Coached by a legend

READING JAMES TAYLOR’S REPORT ABOUT HIS TIME AT

the Porsche Experience Centre (Fast Fleet, evo 320) brought back memories of my visit there in 2016.

I went about a month before my Porsche was due to be delivered (no 911 for me, sadly, but a more family-friendly Macan S instead) and after the briefing procedures I was introduced to my driving consultant, Richard. The overall experience was about three hours or so, and in addition to trying out the car on the different circuits and skidpan, it allowed plenty of time for Richard and me to chat about things automotive. I asked him how he got to being a driving consultant and he talked about his father owning a car dealership, which encouraged an interest in cars. He mentioned he had done a little racing when he was younger, but now did occasional consulting days for Porsche and also did demonstration runs in a 1960s BRM, formerly raced by Jackie Stewart.

That last story piqued my interest and a quick internet search when I got home revealed that my driving consultant was none other than Richard Attwood, sometime Formula 1 driver and winner of Le Mans in 1970 in a works Porsche 917. He was a humble man and a great driving coach. At the end of the session he said that if I returned to the Centre I should ask for him, and that I had ‘driven very well all morning’. I accept that he may say that to everyone, but for me to have my driving complimented by a Le Mans legend is something I doubt I will experience again!

Thanks for bringing back the memory. Matthew Harris