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!!

Abarth Make It Your Race Semi-Final

I was invited as one of 50 Semi-Finalists to attend the Semi-Final for Make It Your Race (I posted my entry on a previous blog post). This involves two days of activities at Rockingham Motor Speedway, only you have to qualify as one of the top 24 to go through to the second day.

Well today was day one. Mark came with me and brought Macy so we booked a hotel for last night and tonight knowing it would have been too early a start this morning to get Macy ready and at the track in time. With a late finish today I didn't fancy the idea of a long drive home and thought we could spend tomorrow looking round Rockingham Castle.

The day started with a reaction test, seeing how many lit buttons you could press in 3 minutes. Sounds easier than it is when you short as the lights are quite high and far apart!

Next activity was taking an Abarth out onto the track - yes great fun, brilliant to have some instruction as well, I really learnt a lot.  A nice buffet lunch followed.

The afternoon started with a computer simulator, never been any good at these as am not a great computer game fan! I didn't put in a great time but it wasn't the worst in my group.

Wheel change was next, I have only changed a wheel with help from mark, never on my own so this I was most worried about. I struggled at first as the wheels are heavy!! And the airgun sent vibrations right through my carpal tunnel (suffering this evening now!) However I did okay I thought.

Finally we took a car round a slalom balancing a ball on the bonnet and had to make sure it didn't fall off. I took it steady to make sure I didn't lose that ball!!

The results came in and to my surprise I have got through to tomorrow! I didn't feel I did too badly but didn't think I would be in the top 24 so am really thrilled!

Our cheeky monster!