Topcats Track day
Discussion
Oh boy, what a day I had today! 
As it is the end of the season for Britcar, Warren and Charlotte of Topcats hired silverstone for the day to allow us all to take the TVR Tuscans and the Marcos Mantis out on the circuit.
I was like a kid in a candy store when Charlotte looked at me and said "go on then, get in" (the Mantis) and took me out for a few laps. I got strapped in to the passenger seat and charlotte took off like a scolded cat, she drove magnificently, showing me the lines and apexes and explaining when to start braking, turning in etc. After several laps of the circuit, my time was up and I had to vacate the seat for some other fortunate character, I was over the moon, how many people can say they have actually been a passenger in a Mantis at race speeds on a real circuit?
Well, imagine how I felt when I was told to get back in the car a little later on..Two rides in a Mantis in one day...Ohhhh Yessssss Oh, what do you mean I'm getting in the wrong side? OH BOY...I'M GOING TO BLOODY WELL DRIVE IT ... YEEEEAHAAAAA
Charlotte got in the passenger seat while Brian and the crew sorted out some cushioning (I'm only 5'8"). Driving position set, harnesses fastened, turn the main power on and punch the starter button. the cobra roared into life and we were soon heading along the pit lane toward that great expanse of tarmac. Keep to the right of the solid line...now go for it
With Charlotte's expert guidance it wasn't long before I was carressing the curves, powering off the apexes, picking my braking points..."hold it out..hold it out....turn in now" she'd say and with the flick of the wheel, we'd hurtle through the bends with great speed and exhilaration wheels grinding, "a bit of understeer, back off the sterring a little, there, thats it, power on again". OH MAN...I've DRIVEN a RACING MANTIS at (not quite) race speed round a circuit!!
It was a great experience and will remain one of my lifes greatest memories. This is something I will never forget.
Thanks warren, Charlotte and the team. you gave me a hell of a day and I just hope it was as good for you guys as it was for me.
As it is the end of the season for Britcar, Warren and Charlotte of Topcats hired silverstone for the day to allow us all to take the TVR Tuscans and the Marcos Mantis out on the circuit.
I was like a kid in a candy store when Charlotte looked at me and said "go on then, get in" (the Mantis) and took me out for a few laps. I got strapped in to the passenger seat and charlotte took off like a scolded cat, she drove magnificently, showing me the lines and apexes and explaining when to start braking, turning in etc. After several laps of the circuit, my time was up and I had to vacate the seat for some other fortunate character, I was over the moon, how many people can say they have actually been a passenger in a Mantis at race speeds on a real circuit?
Well, imagine how I felt when I was told to get back in the car a little later on..Two rides in a Mantis in one day...Ohhhh Yessssss Oh, what do you mean I'm getting in the wrong side? OH BOY...I'M GOING TO BLOODY WELL DRIVE IT ... YEEEEAHAAAAA
Charlotte got in the passenger seat while Brian and the crew sorted out some cushioning (I'm only 5'8"). Driving position set, harnesses fastened, turn the main power on and punch the starter button. the cobra roared into life and we were soon heading along the pit lane toward that great expanse of tarmac. Keep to the right of the solid line...now go for it
With Charlotte's expert guidance it wasn't long before I was carressing the curves, powering off the apexes, picking my braking points..."hold it out..hold it out....turn in now" she'd say and with the flick of the wheel, we'd hurtle through the bends with great speed and exhilaration wheels grinding, "a bit of understeer, back off the sterring a little, there, thats it, power on again". OH MAN...I've DRIVEN a RACING MANTIS at (not quite) race speed round a circuit!!
It was a great experience and will remain one of my lifes greatest memories. This is something I will never forget.
Thanks warren, Charlotte and the team. you gave me a hell of a day and I just hope it was as good for you guys as it was for me.
You still got the LM400 Bob? .. not many of those around .. isn't a dark red colour by any chance .. I used to work on one a few years ago, owned by a lady .. wondering if it's the same car ..
anywayz pleased u had a good time .. you ventured on any track days yourself with the car? .. great fun.
I hear Charlotte is pretty handy!!
best wishes, joo
anywayz pleased u had a good time .. you ventured on any track days yourself with the car? .. great fun.
I hear Charlotte is pretty handy!!
best wishes, joo
Hi Julian,
Yes, I've still got the LM400, but no, mine is not Red, it's Ferrari giallo 102 yellow. I am the only private owner it has ever had. I was really fortunate having found it in Wrexham with only 800 miles on the clock. Seems it had only ever moved from one dealer to another before I got it
Your right about there not being too many around though. As far as I can ascertain, there were only ever 12 LM400 Spyders built, only two of those in this colour. One is left hand drive and lives in Germany, so mine is the only original Giallo Yellow Right Hand Drive LM400 in the world.
I suppose I'm a bit of a wuss really, but no, I have not put it on a track and I don't think I ever will. Given the above details, I could not forgive myself if I were responsible for smashing up such a unique beast.
