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Tracked Down Under - Aston Martin Drive Day 2007
Thrills without the speeding bills, Aston Martin owners in Australia are finding stress relief in the form of taking to the track. Dean Evans went along for the ride.
There's something unusual here. It's not the tacho needle as it sweeps its counter-clockwise arc towards 7000rpm. It's not the fact we've just picked fifth gear and seen the speedo pass 200km/h. It's not the overload of adrenaline, nor the intoxicating tingling of senses. There's one underlying component that's notably, unusually, but appreciably absent.
It's that we won't get caught.
Free from speed cameras, police patrols and pedestrians, Trivett Classic Aston Martin hosted its 2007 Track Day, on the playground of Sydney's international standard Eastern Creek Raceway.
"We're aware of how good the Aston Martin Performance Driving Course is in the UK", opens Trivett Sales Manager Keith McArdle, "but we understand it's not easy for our clients to get to the UK to do the factory course. For that reason we have, in conjunction with Events O'Neill, developed our own day based on the UK course but adding our own localised elements."
Catering for the ‘new range' of Aston Martins from DB7 to the latest V8 Vantage Roadster, the track day is run in a relaxed, social atmosphere where owners can meet and chat and explore the capabilities of their machines in a non-competitive environment.
All models are welcome to the day, with Aston Martin Owners Club members displaying their classic models to remind the more recent owners the history and heritage of the marque.
While a DB5 sits alongside a Vanquish S and a DB7 convertible, each owner shares a passion and enthusiasm; however there is one Aston Martin that has boosted the popularity of these track days.
"We've noticed with V8 Vantage, we are attracting more sports car buyers," McArdle adds, "but with the DB9's sporting character, we're finding those guys are getting just as much enjoyment. It's these customers who we want to see enjoy their cars in an open, safe environment."
Supporting this, V8 Vantages and DB9s are the most prevalent models on the day, including the latest Vantage convertible brought out by Trivett. Though the convertible will spend the day sunning itself in pitlane, another Vantage coupe whips by on Eastern Creek's main straight with an unmistakeable high-pitched wail of its V8 at wide-open throttle.
It's a sight that runs throughout the day. The racetrack is run ‘open', meaning owners can visit the track whenever and for however long they like. Participants can also choose to have one of the race-proven professional instructors alongside to provide invaluable feedback and guidance to improve skill and confidence. The friendly advice means by the end of the day the owners are not only lapping faster, but smoother and safer.
Off track, a lounge provides an area where drivers can let their adrenaline subside with Aston Martin road and race television, plus coffee, food and drinks provided.
After a recharge, drivers are encouraged to visit the wet-skid pan. It's here where owners crack the biggest smiles, powersliding, skidding and spinning their Astons around the artificially slippery course while throwing water around like an untethered fire hoses.
Owners experience their cars in a totally new way, understanding handling characteristics by experiencing loss of control and recovery in a safe, relatively slow and controlled setting. It all adds to the skills base that will have drivers much more confident in their car and ability by day's end.
After exhausting fuel tanks, minds and bodies, prizes are awarded to the most improved drivers, but all participants depart with not only a huge thrill, but a new-found understanding and appreciation for their Aston Martin. And that's the invaluable part that lasts forever.
For more information contact us or www.eventsoneill.com.