Ever since I was about 15 years old I've wanted to be a race car driver.
The thrill of your adrenaline racing, overtaking and being overtaken and, hopefully, getting the chance to stand on the top spot of the podium when all is said and done. Ah, it's like a dream.
Then reality hit home and I realized I may of have a shot...if I started karting at age four.
Being a driving enthusiast, my heart pumps oil and when I get on the track it's a thrilling experience. You set a time and incrementally get better throughout the day. Hitting apexes differently, using the throttle more, braking less and pushing yourself and your vehicle to the very edge.
Add a few cars to the grid and throw in some prize money and everything gets even better.
Today I came across this real gem. A tour of Lemans 1957 in a Jaguar D-Type. Simply remarkable footage and commentary provided by the winner of the 1955 race, John Michael Hawthorn.
This got me thinking. If provided the chance to race what would YOUR ideal be?
What kind of race? NASCAR? ALMS? F1?
What car? McLaren? Chevy?
What track? Laguna Seca? Imola?
What era? 1940s? 1980s? 2000s?
Not feeling creative? Watch the footage below and see if that spurs some inspiration.
Just watching Hawthorn climb into essentially a tin can and blast around the circuit puts things in perspective. These guys were brave.
If you couldn't tell, the racing season is upon us and I am PSYCHED!
This is a very exclusive on-board video of a preview lap of Lemans 1957 driven ánd commented by Mike Hawthorn in a Jaguar.
John Michael 'Mike' Hawthorn, was the Lemans winner of 1956.