A driving experience around the fastest racing circuit in the UK… Thruxton Race Circuit
AD I was recently invited along to Thruxton near Andover which is one of the UK’s fastest racing circuits to try out one of the Ferrari 458 Italia driving experience. If you have got a need for speed, love cars, or love a new unique experience like me, this day out is for you!
In 1993 Damon Hill, Formula 1 World Champion, recorded an incredible 57.6 second lap of the 2.4-mile circuit – an average speed of 147.25mph. The question is could I beat it…
More info on the area here!
Before the track
On arrival, signed in at reception, grabbed a coffee from their café overlooking the track, then took a seat with others in the briefing room where we were given some info on the track, how best to take it on and then a short video.
Familiarising the track
We were then led immediately outside and waiting were a number of Ford Puma ST with drivers which we hopped in as a passenger and whizzed around a number of times to get familiarised with the circuit. Our driver talking us through top tips as went through the corners and straights and handling the car. Loved this element as I thought there would be more briefings etc but it was straight into the action.
Getting behind the wheel
After our 3 laps as a passenger, it was time to jump into the driving seat and again loved the fact we got to drive different cars rather than just the one signed up for. I took the driving seat in the Porsche Cayman with instructor Harry and off we went. Lap by lap I gathered speed and confidence of the track and car spurred on by Harry giving tips as we went along. 🏎️🏁
As you whizz around there are other cars on the track too which adds to the fun, and some are faster than others…but the track was plenty wide for the more pros to pass along. At the end of 3 laps, my instructor marks down in a record log scores and tips for your next drive, very helpful for both yourself and your next instructor. My tip given was to use more of the track, a common one apparently.
The power of the Ferrari 458 next and the engine on button was an experience in itself with the powerful roar. My next instructor again, really helpful and lots of fun to enjoy the experience with as I loved every second of flying around the track, foot down and hugging the corners and cones. Adrenaline running high.
Other experience’s at the track
After your experience you can watch others on the circuit from the large viewing balcony at the main reception building or grab a bite to eat in the café. For your experience you can also bring family or friends along to watch too.
As a bonus I also got to try out two of the other experiences you can do at Thruxton.
The single seat racing car, although these drive at lower speeds than some of the supercars, it certainly doesn’t feel like it as you are geared up with helmet, gloves, race suit and shoes and then strapped in to your low riding car. Manual gear, rapid spinning wheels either side of you, so much fun! 🏎️
Another experience for super high speeds, a pro racing driver takes you on a high-speed ride in the two seat racing car who takes no prisoners including me. There is a button on infront of you for the ride which notifies the driver to slow down if it’s too much for you. I didn’t have to press it of course…honest.
Lastly…did I beat the track record from Damon Hill, sadly not
On checkout, select the extra at checkout, then add the discount code.
📍 Thruxton Circuit, Andover, SP11 8PN