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“Good drifting, but terrible organisation and waiting”

written by on 22/08/2013

We bought the 2hr Drifting Experience with AllStar Driving Adademy through Groupon, and attended the Brands Hatch day in August 2013.
The lady on reception was so abrupt and blunt to everyone that she was positively rude. Apparently they were running behind and she was trying to sign people in, as well as calling out who was next on the track, but for the first impression you get of the company, it was terrible.
The briefing was also running behind, and because of this, she ran through the checklist at a rate of knots and you didn’t really understand what was happening, what order things would happen in, or how long it would all take.
The groups then stand behind a wire fence where you can watch the professional laps.
There didn’t seem to be any order to who was called up, there was no information on when you would be called, and for which session. You just had to stand at this fence the whole time in case your name was called.
All they need is a simple loudspeaker to call your name, or some written guidance on which sessions go when. At least then it would allow you to wander off, get some food and drink and not be afraid to leave the fence incase they call your name !
So we ended up being stood there for 3 hours in total, all for 3 x 3 minute driving sessions !
It is good you get to try the donuts, figure of 8, and a slalom around 3 cones, but the 3 minutes are over in a flash. I can’t see how anyone could get the hang of drifting in 3 minutes, and then you have another hour to wait until your next go.
It feels like you should try and get the hang of one thing first before they push you to try the next thing, but I suppose its all practice.
The actual 9 minutes of driving is good – the cars are perfectly acceptable for the job, and the instructors are as helpful and patient as they can be in 3 minutes.
I personally think it would be much better if you could do your 3 sessions back-to back – all 9 minutes in one go. You might actually get the hang of it then, and you’d be done really quickly instead of the painful experience of hanging around for 3 hours not knowing when your turn would come.
I’m afraid because of this, I would not recommend this company to anyone, and would not do this experience again. I would love to try drifting again, but not at the expense of hanging around for 3 hours.