My Day at Lotus

By Maxine Muzzlewhite

A couple of months ago I received a call from Tracey Parnell, PR Manager at Lotus, she said “would I like to visit their factory in Norwich to sample their Lotus’s” as you can imagine it didn’t take me long to think about it - in fact I don’t think I did, before I knew it I could hear my voice saying “yes – would love to”.  

So we agreed on a date and so one chilly morning I headed off to Manchester airport to catch a flight to Norwich.  The day didn’t start particularly well as there was a couple of hours delay due to bad weather.  At long last they announced the flight and an hour later I arrived at Norwich airport.  I rang Tracey to let her know I’d arrived, she said just bob outside I’m waiting for you, never having met her before I said how will I know you she responded “don’t worry I’m just outside - lookout for the orange Lotus” she was right I couldn’t miss her, there in its all its glory sat this glorious eye catching Lotus Exige S!!

Along the Coast Road

I managed to slide myself in the passenger seat and we set off up the coast road – purring along the country lanes the car taking every turn and twist in its stride as we sat nattering – what a head turner – there were definite looks of  “aren’t you lucky”!  I decided this was the life all I need was some handsome chappy at my side (better say my husband) with a picnic in the boot!

About an hour later we pulled into this quaint little village and there in front of us was this amazing looking village pub – Tracey said I’m taking you to one of my favourite little places for lunch – even better food as well!!

Inside it was really trendy with a stone floor, chunky tables, seats and a mouth watering menu.  The food definitely matched up!! 

So stuffed with food we made our move to what I considered was going to be the most exciting part of the day It was now my turn to clamber into the beast and have some fun.  So off we set with moi at the steering wheel, very nervously to start with, but soon we were bombing down the country lanes.  I’ve always loved sports cars and had lots of my own but had never considered a Lotus, it was soon winning me over it was so great to drive, responsive just like a sports car should be – as soon as you touched the accelerator we were off down the road – I thought why is it that it always seems to be viewed as a man’s car – or is that just me?  Although driving any Lotus is fab Tracey said “for the girls I think the best one is the Elise R – women just love them”.  In fact she’s right a friend of mine Claire has had an Elise for years and loves hers - read why below.

At The Track
After about an hour we arrived at Lotus headquarters.  As we drive towards her office I notice the test circuit in front of me – which very soon I will be on.  I must say I’m now feeling nervous, never having done anything like this before.  Before I know it John my driver and I are walking towards a very fast looking car for what would be the drive of my life.  We approach the gate –walky talky in hand John phones in and gets clearance for us to enter the track.

In seconds we are zooming along, John who was brilliant by the way, was saying to me “we’ll take it easy to begin with so we can warm up the tyres this helps them grip the road better.”

It’s a long time since I felt my breath was literally taken away.   Within minutes we were hurtling headlong down the track at speeds of 120 mph flying round the corners the Lotus didn’t falter once gripping the road it took each bend in its stride never losing hold – but I must admit with the euphoria and adrenalin kicking in it felt more like we were doing 200mph!!  I wanted to say faster, faster, faster but the words failed me and instead I think I might have been screaming!!

I said to John “Wow as we pull off the track I can’t believe the speed we were going he said I was taking it easy – I thought oh - why didn’t we go faster, maybe it was because I was screaming after all!

Before I knew it I was on the plane home thinking about my fantastic day and with that thought I wondered why it was the guys who have all the fun – maybe it’s about time us Ladies had some!!

Why Claire loves her Lotus!

Shallow as it sounds, I’m terribly impressed by cars.  It’s even become a social obsession, it’s the one question I most want to ask when I meet someone new because what you drive seems to summarise character, taste and status in one single answer.  For example, a Mini says; fun, modern and has a secret desire to take over the world!   

That is why, when it’s my turn to reciprocate, I am only too happy to disclose that I drive a Lotus Elise R.  The characteristics of the car are exactly how I’d like to be seen; small, quick, and a looker.  I love the attention I get, I love the men who can’t help but take a second glace I love the fact that it’s a proper sports car, I work hard so why shouldn’t I have a few little luxuries? 

As a professional I often hear a bit of gasp when I say I drive a Lotus – you can see the envy in their eyes.  I can still have fun so when I’ve got that boring drive to work – its never boring for me – I feel transformed as soon as I climb in.

I do work hard but I don’t mind as it allows me to have the things I want including my beautiful yellow Lotus!

Would you like to experience a Track Day at Lotus - then keep your eyes peeled we will shortly be running a competition for the opportunity for you to have a go!  More on Lotus at www.grouplotus.com/