After our relaxing trek though the Mourne Mountains our next challenge was to go Formula Ford racing at Kirkiston race track with Stanley Chambers as our tutor. After motoring there in our lovely, but slow, red sports car we were to be let loose on cars with a top speed of 130mph!
We had tuition from Stanley, including tips on taking corners properly, racing lines, safety etc and, after a couple of assessment laps in the saloon car, we were off! Danielle believed that she had a better driving style although I'm sure I heard a few crunching gears from around the track.
So, even though I was faster, AND did a proper racing driver spin, Danielle won the trophy. I was robbed!
BACKGROUND
Race School Ireland is in its fourth decade of operation at the Kirkiston racing circuit. Race School Ireland and the instructors are fully licensed and approved by the Motor Sport Association and the Association of Racing Drivers Schools (ARDS). Racing overalls and helmets are provided. Please bring flat shoes (not bulky trainers).
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The course content includes a saloon car demonstration and instruction laps with a qualified racing instructor. There is a comprehensive briefing covering the basic driving of a single seater racing car, including safety, cornering lines, gear changing and general track behaviour. The lapping session in the single seater consists of seven laps following the pace car driven by the instructor.
COST
COST: Formula A (as completed by Gary and Danielle) £159.00. There are more packages available so check the website www.raceschoolireland.co.uk
BOOKING
For bookings and enquiries contact the school by email info@raceschoolireland.com
Or use the form at Race School Ireland
Tel. 028 9050 7010
The Booking Office is situated at 53 Listooder Road, Crossgar, Downpatrick, BT30 9JF
The racing circuit address is:
Kirkistown Race Circuit
130 Rubane Road
Kircubbin
Co Down
BT22 1AL
Opening hours: The booking office is open all year round for enquiries and bookings however the racing experience season runs from March to November.
SIMILAR PLACES
Discover Northern Ireland - Adventure www.discovernorthernireland.com/adventure/
Outdoor Northern Ireland www.outdoorni.com/
Northern Ireland Tourist Board www.nitb.com
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Check out our gallery to see images taken during the filming of Gary & Danielle's Northern Exposure.
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