-road circuits it has evolved from scrambling which was invented in the UK in 1924. With large tracks they usually incorporate many natural Motocross terrain features with added man made jumps and other extras. Whether you are a complete off-road novice or a seasoned dirt junkie, there are guided off-road adventure tours that will suit you down to the ground!
Tank Driving During the course of the day you could be driving a Russian Grozdilka tank, a fully amphibious Hagglund tracked carrier, an FV 432 armoured personnel carrier or a Rapier rocket carrier. You could even get a ride in a Lance missile carrier, spend an hour in the armoury and there are other military-themed activities available too - learn how to fire a range of classic weapons like mortars and muskets, go on an SAS woodland patrol or try clay-pigeon shooting. At some events at the end of the day, the best driver gets to crush a car with a 56 ton Chieftain tank!
Skid Pan & Controlled Driving Skidpan driving focuses on both avoidance and recovery, and you'll normally learn the skills of driving on ice, aquaplaning and skid avoidance exercises with friendly and expert instructors, who'll always keep their head even if you're a bit spooked. Courses are held either on an oil-like surface or using a computerised skid frame (looks like stabilisers on your bike, only they're not very stabilising). Some courses also include time trials to test your new skills!
Junior Driving There's no need to wait to get your licence before you can drive a car. Now kids can discover the thrill of driving as they get behind a steering wheel for the first time in safe, controlled conditions. An Approved Driving Instructor can show them the rudiments of driving and help them gain confidence in open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere. This experience is all about helping young (and not so young!) learners to make the most of that crucial first drive - to learn more, to experience more and to have lots of fun too.
Karting. Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motor sports. Karts vary in speed and some (known as Superkarts) can reach speeds exceeding 160 mph. A KF1 kart, with a 125 cc 2-stroke engine and an overall weight including the driver of 150 kilograms has a top speed of 85 mph. It takes a little more than 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph with a 125 cc shifter kart (6 gears), with a top speed of 115 mph on long circuits. Kart racing is usually used as a low-cost and relatively safe way to introduce drivers to motor racing. Many people associate it with young drivers but adults are also very active in Karting - it is considered the first step in any serious racer's career. It can prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills.
About the Author:
Jimmy Gaulton has been organizing driving experience days for over three decades and has penned many definitive articles on the subject. Before buying any driving experience online check out the full Xperiences Guide to Driving Experience and Track Day Gifts which you can find at Xperiences.co.uk - The Ultimate Driving Experience and Track Day Comparison Site
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