I'm too tired to write a full post on my site but here's a brief recap of today.
In race camp at 7.20 followed by breakfast.
Met some of our crew, had a chat with Rob Barff, our team leader
Got picked up a helicopter in groups of 3, did a loop of the circuit, then landed in Stowe and met Johnny and Rob on the track
Lots of TV stuff then for a while
First challenge was benchmark in the 370z around Stowe
10 minutes of practice each, then everyone came in and went back out for one timed flying lap. Times were not revealed
Next we were brought to the International circuit to drive a semi race spec 370z. 15 - 20 mins in groups of 3. No TV for this, just instructors giving us driving tips and advice. Very hot in the cockpit for this.
Back to Race Camp - lunch. 30 min to digest, then brought to get our fitness gear and then brought to the Wing to do some fitness.
No TV for this either. Just head of fitness and Rob analyzing us.
27 degree heat. 5 minutes warm up, then Bleep test, small break, push ups, leg strength test and plank.
Everyone had their strengths in weaknesses with this. Quite even in the end. Just after eating and hot weather made it very tough.
Brought back to our snooze boxes to pick back up our racing gear and grab a quick shower all within 10 minutes.
Back to Race Camp for almost an hour of just relaxing while doing lots of TV and media stuff.
Then in the van, weren't told anything, brought to Daytona Karting.
Signed up, got briefing.
By this stage we hadn't had food in a while and tiredness was just starting to kick in.
We were using brand new pro karts.
France, UK & Ireland, Spain and Portugal went first for a 20 min practice/qually session, all on track together.
Top 3 UK guys were in Top 5 overall. Grid for us was Jack, Thomas, David, Des, Dan and Istvan with 4 seconds covering us.
8 lap race from standing start. 2nd and 3rd swapped, other than that the order remained the same.
Some TV Stuff for the podium.
Then back on the bus. No more food despite starving. Up at 6am for assault course or some form of fitness.
Just in bed now, super warm here. Really tired, the morning will be tough but looking forward to it.
My overall impressions from Day 1 are positive. Maybe one place higher in karting would have been nice but it just wasn't my day in that.
Finally I should say, Johnny and Rob are great mentors. Really laid back and easy to talk to. Delighted to have them for the week. Hopefully tomorrow they will tell us where we stand.
I'll try post something tomorrow when I get a chance. Night guys 👍