Mrs Frugal Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Oh wow ! I have just had THE most awesome morning. I am probably the world's least confident driver and to make matters worse, a bus drove into the side of my car during the summer which really knocked my confidence to the point where I didn't want to drive at all anymore. I have to though as I need to take T to college 3 times a week and can't bottle out just because I'm scared. Anyway, my insurance claim was finally settled a couple of months ago and I got my excess money back and I decided I needed to boost my confidence so I booked a session at Rockingham Race Track in their skid car http://www.driving-experience-uk.co.uk/pages/rockingham/skid_car. I have just got home and it was awesome . I was terrified when I got into the car with the instructor showing us what we were going to do as he hurled it round the track, spinning and screeching the car all over the place. I nearly bottled out right there and then but stuck with it as I'd paid to do it! I was sharing the drive with 2 men who weren't nervous in the slightest. I got to drive second and completely lost it at one point when the car went round and round with me squealing like a banshee ! The car has stabilisers on which control the amount of skid the car experiences as the frame lifts the car wheels up off the ground to give more or less control. The instructor had a little red button on his control pad which took away the stabilisers and let the car have full control if things got a bit hairy and I saw him press that so I could get the car back under control again . Apart from that (and stalling several times!), it was great fun, if scary !! The 2 lads who I was sharing the driving with also managed to stall and lose control of the car so I didn't totally embarrass myself. Wow, what an experience ! I'm still shaking and feel very queasy as its like being on a very scary rollercoaster in the back when the car is being thrown around but I'm so glad I did it as I feel more confident behind the wheel now - must be because I drove home and didn't leave that to LSH!! The weather didn't help today because it was snowing and there was real ice on the track but I am so pleased with myself for not chickening out and for doing OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackiepoppies Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Congratulations Jackiex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Blimey no leisurely sunday morning for you! Well done and I hope it cures you of your fears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Good for you. There will be no stopping you now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Well done I've never had a bad accident but I'm sure it must be worrying driving afterwards, you should feel very proud of yourself. Watched a bit of Top Gear this morning and apparently in Finland learner drivers have to learn how to skid a car. Seems like a good idea to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Brilliant Oh did one a while ago as he decided to join the Advanced Motorists, and passed his test going on a skid car afterwards Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Well done , I hope you really get some confidence back now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Hey Kate Was about to PM you about this. GO girl and we'll be meeting in Cambridge next year. I'll make the first trip to yours though of course, I promised Feel the fear Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted November 23, 2008 Author Share Posted November 23, 2008 Feel the fear Oooooh I felt the fear all right, Buffs . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Well done . Sounds terrifying and exciting in equal measure . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Wow, well done Kate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Very impressive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracefruit Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Now that's facing your fear! Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Well done kate. That must have taken a lot of courage to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 The Stig's identity is revealed! Well done Kate, that was incredibly brave. Really good to have gained that driving confidence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Well done Kate, I'm glad that you enjoyed it in the end. I look forward to seeing you driving next time we meet up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Good for you Kate! I bought the OH that experience a while back and he loved it too. The Rockingham track is a great venue too - just wait til Christmas i bet your present will be driving an F1!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
