Beneficiaries enjoy a trip of a lifetime!
Once again, thanks to our very good friend Darren at DN Events, we were lucky enough to take beneficiaries, Rob Baker, Andy Fisher, Julian Pitt and Jack Taylor, on a bucket list trip of a lifetime to the Nürburgring and then on to the Belgian F1 for three of them.
Day 1
Tired and excited beneficiaries joined up with CEO James Cameron and Operations Manager Mark White to hit the road and aim for Europe. A very smooth ferry crossing, helped by access to the ferry’s club lounge, the group made their way to Spa Francorchamps for a quick pitstop and a guided tour of the local area including observing the set-up activities for the F1. The group continued on their travels to Adenau within the Nürburgring. On arrival we headed to Ali Babas for our evening meal before heading to the Sonnenhoff Hotel for an early night. Only a stone’s throw from the Nürburgring, the hotel became home for what made the next few day’s activities much easier, even with the lack of the sleep by some due to those who may have snored a little.
Day 2
Day two of the trip, and first on the itinerary was a visit to the outside of the ‘ring, visiting notorious parts of the circuit and the local areas, with a running commentary history lesson for all. Late lunchtime we headed to the JLR Test Centre, where we were treated to a comprehensive and enjoyable tour of the site. Often out of bounds to many we were very lucky and appreciative of the time spent there. After a tasty currywurst lunch at the Ed Tankstelle, it was time to hit the ‘ring! Between James and Mark, the beneficiaries were shown a warm lap of the Nürburgring, whilst providing commentary, hints and tips for driving the 12.9 mile lap. After first laps it was another exploratory session; this time visiting parts of the track not even accessible to locals. Dinner was at the Comfy Corner where the troops got to sample the best schnitzel in Germany whilst joining Darren and his quests.
Day 3
The weather had turned. Undeterred, we spent the morning at the Boulevard and GP circuit which was hosting the Fanatec race series practice & qualifying. Lunchtime saw the weather improve, we headed to the Schnitzel House by Nurburg Castle for lunch with a view, before walking to the top of the castle. Sadly, the track was closed for some time due to a nasty oil spill but once open, we heading to the track car park and gave the guys the good news…. it was their turn to drive for those who wanted. Mark strapped himself into the passenger seat and coached the nervous but driver around their first driven lap of the world’s longest track. On completion of their laps, once nerves and heart rates returned to normal we packed away the mighty MX-5 and headed to one of the original parts of the Sudschleife (South-loop). A short walk at it was very evident where the nickname Green Hell came from, a thin piece of tarmac surround by hundreds of trees that lined the edge of the circuit. Back in the day it was hoped that as a driver you would be thrown clear of your car rather than follow it into the tree, all rather humbling whilst there. Dinner and drinks at the PistonKlause was in order courtesy of Tony Eyles, the chaps again got to spend time with our host Darren and his guests.
Day 4
James and Jack headed back to the UK and Mark and the others stayed. Those that stayed, headed back to the Nurburg GP circuit to watch the Fanatec race series and then hoped into the Dorint Hotel to watch the Belgian F1 qualifying as the Fanatec support races whizzed by the glass wall. On completion we headed to Adam MWs house who kindly fed us BBQ and force fed us far too many beers. Regardless a fabulous host who put us all up prior to F1 day.
Day 5
An early start and we headed to Spa for the Belgian F1. A first F1 for half the team but a first Belgian F1 for all. We pitched up halfway down the Kemmel Straight in front of the large screens but tucked into the forest for some much-needed shade. A great race to behold with rather overwhelming crowds to navigate. Regardless one amazing day of bucket list stuff ticked off again. Once we managed to get back to the carpark we aided a few people who had got stuck in the mud, it had rained all day previously. Returning to Adam house for some home made lasagne and a dip in the pool, funnily enough not too many beers were consumed that evening.
Day 6
After a busy few days, like all good things, it had to come to an end. Belongings were packed up and we hit the road to home. Unlike the journey to the ‘ring, it was a much more subdued ride home. Less of the excited chatter and more of the sounds of happy snores coming from the passenger seats.
Not Just a Motorsport Thing
One can be forgiven for thinking that the trip was purely about motorsport. It wasn’t. At the heart of it (and everything we do) is the individual’s journey of recovery, exploiting their love of motorsport. It gave independence to some, for others it gave them the confidence to get out and about and engage with others. It has enabled them to meet with key personalities to help them fulfil their dream of getting involved in the sport. For all, it gave them a safe space to be themselves, to forget their issues, and create lasting memories that they can look back on fondly. It allowed them to find camaraderie, something they all have missed since leaving the forces.