Thursday 19 September 2013

Abarth Make It You Race Final

What an amazing opportunity however I think it was just a bit too much too soon.

Macy and Mark were not able to come with me to Italy which is fair enough. We thought we would be able to fly them out and they could stop close by so that I could see them each evening, fair enough they weren't allowed at the track. I had said yes to taking part in the finals believing we could work it like this.

However our location was kept a secret until we arrived in Italy so it wasn't possible to fly them out as we didn't know where we were stopping. It wasn't until we reached the hotel which was quite a distance from the airport an was fully booked that I realised it would be virtually impossible to fly out to me as I couldn't see there were any other hotels nearby.

None of the English team had arrived and I found out I was sharing a room so I couldn't even have a proper conversation with my family on skype. I admit I completely broke down, after all Macy was only 2 months old and I hadn't left her for a full day let alone anything else. I had nobody to talk to at dinner as everyone was with their own teams speaking in their native tongue. I felt so alone and the thought of being away from my family any longer was breaking my heart.

You will see what happens when the programme is aired in November on DMax. 

Came away with some super comfy racing boots, I want to wear them 24/6, love them!!


Oh and I never even thought I would be driving a left hand drive car! Took me ages to get used to it, all I could think of was where was the gearstick and nothing else!!

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Italy Here I Come - Abarth Make It Your Race Finals

Well yesterday I found out we have been selected as one of four to go through to the Make it your Race Finals in Italy next week!!

We had got through to the final ten on Sunday evening which was a Go Karting 40 minute race. I didn't do very well in that, I haven't got much experience Karting so I was a bit disappointed in my performance. Doesn't matter now though as were through to Italy - hooray, its a dream come true!!

The finalists can be found here.

The first episode from last year to give you a taster is here.

Monday 2 September 2013

Make It Your Race Day 2

I was hoping yesterday would be all about driving so I could show I can drive, it was, hooray!

We started off with the ball on the bonnet again, only the course was a lot longer so you were able to get more speed up, I found it a lot easier as the course was more spread out and you could see where you were going a bit better. I didn't feel I did too badly, probably about an average sort of time round the course.

Next activity was racing the single seated round the oval track, one word - AWESOME!!  That was until I broke the car and had to be towed back in lol! I lost power and the oil light came on - obviously I overworked her! Reaching speeds of around 130mph in what is just a bigger, more powerful go kart effectively was amazing! Again I didn't feel I did too badly but didn't think I maintained my distance from the pace car overly well.

After lunch we were interviewed in front of the camera as the MIYR Competition is all being televised in a reality style show, so you have to look good in front of the camera. I am quite confident in front of the camera, it's only plastic & glass - what makes that so scary??

Skid pan was next which was great fun and a really useful activity to take part in as you never know when you may have a skid - on the road or on the racetrack. Again I did okay, not brilliantly and not awfully.

Finally we had a bit more track driving in the Abarth which was great, I had a different instructor from yesterday and have therefore learnt a lot about track driving with two different perspectives. Am looking forward to applying what I have learnt next time I am on the track.

We are all waiting to hear who will be the final 4 to go through to the final in Italy. I think I was pretty average with my driving so we shall see, would be amazing to go, but if I don't then I have learnt a lot and had a fantastic weekend!!