WHAT a ride – start to finish in 58 seconds – climbing the side of a volcano at exhilarating speeds sitting next to the overall seventh-placed finisher at the 2017 Legend of the Lakes Hill Climb.
This was the reality of my Friday morning last week, as I climbed into the passenger seat of Damien Brand’s Gc8 Subaru WRX STI.
I first found out I would have the opportunity of a ride at the Hill Climb a couple of weeks before the event, but had no idea which driver I would sit alongside.
It was not until about an hour before I harnessed up I knew who I would make the climb with.
While I waited to find out who I was going with, Brand’s WRX had already caught my eye.
Having a Gc8 Impreza of my own, I thought to myself “I wish I could see what that could do”.
Then I was told Brand would be my driver and he was one of the top-five competitors going into the event.
I could not believe my luck.
However, before I could go on the thrill ride, there was a problem which needed to be addressed.
Assuming I would be provided with a race suit, I did not even think when I dressed into shorts and a T-shirt in preparation for the 30 degree day.
It was not until I had caught the bus to the bottom of the hill I found out I would need long sleeves and pants if I was to go for the ride.
This added to the stress which was starting to build, as there was no time to get the change of clothes which were sitting in my car at the top of the hill.
But eventually clothes were sourced for me at the bottom and, despite being a loose fit, I was finally ready for the climb.
Meeting Brand at his car, harnesses were tightened and helmets were fastened and before I knew it we were on the line waiting for the light to turn green.
There were a few nerves at this point, but as soon as Brand hit the pedal they were long gone.
Whether the cameras could see my face as we sped up the hill and through the chicane to the hairpin I can not be sure, but if they did they would have caught my smile at every turn.
Despite the hand brake not working on the hairpin – costing some valuable time – the run was still in the 58-second bracket.
However, it felt more like 20 seconds and for only his second run of the 2017 event, it was well on the pace.
I have watched plenty of cars make the climb and heard stories from people who have gone on rides themselves, but it is not until you experience it for yourself that you can truly comprehend the speed of the drivers and their cars.
I have been given many opportunities in the first year of my job, but this would have to be the best to date.
This year’s Hill Climb event provided an array of entertainment for rev heads and thrill seekers alike.
Whether they were behind the wheel or on the sidelines, the event suited the needs of all the motorsport fans who found themselves at the lake venue over the weekend.
From the now back-to-back champion Dan Day, to the daring Irishman Frank Kelly, there was something for all spectators over the three days of competition.
However, you do not fully register the skill of the drivers and the speed of which they tackle the hill until you have made the climb yourself.
