Ben M’s Ferrari Thrill at Donnington… the story so far…

Ben M wrote in to reviews@buyagift.co.uk this week with his story of how his Ferrari 360 Driving Thrill had gone.

I think it’s fair to say there were one or two bumps in the road – not to mention the blimmin’ great wall of fog! – BUT there is a happy ending so read on…

Despite it being a bit of a murky day, I still held out hopes of a good thrash around my home track – Donnington, in a Ferarri 360 Modena for the Ferarri Thrill Experience my Girlfriend brought me for my birthday earlier this year. 11.30am, ready to go, checked my phone to find 3 missed calls, and a voicemail. Couldn’t be important… Could it?

“You have 1 new message… – Hi this is the Race School at Donnington phoning. I’m very sorry but we’re going to have to cancel your experience today. Can you give us a call back as soon as you get this?”

Arse.

Call round a few invited spectators to tell them its all off. Everyone cancelled but Dad – not answering house phone, mobile off. Typical of today’s aging generations… Called Donnington to get the beef, more appologies, and a promise of a new 12 month certificate in the post soon. Called Dad. Still no answer. He’s on his way already – he must be. So, off to Donnington we go!

Driving through thick fog, visibility down to 30m or so in places, the gates to the park loom in to view. And there’s dad, wrapped up warm, camera in hand ready for an exciting day, and lots of good long distance shots. Has someone not told him its foggy?

“Hi Dad, been trying to call you! Have you got your phone on you?”
“Yes”
“Is it on?”
“Errr… No.”
“My day’s been cancelled…”
“Why??”

And so it goes on…

But, a rubbish day soon turned around – Donnington has a motor museum, well worth a visit if you’re in the area. More F1 cars than you can shake a stick it – its always interesting to see how the sport and its vehicles have developed from the early 1900’s all the way through to cars that have been hurtling around tracks as recently as last season.

All the staff there are nice and friendly, and the café does a mean all-day breakfast!

Within the week Donnington have sent out a new certificate valid for the next 12 months. I’ll try and get something booked in for next summer – no chance of fog. I hope…

Here are some more photos that Ben took on his unexpected time at the Donnington Motor Museum: