What a way to spend a weekend! I was a wreck on Friday, doing something like this for the first time gives that edgy feeling or excitement and terror, but as good friends told me, it will be fine, it is something I want to do and yeah, stepping outside your comfort zone of a typical family Saturday routine can seem uncomfortable.
But you know what? It was incredible. Once I’d figured out where to go, claimed my spot in the paddock and got the car track ready, it was all go – drivers briefing, walk the track, pass scrutineering checks (phew!) and meet some of the folks around the paddock.
Popping up the camping chair, getting comfy in my Nomex (that was the pros call their race suits) and taking some time to chill, but also focus on how to drive fast – it really is a different mode. We’re all so used to driving around to get from A-B, suddenly, no no no, it’s all about going flat out immediately and going around that first bend as quickly as you dare.
Do you slow down calmly in a considerate fashion after checking your mirrors? No, you’re hanging on until the last moment you think can apply the brakes and you apply them hard, for as little time as possible, just to give the car the grip it needs to turn in to the next bend. Meanwhile thinking and looking ahead to the next corner to make sure you’re positioned for a quick exit, but also a good line into the next bend and this just builds and builds.
A full lap may only be a tad over a mile, but it’s the most intense mile and 11 or so corners, it feels like it’s over in a flash, but strangely at the same time, the more you do it, the more time you seem to have to think and as a result get quicker.
My first time, was over 74seconds, not terrible, but not where I expected to be. But hey, it was the first lap. My following runs were all progressively better, coming down to a consistent 71.3 or 71.4s lap – not a bad improvement for my first day.
Day 2 came along and I was fresh, raring to go and walking the track first thing again. No nerves this time, just focus and determination to get a sub-71s lap.
And boom, I did it – first run of the day, 70.52s.
I did attempt to go quicker, but quite frankly, I was shattered. I had some good final runs, all quicker than my day 1 attempts, despite nearly losing it a couple of times. Time to regroup and prepare for next time.
Next time? Oh yes – the debut for BoxBoxBox Racing was just that. Look out Harewood Hill, I’ll be back and I cannot wait.
Above all, I have to say that those who say it’s a friendly crowd at this level of motorsport, well they aren’t wrong. I met so many people over the course of the two days – getting advice, chatting cars, sharing my story of BoxBoxBox, meeting folks who’ve built their cars, been to Harewood all their life, or raced rallies in the ’70s to people running a ridiculously quick Polo GTI in a rivalry against a ludicrously fast Clio, Civic and more.
I came away from Harewood with a massive smile on my face, invitations to track days and meetups ahead of the next Harewood weekend. Bring it.
Here’s a collection of photos
