We all have our favourite local road, most likely a quiet B road where you can make a car work magic. The UK has a huge supply of testing roads with varied undulation, cambers and angles. These roads are perfect for making the most of a well set up car. The variation of road surface and pot holes also keep the driver alert which can add to the drama of driving a typical B road. Race tracks and motor events are also high on the agenda as they can provide you with out of this world experiences of speed and dream cars.
The Nurburgring is world famous and used by many car manufacturers as a proving ground for new cars. This circuit is actually a toll road, and for 22 euros you can experience the 20km route for yourself, all 150 corners! This one is definitely for the experienced driver as the route can be intimidating, and coupled with super fast traffic a novice driver will feel out of their depth.
Located in Northwest Germany you can travel from Calais in under 6 hours via Belgium. The roads around the circuit are stunning, and I recommend exploring the region.
EVO Triangle, North Wales. This is where the famous EVO Magazine road test the latest and greatest sports cars. Located close to Snowdonia in Wales, the winding and extremely well laid roads are perfect for stretching a car. The open and sighted straights allow you to see oncoming cars well in advance. I went in spring 2010 and found the roads to be the best I’ve experienced in the UK.
Stelvio Pass is an alpine road in northern Italy that boasts over 60 hairpin turns and an ascent of over 2700m. With breathtaking views on both sides the southern side is open and fluid whilst the northern approach and descent is much tighter, steeper and has less warning of oncoming traffic.
The San Bernadino Pass, located in Switzerland, is a mountain road is epically beautiful. This Swiss route has since been replaced with a tunnel under the mountain so regular traffic is limited, making it an ideal fast route. Breathtaking and dramatic scenery are well worth the journey to this region.
Goodwood Festival of Speed is the annual moving motorshow held in the grounds of a Regency Mansion. The owner, Lord March, uses the driveway as a timed section which cars race up against the clock. The cars vary hugely, new manufactured cars, rally cars, Formula 1 race cars and even a Ford Transit van with a Jaguar XJ220 engine compete to get the fastest time up the hill. The atmosphere is extremely relaxed and visitors can get close and personal to some of the worlds finest cars.
If classic sports and race cars is more your interest then the Goodwood Revival is an ideal event to attend. Held annually after the Goodwood Festival in September, it features the greatest cars of all time. The event also attracts past racing greats such as Stirling Moss. they get reunited with their former race cars for a blast up the driveway. The approach-ability of drivers and cars is unrivaled by any other national motorshow.