Hethel Introduction to Sprinting

Sprinting is a high-speed discipline and a great way for those looking to take their first steps into motorsport. Without the distraction of other cars or the fear of contact, drivers can concentrate on their technique and speed.

The popular Introduction to Sprinting Day returns this summer at the home of Lotus Sports Cars. Taking place on Saturday, 15 August, the event will offer drivers an insight into what is involved in competing in sprint events, whilst in a safe and controlled environment. Develop your driving skills and push your car as far as you are comfortable, all under the guidance of an experienced track-side instructor.

Enjoy the twists and challenges of the Lotus Test Track South Circuit in the morning, and following lunch, take on the Full Circuit. With a maximum of two cars on the circuit at any one time and strict controls in place, drivers can enjoy this unique insight into competitive sprinting whilst also experiencing the joys of the Hethel test track in their car.

The day is available to Lotus Drivers Club members and strictly Lotus, Caterham and VX220 road-legal cars (Noise limit: 105db static). Spectators and cameras, including in-car, are not permitted. Suitable helmets are compulsory for all drivers and passengers, and you are responsible for ensuring helmets are fitted correctly. It is also compulsory to have both your arms and legs fully covered by your clothing. All drivers (including 2nd drivers) will be required to complete multiple sighting laps of the circuit along with a safety and circuit briefing. Instruction is classroom-based and track-side. The event starts at 9 am and finishes promptly at 4 pm.

Prices for the event are:

• Main Driver - £140
• 2nd Driver - £65
• Passenger - £25

For clarity, a second driver shares a car with the main driver. The number of available laps for each main driver and second driver is shared. In reality, towards the end of the day, the number of people queuing for a track session reduces, and the cars with main and second drivers often make up their number of laps. This cannot, however, be guaranteed.

If you would like to attend this event, please complete the event registration. Once registered, you will be contacted and provided with an invoice to secure your booking. Once the invoice is paid in full, your place will be confirmed. Please note that, because the Club pays in advance for this event, all bookings are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please notify the organisers immediately. We will do our best to resell your place, though this cannot be guaranteed.

The event fee includes a cold buffet lunch, tea, coffee and soft drinks for all registered participants, and the 1-hour lunch break provides the perfect opportunity to discuss the morning's experiences. Prices for the event will be confirmed shortly, along with booking details.

The Club has been running its Introduction to Sprinting event for over 25 years. In 1997, the Club held its inaugural sprint event at Hethel within months of being registered with the Motor Sports Association. It was the first such event to be held at the iconic test track, which, as we know, has been a vital element in the creation of Lotus road and race cars since 1966. The Lotus Test Track today at Hethel combines a variety of technical aspects with a series of bends, hairpins, corners, straights and a turning circle designed to put Lotus’ high-performance cars through their paces and to train and develop your driving skills.

For more information about this event, please contact [email protected]

If attending this event, why not join East Anglia members following the event on Sunday, 16 August, nearby at Old Buckenham Airfield. Their popular annual summer event includes a social drive followed by food and plenty of laughs, all starting 10 miles from Hethel.

For details of Factory tours and Lotus Driving Academy events, click here. If you are thinking of or are curious about competing in a sprint series or event in your Lotus, then why not get in touch with competitors from the Lotus Cup UK Speed Championship? Find out more at www.lcukspeed.com

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