“As the time of arrival grew closer, I felt nervous about what to expect. Would I be greeted by the place I thought I would love? Or would I be presented with a disappointment, an overestimated and overrated shell of a place I wanted desperately to like? Soon, I would know. Names of places I recognised from the map presented themselves before us; Junction 10, Byfleet and then, the reason for our adventure. Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands. I was overcome with a sigh of relief that we were here, Mercedes-Benz mecca and car enthusiast heaven.

Appearing from a road hidden by trees and shrubs, there it stood, in all of its magnificence and glory; Mercedes-Benz World nestled comfortably in the historic Brooklands racing circuit. A century of racing, periods of neglect and the elements had all taken their toll on the Brooklands race circuit. From the cracked circuit sprouted undesired weeds, desperatley trying to cover up any history. Now, only parts of this once-great banked circuit remain. Mercedes-Benz World is Brookland’s last vestige of its speedy heritage and has kept the purpose of this place alive. Mercedes-Benz has given Brooklands a new lease of life, like a heart transplant. Not replacing the character, nor the idea, just keeping it working.

As we drove closer to Mercedes-Benz World, sharp feelings of excitement and guilt overwhelmed me. I felt guilty for doubting this extraordinary, superb and wonderful place. But the best feeling was that I hadn’t even gone inside yet.

The long, swooping drive up to the main building gave me time to respect this building’s groundbreaking architecture. The sharp and soft angles merge, creating a structure so very odd looking; I love its bold uniqueness - like a Mercedes-Benz SL63 it is quite angular and angry but at the same time breathtakingly beautiful and elegant. As we parked up, the task of walking around this triumph of architecture was easy, but the effect it would present to us would be in complete contradiction. We approached the door and were greeted by friendly staff; they politely smiled and welcomed us. As we smiled politley back, we entered, with jaws dropped and eyes gazing, to be greeted by a selection of floors each presenting an array of Mercedes. The morning light flattered their curves and accentuated their exterior beauty.

The ground floor was scattered with Mercedes-Benz A-Classes and Smart cars, each different in an assortment of ways. Extraordinarily friendly were the staff, and their fun and enthusiastic approach made it easy to talk and engage into conversation. Towards the centre of the ground floor lay the main desk full of hospitable, smiling stewardess-types, who were all rapidly typing away at their computers. Needing to sign in, for the purpose of our visit, we wandered over. I was told I had a few hours before my time in the driver’s seat, and that I should have a browse around. So I did. The desire to drive, look respect and cast my opinion on the floors of cars came flooding back in a river of thought and adoration gazing around this awe-inspiring marvel that is, in essence, a glorified Mercedes-Benz showroom. I was thrilled to be here asking the helpful staff questions; with a concentrated dose of enthusiasm of course.

After boring my parents to almost certain stupification about car facts, I was speaking to an employee named Françoise who told me to enter a competition to win a 15-minute AMG experience. Whilst awaiting the results of the competition, my parents and I headed out into the beating sunshine and cast our eyes onto the test track. The smell of burning rubber lingered as cars poetically slid around the asphalt. The rush of air as cards sailed past was exhilarating, and the sound of the 6.2l V8 engine thundered through me like a hurricane. A vibration in my pocket alarmed me, and immediately I heard a familiar french voice. Françoise had rung to tell me I had won the competition! She said to meet her at the main desk, where I met a ‘Stig’-like character, in a full-length race suit and a tinted visor helmet. I shook his hand and followed him back outside. The rush of thoughts of love for cars re-ignited in a torrent of excitement. My heart met six beats when my eyes met the CLK63 AMG in sinister black that the silver arrow was going to take me out in.

I climbed aboard for the ride of a lifetime - the driver riled the beast by taunting it’s throbbing V8 heart to life. Like cannon fodder we exploded into a surge of power, noise and tyre smoke. Through the corners of the track the monstrous tyres screamed with pleasure, then on the straight, they hushed and the monster sang a melody of power. The sensation of speed was terrific, especially while looking straight ahead. The speed and agility, however, was balanced by a calm, relaxing and effortlessly comfortable interior. This black beauty came to a gentle halt as its tamer shook my hand. I thanked him and reluctantly left my new favourite memory. All of a sudden I was hurried from the passenger’s seat of the AMG into the driver’s seat of an A-Class. The time for me to drive had arrived.

To master the basics of driving, I had an hour. My instructor, Chris, would guide me through the course. My driving experience began with an obligatory skill required for driving, safety. Chris and I conversed over the mirror, signal, maneuver procedure and how to set up a car for you and the road. I was taught about being aware of dangers on the road and more importantly, how to avoid and prevent them. As the drive went on, a trust grew between Chris and I, a trust which allowed me to have more fun with the A-Class and feel more comfortable in what I was doing. I felt as though I’d known Chris for years, like she was an old friend who I could really have a laugh with, without being silly and dangerous. On the loose gravel surface the wheels would effortlessly spin under an occassional and cheeky lead foot; only to laugh at this with my new mate.

After many circuits of the repetitive, cone-marked course, Chris announced I should try a parallel park. There was no daunting pressure to out-perform anyone and the sense of accomplishment was simply fantastic. I then motored on to execute a turn in the road, and a reverse around a corner. While these may appear mediocre and entirely routine to any motorist, one must remember that I am not a motorist, before this day I had never driven. So to learn these skills early and in such bright and jovial spirits was outstanding. My favourite of the day’s assignments was the emergency stop; the loose gravel provided an… entertaining surface on which to learn this maneuver. The local wildlife also made for fantastic targets… or obstacles. As soon as it had begun, both my driving experience and day at Mercedes-Benz World, came to an end. Like all good things I suppose. Sure, I had fun, but I also learned a lot; an unexpected pleasure.

Leaving Brooklands, I felt somewhat attached to this place that had re-kindled the fire of car enthusiasm had been slowly fading; the plus side of leaving Brooklands is that I can again return. ”

We hope to hear from Dan again soon, as his lessons progress.

…and a big well done to Adrian Dubovecky for passing his test with only 4 minors with driving coach Richard Munday!