Ron Haslam Race School review

I can’t believe I’m riding in the footsteps of legends. Just last week, Rossi, Stoner and Lorenzo all rode here. As I turn out of Club Corner and head down the start-finish straight after my instructor, even the rain can’t dampen my spirits.

We’re here at Silverstone, a place with a rich history of motorcycle racing and, best of all, my local track. Until now I have been confined to watching the action from the grandstands and behind wire fences, usually in the rain.

But, thanks to the Ron Haslam Race School, I get my chance to venture beyond these barriers and out onto the hallowed tarmac as part of their ‘On Track’ course. This consists of 45 minutes on track with an instructor before a specific training session to hone your technical skills further.

I’m 16 and my limited bike experience consists of a few days off-road riding, so the prospect of riding a new Honda CBR125 around Silverstone’s International Circuit is exciting and daunting.

I approached the day with some trepidation but, after some pre-track instruction in the paddock, I’m soon out on track and managing to hit 70mph down the straight, a speed which I had never got near to off-road!

The day is a steep learning curve but one which is thoroughly enjoyable. It is certainly something I would like to return to and learn even more.

The course is well organized, well run and the instructors are extremely helpful and patient! A fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone, whatever your riding level. After all, it’s better to be a racer (of sorts!) for a day than a spectator for a lifetime!

Unfortunately, now I must return to the drab stands and watch the GP riders do it properly but I will always be able to say ‘I’ve done a lap of Silverstone’!