Recently, I had the chance to experience pure adrenaline at Bedford Autodrome, all while tackling the thrilling challenge of becoming a track day star in a 621bhp Maserati MC20.
Foundations of Track Driving
As a rookie on the track, my early attempts were, to say the least, clumsy.
It’s akin to forgetting to tie your shoelaces—frustrating and definitely not the best way to start.
On that slightly damp Tuesday, I found that three fundamental principles would serve as my foundation: optimal positioning, clear visibility, and effective braking.
Unfortunately, my seating posture was a significant hurdle.
Christian Vann, PalmerSport’s chief instructor and a seasoned Le Mans racer, pointed out that many drivers, particularly men, often find themselves sitting too far back in their seats.
This flawed positioning not only compromises braking power but also introduces safety hazards in the event of an accident.
Grasping these basics is essential, especially when you’re tackling the formidable Maserati MC20.
Once I adjusted my seating for a better fit, I was finally set to take to the track.
Before unleashing the raw power of the Maserati, I took a few warm-up laps in a BMW X3 PHEV around Bedford’s West Circuit, which spans 1.8 miles and includes 12 corners.
Although I was eager to get into the Maserati, my limited experience with supercars made me feel like a novice navigating uncharted waters.
Embracing the Challenge
My first laps in the supercar were tentative; finding my rhythm took longer than expected.
Before arriving, I had glanced at the circuit layout on my phone and discovered I’d be using the shortest of the four configurations.
Nonetheless, corner 11 appeared more daunting than I had anticipated, leaving me a bit disoriented.
After several laps, it was time for feedback.
Christian recognized my progress but also highlighted the need for smoother throttle control and better use of the track’s width.
I couldn’t agree more; I felt a bit shaky and lacked the fluidity I hoped to demonstrate.
Although the Maserati felt predictably powerful during my earlier road tests, its rapid shifts and exhilarating speed on the track felt jolting.
For my second set of laps, I embraced Christian’s encouragement.
More confident, I began to make better use of the track’s expanse and practiced applying the accelerator and brakes with more finesse, moving away from a harsh on/off style.
During our lunch break, where Christian praised my car control, the weather took a turn for the worse, and heavy rain drenched the track.
Once the deluge tapered off, we headed back out.
Vann wisely advised that navigating a slick surface can often be trickier than racing on a wet one.
Yet, despite his caution to shift gears early to tame the turbo’s torque, I made a classic rookie error—accelerating aggressively in second gear, which caused the rear end to slide.
Luckily, my cautious mode choice helped me regain control.
Reflection and Takeaways
As the day wrapped up, we convened for a final review.
Christian noted the improvement in my braking technique, especially at the start of my deceleration.
He stressed how crucial an adept release of the brake pedal is for overall handling—a detail I had underestimated initially.
Now, reflecting back at my desk, I appreciate that effective braking lies not just in sheer force, but in the sophistication of execution.
Although insurance rules prevented me from officially clocking my lap times, Vann estimated I could shave off around 12 seconds per lap after our session.
It’s exciting to consider that even those with less experience can make even bigger leaps in their performance.
What’s the bottom line of driving a supercar? They are surprisingly more akin to regular cars than one might think.
By mastering essentials like proper seating, enhanced visibility, adept cornering, and strategic braking, you can elevate your driving experience to new heights.
Harnessing these principles brings about extraordinary rewards when handling these incredible machines.
Allow your passion to lead the way, and you’re sure to shine on the track!