We had our "Jaguar Experience Day" at Lakeside, and it was truly awesome. Apparently it is similar to other "experience days", in this case you were given about 4 laps each in 3 cars before a hot lap driven by your instructor. So there was plenty of driving, though I'd have to say if I was given the chance to go back today I'd do it over again.

In my case I was taken out for the orientation lap in a F Pace. Even on 22's, the ride was really good, it is a very impressive car. Then I had my first run in an AWD F Type R (lovely though I didn't get out of it wishing I had the R instead of the V6S, in fact I got out of it thinking how much fun it would be to take the V6S around the track. But that is probably more to do with my skill/comfort level than the car).

Then came the XJR. Impressive on the outside and beautiful inside, I would not get tired of watching this thing belting along the straight at around 200kph, I could hear it cutting through the air and it looked amazing. To drive I thought it was lovely, even at high speed and on the corners, though you can feel the size of it and the weight through the steering.

Finally for me was the XE S. I had been looking forward to driving it as my missus has the 25T which is a lovely car to drive, and the S didn't disappoint. Whether it was my familiarity with the track or that the car suited me better, it was awesome on the track and handled like a dream, at no time did it even feel as though it was being pushed though - being the 250KW version - over 100kph its acceleration was nothing like the XJR or F Type R.

Then came the hot lap, with the F Type R (RWD) dialled up fully in track mode, and being driven by someone who knew what they were doing. It was scary for sure (enough so I couldnt even see how fast we were going) but great fun.

Just an awesome day. The only thing that would have made it better for me would have been to get on and do a few laps in my car, but I suppose time and liability issues were against that. If you get the chance, have a go.

For some reason this wont break into paragraphs - sorry for the big block of txt...

 

Hi Peter,
Thanks for the report on what sounds like a great day out. Sounds like you enjoyed it.
Maybe we will see you out at Euro day next year.

I have been doing laps at lakeside sine 1989. Racing, track days, cruise days etc, In all types of vehicles from motorcycles, superkarts, twin cam Toyota powered TR7, 5.8 litre Falcon coupe to the series 1.

All different beasts and all challenging and fun in their own right. Each one is totally different and all test your ability to different degees.

I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope the track bug has bitten you, hope we see your F-type out there in the future.

 

Sounds like a great day with lots of variety. Doing a lap with someone who really knows what they are doing is quite an eye opener, and even then they must be doing 80-90% with a passenger on board.

 

Cheers, yes I cant wait to hit Lakeside in the f type - though I'm much gentler than many - so I'll be there for sure. I wont be trying to emulate the professional!

 

It's always good fun and the faster guys give you plenty of room, as well as the slower guys keeping an eye on the mirror and leaving plenty of room to pass.
Everyone is out there for a good time and no one wants to stack their road car whether it is worth 2000 or 500,000 ,they all want to drive them home at the end of the day.