Part One - Free Text Friday

"Ladies and gentleman, please give a huge, warm welcome to the current Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton...!"

Wow! Was I really here? This sort of thing never happens to me.  I never get to do exciting things like this; well, not without paying for them!

Let me take you back to the beginning, which wasn't long ago.  Only a couple of weeks in fact.

I, like millions of others, received a marketing email from Vodafone, inviting me to register for free Formula 1 text updates for the rest of the season.

Nothing amazing there, and since they were free, I accepted.

What I had failed to notice, or at the least, register, was the line at the end that said all registrations to Free Text Friday would be entered into a prize draw, to win a trip to the McLaren Technology Centre.  The Mecca for McLaren fans worldwide.

So, it was with amazement when I got a text message telling me I was one of the chosen few (hundred!) and the date was set at 23rd October.

Now; I live in Manchester.  McLaren are based in Woking.  A not insurmountable journey, but a long way to go for 3 hours, on a Friday evening.  I called my dad, who also enjoys his racing, and asked him if he'd like to join me.  We then arranged for a day out that would be the envy of many car enthusiasts.

First stop Mercedes Benz World, in Weybridge.  It's what can only be described as a super-sized showroom, with service centre.  Except, it's on 3 floors, and houses historic Mercedes Benz cars, restaurant and cafe, as well as the opportunity to experience Mercedes like never before, on their own track.

This S 65 AMG (on the right) has a price tag of £155,844. 7G-Tronic, 7-speed automatic; 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds.  I ordered two!!


There were also some older models on display; which made for some nostalgic viewing.

Across the road is Brooklands.  The world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, also at Weybridge, was built in 1907.

Tomorrow, I'll tell you all about it.