It seems completely appropriate to start this new journal off with something totally new for the year 2020! It’s been a long time coming, but it was nice to start out the year by ticking off a bucket list item!

Today I headed down to Goodwood, a place that has played a very special role in my work life for the last few years - a place where I’ve made many friends, created a foundation for my work and had the opportunity to chase my dreams. Therefore it made for a very fitting place to take my first steps of a very slippery slope... Motor racing!

So what is a racing license?

It does what it says on the tin! A license that allows you to go racing, after you have completed the compulsary ARDS (Association of Racing Driver Schools) test that basically says you are competent enough to compete on a race track!

The process of obtaining is reasonably straight forward- a little bit of paperwork, an eye test and for some a full medical to start with and then a day’s course out at a race track that is made up of a written assessment and driving assessment. After successfully completing your ARDS test, you’ll have obtained the first of many levels of of Race License - the ‘Race Interclub’ (Formerly ‘National B’). Recognised by the UK’s racing governing body - Motorsport UK, it will allow you to start your racing journey from club meetings to international events.

Below is a recount of my day at Goodwood for my ARDS, I hope it can be helpful to anyone looking to complete their own test.

ARDS Written

Taking place in the Jackie Stewart Pavilion right beside the motor circuit, we started the proper part of the ARDS test with a few hours in the classroom rewatching the Motorsport UK intro video and making a mental note of the flags. Up next was going through what to expect at a race meeting, procedures, and the all important safety aspects.

After a few questions, we went on to complete the written test which took approximately 20mins with plenty of time left to spare. Most finish in less time but the allocated time gives ample time for the double checking of answers. If there’s one bit of advice to take from this, it’s REMEMBER YOUR FLAGS as just one incorrect answer will mean an instant fail... Given our small group, we received our marked papers back very quickly and were given the green light to do our practical assessment!

ARDS Driving Assessment

After the lunch break, we got straight into the fun bit of the day - getting behind the wheel. With three mini coopers between the small group, we had two drivers per car/instructor and a few 3x15minute sessions to complete behind the wheel.

Sighting Laps: Very chilled laps with the instructor at wheel, the goal here is to learn the lines and braking points of the circuit. This is quite important as an instructor’s final assessment will be based upon how well you have been able to put these tips into practice. I felt very lucky to have had some past experience at Goodwood with Project NC and before that, in a Lexus RCF at the end of a shoot with an instructor during some absolutely torrential rain!

Session 1: Now it was my turn to put into practice what I had learnt. As mentioned before, this is where having previous track day experience and seat time at the particular track you are being tested is very helpful.

Top Tip: If track time isn’t a possibility before hand, revision of the track layout via youtube/simulator would be a massive bonus.

For those without any track experience, I’d highly recommend an ARDS practice day. The reason for this is apart from learning the track, you will also need to deal with traffic during the day. In my case, as well as the other test participants, Goodwood also had their hot lap cars going around the circuit, so checking mirrors and deciding on how to let those quick BMW M4’s pass was an additional thing to have to deal with. As such, having track day practice will be very helpful as you should be familiar with track day etiquette and the awareness of surroundings via mirrors.

Sessions 2/3: Further instruction/tips from the instructor and an opportunity to get into a rhythm – it’s important to stay calm and put those tips into practice! During the final session the instructor will go quiet, this will mark the start of the practical test which requires you to complete 2 laps with an instructor without any of their input. Completing these 2 laps will ensure a passed test, however do not spin or exceed track limits, this will mean an instant fail - The day is not about speed but more about safety and control.

To be honest, it can be daunting to be in the car with an instructor, but take it easy and take into account what is being said. Remember, it’s not about speed!

Conclusion

I Had a wonderful first experience for this racing adventure! For those looking to get started, it’s not a day to be anxious about. The instructors are incredibly helpful and are there to assist you where needed. I’d say the most important things are to ask questions, keep calm and make sure you know your flags!

Useful links:

ARDS Official website: https://www.ards.co.uk/

Goodwood ARDS School: https://www.goodwood.com/experiences/driving/ards-novice-driver-training/