14 years ago Asda started this event to help a colleague who was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. Initially, it was just a couple of Asda trucks and employees paid to drive them around the Bruntingthorpe track with a driving instructor beside them. A couple of car clubs, namely Lotus and GTR OC also agreed to take passengers around for a small fee. The first event raised £7,500 for the employee’s family.
Over the years many more car clubs and individual owners joined the cause and now this event is an amazing day out for the whole family. Activities include: a 4×4 experience on the test track, a passenger ride in a rally car, a fantastic air show, various stalls and a food court. Asda employees and their friends & families have now raised in excess of £375,000 and are looking to raise much more in years to come.
Shaun and I have been going for many years and never get bored of it. This year, we both went around the track in a Maserati doing 150 mph with ease. Other cares on the track included Lotus, Ariel Atom, BMW, Audi, Focus ST, Lamborghini, McLaren, Nissan GTR and many more.
We also did the 4×4 experience again this year… just to give you an idea what the track is like without giving too much away, this is what the car looks like after:
For the first time ever I also chose to go around the Rally track (as a passenger). It probably only lasted about 60 seconds but suffice to say I felt as though every bone in my body was rearranged. Great fun!
Every experience costs £5 a go (per person) and entry to the event is £10 per car. For more information about this year’s event and to find out about the 2016 event click on the links below.