Driving experience days can be a truly incredible gift for a petrol head. Whether you want a special surprise for a loved one on their birthday, you’re arranging a stag do or you simply want to treat yourself to a fun day out, there are a range of opportunities across the country. So whether you’ve always wanted to drive a classic car or you’d love to learn how to perform a movie-style drift, there’s something for you. Here are eight of the most amazing driving experience days.
Formula 1 Simulator
For car lovers, Formula 1 is the ultimate in competition. And while you might never get the chance to battle for pole position with Lewis Hamilton, you can get as close as possible to the real thing with a Formula 1 simulator. In a single-seat cockpit which feels very much like the genuine article, you’ll feel completely immersed in the racing experience with fantastic graphics. There’s a choice of tracks, so whether you want to test your skills on Silverstone or navigate Monaco, it’s up to you.
Head Off Road
For the petrol head looking for an experience that’s something completely different from road or track driving, why not try off-roading? Leave the tarmac behind and take to the countryside in anything from 4×4 and Jeeps to customised vehicles designed to allow you to traverse challenging terrain. Off-roading can be challenging even for highly experienced and skilled drivers so it’s a good thing you’ll have expert instructors there to guide you. You’ll be amazed at just how much you can learn from a short session in the wilderness.
Learn to Drift
Driving forwards and backwards is OK, but real motoring fans with love the chance to learn the art of driving sideways. Under the watchful eye of the instructors you’ll develop your drifting skills as you master donuts and figure eights. It might be an activity you associate with joy-riding teenagers, but drifting is now a sport in its own right and you’ll be learning with some of the UK’s most experienced drivers. With a choice of venues around the UK offering drifting lessons this can be the perfect gift.
Monster Trucks
There is something about the huge size and loud noises of monster trucks that appeals to the child inside every petrol head. With tyres that stand taller than the average man, you’ll ride at a full 12 feet above the ground. You’ll even get the chance to experience the true power of the truck as you drive over and crush standard road cars. It’s truly thrilling and makes for a very fun day out.
Drive the Classic Car of Your Dreams
Has it always been your dream to get behind the wheel of a 1965 Ford Mustang? Or how about an original DeLorean DMC-12 (flux capacitor not included)? We’ve all got an amazing classic car in our minds that we would love to get the opportunity to drive. Thankfully there are plenty of driving experiences available around the country that give you the chance. Maybe it’s the E Type Jag that has always caught your eye, or perhaps you’ve always wanted to take charge of the Knight Rider car. Whatever you want, there’s a classic car experience out there for you.
Tank Driving
Ever wanted to know what it’s like to take control of a genuine military tank? You can with a fun day in an armoured vehicle. Whether it’s in the iconic Chieftain or a Russian Gvozdika, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable time as you master manoeuvres and learn more about the history of the vehicle.
Be the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car
For Top Gear fans this has to be the ultimate experience – you’ll have the chance to go around the real Top Gear track at Dunsfold. Driving in a Kia Cee’d just like the celebrities on the show you can set your own time and find out whether you can challenge the leader board or The Stig just makes it look easy. First you will learn the track in a simulator then you’ll head out onto the circuit to set a lap time; make sure you watch out for the legendary Gambon corner where actor Michael Gambon nearly flipped the car.
Experience a Supercar
Whether you prefer the Ferrari 458 or the Lamborghini Huracan, there is something intoxicating about the looks and the speed of supercars. But you don’t have to be a millionaire to have a go in one of these beauties. With supercar experiences available for less than £50, anyone can afford to sample a taste of 500bhp at your fingertips – it’s something that has to be on every petrol head’s bucket list!
Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working together with Into the Blue.
