Our Cars - TVR Chimeara

Track Day Diary

RAF Marham Charity Track day 23rd April 2006

Following a general invite from the club, Benn and I decided the Marham track day might be a good opportunity to put the Carizma Chimeara through it’s paces – it’s first track day outing and our first at Marham. It was always going to be a day to remember.

So, following the short safety briefing it’s agreed that we’ll alternate drives as the day was to consist of 20 minute sessions and a break for lunch. As we had arrived a little late due to a mix up on our part with security passes it’s a rush to the start line as a number of sessions had already taken place.

It’s me up first, down to the start line with the roof down and as is if on cue the rain starts spitting…it’s too late, we’re off down to the first bend 3rd in the line up on to the next bend the Chim’s raring to go. On to the straight – right this is it….100, 110, 120, the adrenaline starting to build, 130, 140, 150, by now the peak of my helmet I have borrowed is starting to resonate, 155 and the track is starting to blur, the wipers struggling to cope, the cones marking the next bend a green haze….”is it left or right” I shout to Benn, “right, no, left, I don’t know!”. It’s left and we turn in tight and the Chim takes it is stride.

Next up it’s Benn. Roof definitely up this time as th e rain isn’t letting up and it’s only by about the second bend that I realise I’m feeling a little nervous and would probably prefer to be driving as the back end steps out for the second time. Still, it’s too late now, on to the straight….140, 150, 155, 160, 163, 166, past the M3’s and the Lotus’s, the wipers once again trying to tare away from the scuttle, the bonnet straining and starting to lift at the back around the next bend and on to another, the Chim fighting for grip and then it’s all over as we slide sideways towards the grass. I soon realise we are heading for the cones and as if in slow motion duck as a cone ricochets off the passenger door. Fantastic!

Thomas Freeman