Charlotte is a damn fine driver and a lovely lady, warren is a really lucky bloke to have married her. She was great showing me the ropes, not at all nervous about my inexperience and really helpfull, I would have loved to spend a lot more time with her in that car, it was fantastic and thanks for your kind remarks
HeHe, My name amuses you eh Ed...or should that be "Austin" Healey
It amused many people when I turned up at their Road accidents as a traffic
>> Edited by Aviator on Wednesday 1st December 22:35
Yes, I've still got the LM400, but no, mine is not Red, it's Ferrari giallo 102 yellow. I am the only private owner it has ever had. I was really fortunate having found it in Wrexham with only 800 miles on the clock. Seems it had only ever moved from one dealer to another before I got it
Your right about there not being too many around though. As far as I can ascertain, there were only ever 12 LM400 Spyders built, only two of those in this colour. One is left hand drive and lives in Germany, so mine is the only original Giallo Yellow Right Hand Drive LM400 in the world.
I suppose I'm a bit of a wuss really, but no, I have not put it on a track and I don't think I ever will. Given the above details, I could not forgive myself if I were responsible for smashing up such a unique beast. Charlotte is a damn fine driver and a lovely lady, warren is a really lucky bloke to have married her. She was great showing me the ropes, not at all nervous about my inexperience and really helpfull, I would have loved to spend a lot more time with her in that car, it was fantastic
and thanks for your kind remarks HeHe, My name amuses you eh Ed...or should that be "Austin" Healey
It amused many people when I turned up at their Road accidents as a traffic
>> Edited by Aviator on Wednesday 1st December 22:35
Cuchillo said:
Hello
hammerwerfer said:
Darren,
When I try to get to your website, it comes up only slightly larger than a postage stamp. Is the probelm at my end or yours?
R U using FireFox? .... Cos I noticed the same problem with it, however IE seems to work fine with it.
HTH/TTFN
Yep. Friefox doesn't seem to like it for some reason or other. I'll try with IE next time. Thanks.
Aviator said:
Thanks darren, I have thoroughly enjoyed your company at the race meetings mate and certainly look forward to sharing time with you all again
Take care over the close season mate and don't let those Arabs get too close to you!!
Regards
Bob
I've been ducking behind sand dunes and trying to top up my tan in an affort not to look as pasty as i always do, mind the alcohol free time is helping the liver out no end !! Still my visit over to Jeddah is going to be fun over the next couple of days
Cheers again for all your help and humour this year, looking forward to March already
Cheers fella
Darren
Aviator said:
Ah, so it was YOU who visited the American embassy in Jedha the other day 
It was a bit harsh mate, couldn't you have just walked through the door.
Seriously though, be careful mate and I look forward to seeing you again in March (if not before)
I did try knocking but typical American's they didn't think that there was anyone else in the world other than them so thought they must be hearing things!! Though talk about ironic, attacking the US consulate and not one American hurt or killed, only Saudi's talk about all the luck
I'm going to head over to the Bahrain GP track see if i can get me some action on that for a day over the weekend should be a good laugh if i can.
Take care and talk soon
Drinks
Aviator said:
Oh boy, what a day I had today!
As it is the end of the season for Britcar, Warren and Charlotte of Topcats hired silverstone for the day to allow us all to take the TVR Tuscans and the Marcos Mantis out on the circuit.
I was like a kid in a candy store when Charlotte looked at me and said "go on then, get in" (the Mantis) and took me out for a few laps. I got strapped in to the passenger seat and charlotte took off like a scolded cat, she drove magnificently, showing me the lines and apexes and explaining when to start braking, turning in etc. After several laps of the circuit, my time was up and I had to vacate the seat for some other fortunate character, I was over the moon, how many people can say they have actually been a passenger in a Mantis at race speeds on a real circuit?
Well, imagine how I felt when I was told to get back in the car a little later on..Two rides in a Mantis in one day...Ohhhh Yessssss Oh, what do you mean I'm getting in the wrong side? OH BOY...I'M GOING TO BLOODY WELL DRIVE IT ... YEEEEAHAAAAA
Charlotte got in the passenger seat while Brian and the crew sorted out some cushioning (I'm only 5'8"). Driving position set, harnesses fastened, turn the main power on and punch the starter button. the cobra roared into life and we were soon heading along the pit lane toward that great expanse of tarmac. Keep to the right of the solid line...now go for it
With Charlotte's expert guidance it wasn't long before I was carressing the curves, powering off the apexes, picking my braking points..."hold it out..hold it out....turn in now" she'd say and with the flick of the wheel, we'd hurtle through the bends with great speed and exhilaration wheels grinding, "a bit of understeer, back off the sterring a little, there, thats it, power on again". OH MAN...I've DRIVEN a RACING MANTIS at (not quite) race speed round a circuit!!
It was a great experience and will remain one of my lifes greatest memories. This is something I will never forget.
Thanks warren, Charlotte and the team. you gave me a hell of a day and I just hope it was as good for you guys as it was for me.
Going to certainly have a go at this in the new year.
Grouch.
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