We got an invitation from Rosenthal/Chantilly Jaguar, to drive the F-Type Coupe at Summit Point race track in West Virginia this weekend. Of course we went!


Jaguar had arranged to have instructors from Summit Point do the first couple of laps. Jaguar driver Davy Jones was there - he won Daytona in a Jaguar XJR-12 in 1990.


After a couple of moderately quick laps by the instructor to acquaint us with the circuit, we switched seats, and drove three laps with the instructor observing. The cars available were a mix of F-Type convertibles and coupes, either the 340hp or the 385hp V6. Finally, we swapped seats again, and the instructors did several hot laps in the cars, so we could see . I've done this at other tracks before, in other cars, and I find it a good plan. Learn the course, drive the course, then see what an experienced professional can do with the same vehicle. After having hustled the coupe around the track myself, it was eye-opening to see what a difference more throttle and later braking, done smoothly, does.


For the Land Rover/Range Rover portion of the event, we drove a Range Rover in a small off-road demonstration course - up very steep hills, and using the hill descent feature to go down the just-as-steep opposite side. Stopped in sand, and used the vehicle's special sand setting to get out. Drove thru ruts that looked like they'd swallow the whole thing.


The dealer put on a first-class event! Thanks to all involved.


--Bob Collum

 

Looks like a really great time!