fleming
01-05-2009, 05:33 AM
The 2008 Michelin Pilot Experience was held as usual at the humongous Fl circuit at Sepang in Malaysia. Like every other year it promised a lot of thrills, especially for the winners of the OVERDRIVE Michelin Pilot Experience contest winners. With well over 10,000 entries pouring in from all parts of the country, four winners were chosen to participate in the day-long driving experience.
What an experience! On offer was the opportunity to drive a Michelin F3 racer, high powered go-karts and a funky sports car powered by a Suzuki GSX-R750 engine, all on the hallowed tarmac of one of the most advanced racing circuits known to the world of motorsport.
Albin Prathapan from Bangalore only ever raced cars on a 15" monitor that he'd be glued to through his working days in the IT industry. Adit Mathur from Delhi perhaps took to speed after treating its mangled victims in his operation theatre. Narayan Kannan, also from Delhi, only connected to the fascinating world of cars and speed through Team BHP, an online motoring portal. Christopher Creado, incidentally one of overdrive's most ardent readers, could never bring to fruition his dreams of driving fast cars despite working in the aviation industry.
Yet fate brought these four together, though a couple of them could just not believe their luck until several phone calls and em ails later. Life as they know it, will never be the same again. On a bright sunny day, despite threats of impending showers, Bibendum welcomed these chosen four into the glitzy VIP trackside lounge. After cursory health checks by the medics, each one got his race kit, including sparkling blue overalls, Puma racing shoes, gloves, lids and balaclavas.
456
Overjoyed at the prospect of piloting a genuine formula racer, each one went through the rigours of pre-drive training and instruction, as focused as pro racers on race day. They learnt how to use sequential gearboxes, how and where to brake and also the right lines to follow.
Then came the big moment, when each one got his turn behind the wheel. What a fabulous time they had. None of them was going to squander this once in a lifetime opportunity by crashing into a wall.
Several laps spread between two sessions later they had even more fun when they were put into the GSX-R powered race cars. These little buggy like race cars were just as much fun though the course charted out was even more technical. Albin, Narayan, Adit and Christopher had a blast. In fact Adit was adjudged one of the best drivers of that day for which he received a glittering trophy.
You can bet there will be a mad rush when we announce the contest for next year. So stay tuned, it could be your lucky day.
What an experience! On offer was the opportunity to drive a Michelin F3 racer, high powered go-karts and a funky sports car powered by a Suzuki GSX-R750 engine, all on the hallowed tarmac of one of the most advanced racing circuits known to the world of motorsport.
Albin Prathapan from Bangalore only ever raced cars on a 15" monitor that he'd be glued to through his working days in the IT industry. Adit Mathur from Delhi perhaps took to speed after treating its mangled victims in his operation theatre. Narayan Kannan, also from Delhi, only connected to the fascinating world of cars and speed through Team BHP, an online motoring portal. Christopher Creado, incidentally one of overdrive's most ardent readers, could never bring to fruition his dreams of driving fast cars despite working in the aviation industry.
Yet fate brought these four together, though a couple of them could just not believe their luck until several phone calls and em ails later. Life as they know it, will never be the same again. On a bright sunny day, despite threats of impending showers, Bibendum welcomed these chosen four into the glitzy VIP trackside lounge. After cursory health checks by the medics, each one got his race kit, including sparkling blue overalls, Puma racing shoes, gloves, lids and balaclavas.
456
Overjoyed at the prospect of piloting a genuine formula racer, each one went through the rigours of pre-drive training and instruction, as focused as pro racers on race day. They learnt how to use sequential gearboxes, how and where to brake and also the right lines to follow.
Then came the big moment, when each one got his turn behind the wheel. What a fabulous time they had. None of them was going to squander this once in a lifetime opportunity by crashing into a wall.
Several laps spread between two sessions later they had even more fun when they were put into the GSX-R powered race cars. These little buggy like race cars were just as much fun though the course charted out was even more technical. Albin, Narayan, Adit and Christopher had a blast. In fact Adit was adjudged one of the best drivers of that day for which he received a glittering trophy.
You can bet there will be a mad rush when we announce the contest for next year. So stay tuned, it could be your lucky day.