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V8 Supercars (Drive em in the UK .. almost)

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 7:24 pm
by Maxx
THOUGHT I'D SHARE THIS WITH YOU GUYS

With all the forum talk about the awesome Aussie V8 Supercars running at Bathurst this weekend I thought I'd let you guys know that you can actually drive something very similar to the Aussie V8s here in the UK.

The cars are actually 100% proper race cars from the Chevy Lumina CSV-ME race series which raced at Bahrain & Dubai in 2007/08. These are the cars that raced in that series, the last race being held in April 2008 as support for the Bahrain F1 GP.

They are not the same spec as the Aussie V8s. They have 600bhp whereas the Luminas have about 400 (5.7ltr V8). I imagine they are also a little heavier. They don't have race clutches or race gearboxes but do have race spec LSDs. They run on either the race spec tyres they used in Bahrain (similar to Toyo 888s) or road tyres if it's wet. Drivers are allowed to use the full rev range and generally the instructors will let you drive them up to your perceived (by them) level of ability. The activity costs

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:22 pm
by Maxx
Meant to post some pics ..

Image

Image

Bit lively in the wet. No traction Control & No ABS of course!!!

Maxx

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:25 pm
by Maxx
Just found another one from Bahrain, great pic :-

Image

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:29 pm
by Stuart
When is this event Maxx?

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:48 pm
by Maxx
Stuart,

It's not an event, it's just one of the usual Gift Experiences you see advertised like Red Letter Days "Drive A Ferrari" etc. although AFAIK it is not offered through agents currently.

It's run by The Racing School at Rockingham, here is the link :-

http://www.racing-school.co.uk/driving/v8-super-car.asp

If you click on book a date you'll see the dates they have available for it.

Maxx

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:34 pm
by drifter
Do they use the same infield track as the Ferrari/Lambo/Mini days? Been to Rockingham twice now, been great fun :)

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:17 pm
by Maxx
Scott,

Yes, same circuit.

Maxx

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:55 pm
by drifter
Cool, got used to that after a couple of sessions, pushing the Ferraris round the corners in my little ol Mini :D

Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 5:39 pm
by drifter
Looks like me and my brother are going to have a bash. Are these a permanent feature now at Rockingham Max? Looking to go spring time I would expect :)

Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 5:46 pm
by Maxx
I'm not aware of any reason they wouldn't be available next year, been very popular this year, especially considerin they have not been offered through the usual agencies (red letter days etc.).

Maxx