Welcome to the Xperiences guide to extreme driving and track days, part #2. This is the second and last in the series of articles that delves into some of the ultimate gifts available for any car fanatic, speed demon or thrill chaser and gives you a brief glimpse of the best that is available on the market today. Whether it's Skid Pan & Controlled Driving, karting, tank driving, moto cross or rally driving experiences, we aim to give you the lowdown on them all.
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 This is your chance to play with the big boys toys! A fantastic experience during which you will probably drive a Cheiftain Tank, Abbot Self Propelled Gun or FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier....in short, awesome. You will normally receive full driving tuition from friendly and experienced ex-forces instructors and with so much to try you will be kept busy! You've got to hand it the army - they've definitely got the best wheels. You can't beat a day driving around in military vehicles and shooting at stuff. All the fun of being a soldier with none of the risks. You'll be kitted out in a camouflage suit and helmet and given a full safety briefing.
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 This is your chance to let your child turn their dreams into reality in these fantastic junior experiences. From a young age children fantasize about driving supercars and this is their chance. Not only can these brilliant experiences give them precious time controlling a vehicle, developing skills for when they eventually become drivers, but it is a fantasy that will make them the king of the playground.
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. - 16492
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 This is your chance to play with the big boys toys! A fantastic experience during which you will probably drive a Cheiftain Tank, Abbot Self Propelled Gun or FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier....in short, awesome. You will normally receive full driving tuition from friendly and experienced ex-forces instructors and with so much to try you will be kept busy! You've got to hand it the army - they've definitely got the best wheels. You can't beat a day driving around in military vehicles and shooting at stuff. All the fun of being a soldier with none of the risks. You'll be kitted out in a camouflage suit and helmet and given a full safety briefing.
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 This is your chance to let your child turn their dreams into reality in these fantastic junior experiences. From a young age children fantasize about driving supercars and this is their chance. Not only can these brilliant experiences give them precious time controlling a vehicle, developing skills for when they eventually become drivers, but it is a fantasy that will make them the king of the playground.
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. - 16492
About the Author:
Jimmy Gaulton has been involved in driving experience days for over thirty years and has written 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
