Yeah, I did. But BJ had been leading an example, so I figured it was worth a try at civility. Water off a duck's back, anyway. Am having a great day today.
It's not as selfless as it might appear at first glance. I get a real buzz from sharing the experience with people that I know have a REAL passion for Ferrari and it's history. I can be brutally short with people who push the boundaries and forget their manners.
Thats exactly what I said to PP. Phil was amazed how blasé I was when I jumped out of the 360N-GT as compared to my reaction when I jumped out of the F50. I was like blown away. That experience will stick for a very long time. The sound was just awesome, even writing this it brings back a HUGE smile. Not comparible, but similar/same. lol. At Bathurst I had the new HSV GTS 300kw Coupe that had come out. Remembering we are in bogan heaven there. Anyway one of the youngsters there camping with us turned 21. I had to go and buy a few things in Bathurst town. I took him with me. Once we were somewhere safe I jumped out and let him have a drive for his 21st. Couldn't wipe the smile off his face all weekend. Talk about bragging points. And he used them.
Seeing 360C in the F50 with the wrong helmet reminded me of this movie clip when Sulley (the blue monster) first jumps in Mikes car. Bring back memories 360C. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZgChX8lDnA
Haha yes indeed. Cool video. The F50 is a bit of a problem for anyone over 6ft or long in the legs. Take the roof off and your knees are still jammed hard against the dash, so you still can't drive. Not much you can do about it either. The carbon tub is actually quite small.
You have to pick your targets very carefully or it can backfire badly in my experience. I was amused at your reaction to the N-GT vs the F50. I find the N-GT mind blowing and the F50 fabulous- for a road car; but it is a very poor second to the N-GT in that environment.When I take the 2 to the track, I invariably do dome sighting laps in the F50 first up then jump into the N-GT for the rest of the day. The N-GT has to be experienced to believe how good it is in all areas. Incredible car and so cheap these days!
I wouldnt either! But all is not lost mate, just pass it onto baby 360C. Same goes for the F50 and 308.
Well its almost 2 years since 360C first invited me to passenger in the F50 and N-GT at Winton. Today I got offered the opportunity to DRIVE the N-GT at Phillip Island. At first I was a bit reluctant as there were a heap of professional drivers there and was just happy to passenger. Also I've never driven a LHD, sequential gearbox or slicks ever on a circuit. This was all 3 at once. I went out a couple of times with 360C and man did he drive the wheels off it. All that fitness work he's done showed in the way he drove the car, lapping consistently within a few tenths. Amazing corner grip and after about 12 laps my neck was starting to hurt. After another gentleman had a drive I built up the courage to have a go myself and I'm glad I did. I had an information overload of what to do and not what to do and I was shaking like a leaf with nerves. These things aren't easy to get off the line. You have to rev the crap out of them and drop the clutch. (another story ) Anywhoo, I'm all buckled in after inserting a foam support at my back to get the correct driving position. This is my most nervous moment, I have to put the car into 1st and drive out of the garage (not a pit lane start). I manage to get a relatively nice get away for a Virgin. So out onto the track I go, here I am on my own scared ****less driving into turn 1 on Phillip Island. The first thing I notice is how light the car is to drive and how direct it was in turning. I just loved the sequential gearbox. Couldn't heel and toe, just no time. I do a few laps and am starting to get the feel of the car and learn the circuit (it's been 8 years since I've driven at PI). It is still taking some getting used to the down shift without my habit of heel toe, but I like doing just the braking and clutching. The concentration needed was quite high. My favourite part of the circuit is coming out of Siberia and going up hay shed and down into Luky Heights then a short shift to 3rd before banging through 4th and 5th to enter the last corner onto the straight. Just as the car and tyres were coming up to temperature a 360 Challenge lunched itself right in front of me half way down the straight and into turn 1. That was scary seeing all this oil on the circuit. The session was red flagged and I returned to the pits where I was told I did OK for a first timer. I asked if I was in trouble was everything OK. I sat in the car for almost 45 minutes waiting to go out again. I kept asking 360C if wanted to go out and he said no I could have one more go. So at 4pm they open the circuit and I get my first 5 cent piece manhole cover moment driving out of pit lane. I get a bit too heavy on the throttle on pit exit and the car steps sideways. Wake up call Brett, these things can bite and bite real hard and real quick. I go around slowly to warm the car and tyres up signalling other cars to go around me. A round 2 laps in I thought I was getting some wheel spin on 2 corners and then I had a little spin and it turned out the clutch was starting to slip, so I had to limp back to pit lane. Cars was parked for the day. Thanks again 360C, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sorry you didn't get to go out again. My son was supposed to have his first day at private school tomorrow, that's been cancelled, he's going public. Other highlight of today was that PP and FF got on like best mates laughing and joking at and with each other.
Great stuff! What a great opportunity and great generosity 360C to give you some wheel time of such a special beast!
Fantastic mate!! Thanks for sharing your experience! Kudos to SD!! What a champ! Well, ill be dawg gawn! Hehe!
