The run down The Avenue into Dentons wasn't an issue, although the drop down Cascades seemed a lot steeper behind the wheel than watching on TV and the right-hander at Fosters didn't afford as much grip as it could have done.

Going up Clay Hill, there literally is no way to see what is ahead, with the useful comment of 'aim for the big tree' giving an indication of the best line to take and then there is the challenge of the double apex turn at Druids.

Heading into the left-hander that leads into the corner, there is little room for braking, and it makes you wonder how some of the drivers who compete at the Cheshire venue can have the balls to make a move down the inside stick as the cars turn right.

Sheltered by the surrounding trees, grip levels once again weren't at their highest, with the power having to be applied gently before the run down to Lodge, a corner which also drops away a lot more than it would appear from watching on the sidelines or at home on TV.

After 15 minutes of lapping in the little Clio in a manner that described as 'quick but smooth' – much like the regulars in the Clio Cup – it was time to step into the single-seater.

This was when the challenging nature of the conditions really became apparent, with the extra power and rear-wheel drive meaning it was easy to get out of shape at the slower corners.

Indeed, on more than one occasion, the rear end would slide at Fosters and Druids but the car remained on track until the chequered flag flew – unlike with one of the other drivers who came back with a car covered in mud and with advice to avoid the marshal at Druids who was in a similar state after walking behind the car to help it off the grass after a spin.

A quick debrief afterwards gave hints and tips on where to improve, and while the day was nothing more than a taster, it did give an indication of what it must be like for the professionals who are lucky enough to do the job for a living.

Quite what it must be like to turn into a greasy Druids when you're going a hell of a lot faster and have 20 cars around you however is a different matter altogether...


With thanks to Chelsea Reay at MSV for organising the day. Anyone who fancies a go at taking to the track themselves can do so at either Oulton Park or Brands Hatch, with further details if you Click Here.