Lloyd's Motor Club

On the 11th of April, the Lloyd’s Motor Club visited SIM Motor sport based in Medway, Kent, to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at the UK’s leading race car simulator.

SIM Motorsport is an advanced race driver centre who regularly train both professional and amateur drivers by improving their racing skills. We raced on state-of-the-art simulators, equipped with the FIA licenced D Box Haptic suspension system. These also replicate the experience of driving a real race car with the feel of under and over steer, tire grip and braking.

Though ideally suited for small groups, 10 LMC members took part and started the event off with a detailed safety briefing. This included the warning that if you crash heavily, please do let go of the steering wheel. The simulators react the same as the car on the track; it would hurt if you crashed!

We were entered into the three-car ultimate driver challenge, and the track was to be the Brands Hatch Indy circuit. Despite only having six corners, we were told it was going to be much harder than it looked. The first timed race was to be in a Caterham Graduate, which would give everyone a gentle introduction to the track.

In race two, we drove a British Touring Cars Honda Civic with more power and better brakes. And finally, we ended up in a hybrid LMP 1 Toyota. This was the Le Mans version, with paddle shift gears and heaps of instant torque due to the electric motor boost. With race boots laced up and gloves on, we hit the track in timed sessions with each car.

Two and a half hours later, and everyone thoroughly exhausted, the times were in, and the Ultimate Race Driver was announced.

Congratulations went to Elliot Faggetter whose consistent performances across all three races saw him pick up the winner’s trophy.

Many thanks to everyone that took part and supported the event. Elliot Faggetter, Daniel Mitchel, Clive Willis, Mike Hickson, Tim Sherman-Samuels, Ian Black, Derrick Rowe, James Livett and Danny Collins.

We certainly plan to return to SIMotorsport, so if you are interested in coming along next time, then do please reach out and let us know. Or of course, look out for the next SIM event email flyer. Right: Elliot with his trophy.