| Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin, Aston Martin | | | | why you are there!) and general rules of the |
| came into existence under the principles of | | | | track will be explained. Then you will be taught the |
| individuality, high quality, distinction and exhilaration. | | | | tricks of the trade: how to stay in control when |
| There were many twists and turns throughout | | | | driving forcefully, a rather useful skill to acquire. |
| the 20th century but now, in the 21st century, | | | | Your instructor will then drive you around the |
| the founding principles are perhaps expressed | | | | track in a small sports car of some sort to |
| more than ever in the stunning designs of the | | | | familiarise you with the sensation of belting around |
| V12 Vantage, the Rapide, the DBS and of course | | | | the track, as well as showing you the racing lines |
| James Bond's favourite - The DB9. | | | | and circuit driving techniques. Then the car is |
| There is little doubt that Aston Martin makes | | | | upgraded to something with a little bit more of a |
| absolutely stunning cars. Those that witness such | | | | kick, such as a Porsche, so that you can show |
| a car passing by on the street are likely to find | | | | the instructor how it's done and get your first |
| themselves temporarily distracted by the beauty | | | | sample of the power you are about to witness. |
| of the design and the aura of status seeping from | | | | Then comes the moment you have been waiting |
| it's presence. Of course, everyone has their own | | | | for. You get out of the car and start walking |
| opinion but it can probably be safely said that, in | | | | towards an Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a few |
| the eyes of the majority of people, Aston | | | | laps of one of the most intense feelings you are |
| Martin's are possibly the most attractive brand of | | | | likely to ever experience. Words cannot describe |
| super car in the entire world. Some people dream | | | | the feelings in store, but maybe some figures will |
| of being able to find out first hand just what it | | | | help: 380bhp...170mph...0-60mph = 4.2 seconds. |
| feels like to drive such a prestigious brand of | | | | Many people believe that with a car of such |
| sports car. It doesn't have to be a dream. | | | | power and such speed, the instructor is in place |
| These days there are so many opportunities | | | | to make sure that you don't push the car too |
| available for those willing to reach out and grab | | | | hard. People often find however, that the only |
| them, one such opportunity is the chance to drive | | | | thing stopping them from pushing the car harder |
| one of these masterpieces around a track. Many | | | | and faster around the asphalt is their own |
| people are aware as to what driving experiences | | | | reluctance to do so. The instructor is more than |
| are but for those who don't know; a driving | | | | likely going to be nudging you to go faster or |
| experience is where a member of the public can | | | | pointing out where to accelerate earlier out of a |
| get behind the wheel of a fully fueled and | | | | corner; they really try to give you the best |
| ready-to-ride sports car and drive to their heart's | | | | experience possible and so they should they |
| content around a real race track. This is not only | | | | should, it's their job and it's your money! |
| a huge thrill, but there is also a sense of | | | | As if that wasn't enough, as soon as you have |
| accomplishment that comes with driving a car | | | | proved yourself and step out of the Aston Martin |
| that is at the pinnacle of the automotive | | | | you are probably going to be shoved in the |
| hierarchy. | | | | general direction of a lightweight racing car. |
| There are many different locations available all | | | | Lightweight racing cars, such as the lower formula |
| across the country should you want to take up | | | | relatives of F1 cars, are purpose-built racing |
| the challenge of driving an Aston Martin. | | | | machines with no other purpose than going as |
| Companies that provide these experiences | | | | fast as possible. After working up to the Aston |
| generally try to make it as accessible as possible | | | | Martin and proving that you can handle the |
| with a range of available nation wide locations so | | | | insanity of such a machine, your instructor will |
| all you have to worry about is turning up and | | | | wander off (probably for a cup of tea) and give |
| burning some rubber! Generally, the only | | | | you the freedom of a car that really lets you feel |
| restrictions are that you need to have a manual | | | | the race track. |
| driving licence and you need to be in good health. | | | | Overall, Aston Martin driving experiences are truly |
| The full event will usually take about 3 hours and | | | | breathtaking once in a life time opportunities. If |
| all training regarding the handling of the car and | | | | you want to drive an Aston Martin or you want |
| the handling of the track are given before you | | | | to allow a friend or loved one to do so, you have |
| get strapped into the Aston Martin. The instructor | | | | two choices: fork out in excess of £50,000 |
| will be fully qualified in teaching you the ins and | | | | for the privilege of owning your very own Aston |
| outs of the car and they are often racing drivers | | | | Martin so you can drive around the streets of |
| themselves, so they will not only be able to direct | | | | your village; or get together a few hundred |
| you safely around the track but will also be able | | | | pounds and belt one around a purpose built track. |
| to pass you a few racing hints for better car | | | | No speed bumps, no traffic lights, no cyclists! This |
| control. | | | | is the ultimate opportunity to step into the world |
| Upon arrival, you will be ushered into a safety | | | | of James Bond and drive like him. This is sure to |
| briefing that will inform you that the car you are | | | | be the experience of a lifetime. |
| about to handle is very powerful (but then that's | | | | |