I took a one-to-one lesson at Brands Hatch yesterday in preparation for my ARDS test and to improve my confidence in road cars.
The lesson consisted of three 20 minute sessions each broken up by a short discussion in the pits with the instructor. My instructor was young and very aware of what was going on which was re-assuring. I was also impressed with his ability to haul the thing around on some passenger laps half way through the day. I discovered in those laps just how far from the limit I had been in the first session. This gave me the confidence to push more in the final part of the day and I had to control the car as I explored the limit occasionally. Just when I felt I was finding my way and doing my best laps the day came to an end. I'm contemplating another lesson before taking my ARDS test, just for the hell of it. It's the most fun I've had in ages and would recommend it to anyone.
It all went smoother than I had expected considering how little experience I have. I was thrown on to the track with seasoned drivers at a track day, which even featured Tiff Needell in a radical. I managed to maintain a reasonable pace and expand my comfort zone quite a bit by the end of the day. I also kept out of the way of the faster cars and never had any issues with overtaking or being overtaken.
It was very refreshing to be out on a national circuit in a car for once, as opposed to karting or driving simulators. That is after all, what it is all about.
I've attached photographs from the day and video will follow shortly.
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