Palmer Sport Motor Sensation
 

Next up the Caterham 7 Superlights ....... 0 - 60mph in 3.9 seconds!! We drove these on the east circuit, which was slightly shorter but far more twisting and undulating than the west circuit ....... perfect for spinning out ....... twice in this car!! Most people seemed to agree that these were the most fun to drive, extremely powerful for their weight and able to slide round those corners with the rubber burning!!

On to the north circuit for some fun in a Nissan 350Z. These were the same model that you would buy from Nissan with the exception of the brakes and 

exhaust ....... apparently if the standard fittings were used they would have to be replaced every other day!!  Despite the fact that this was a standard two seater sports car it still managed 0 - 60mph in 5.9 seconds. !This was the only car that I didn't spin ....... might have had something to do with the traction control!! However some people still managed to get it pointing the wrong way!

Finally into the Palmer Jaguar JP1 on two different circuits, first the north circuit which we had just driven in the Nissan 350Z, so we knew the circuit. However the north circuit was a bit small to fully appreciate being propelled from 0 -100mph in 6.8 seconds!! Despite the fact that we had already driven the circuit I still unsurprisingly managed to spin the car.

And then onto the final drive of the day, the Palmer Jaguar JP1 on the south circuit with straights that enabled us to reach speeds of 130mph+. Unfortunately for me there we also some bends ....... and one of them was at the end of the 130mph straight. Although the instructor seemed quite calm the fact that we ended up over 200ft into the run off area (also know as the field) suggested that perhaps I was going a little to fast into the 'S' bend. Anyway that's certainly the first time I've been in a car travelling backwards at over 100mph.

....... back to the hospitality suite for some late afternoon tea and medals.

We were all presented with data sheets on our Formula Palmer Audi drive which we examined very carefully. We also had our times for each event on a scorecard and a vast sheet contain each one of the 100 participants times for each and every event (all can be accessed below).

Ok ....... let's get one thing out of the way, our  Sauber team came last!! ....... but I was assured that there was no shame in this whatsoever (so I can't understand why William Mullett from Deutsche Bank was crying!!)

The individual medals were awarded (none for me ....... or William) and the team trophy presented to the Toyota team.

....... then back into my rather sedate and comparatively well sprung Mondeo and back home down the M11 ....... at under 100mph!!

Palmer Sport Motor Sensation is without a doubt the best driving day in the UK. I have also been to Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Goodwood all of which are thoroughly enjoyable, but for sheer variety and speed (Palmer Jaguar JP1) the Motor Sensation day out is the best ....... I have it on good authority that I'm already down for next year!!