Bennetts British Superbike Championship leader Glenn Irwin swapped two wheels for four at PalmerSport this week, taking part in the renowned driving experience at Bedford Autodrome with the team’s title sponsor Hager.
Irwin and joint Team Owner and GT driver Frank Bird, plus Team Co-Ordinator John Mowatt took part in the experience with their title partner, leading electrical supplier, Hager.
Hager have been long-term sponsors of the PBM Racing Team, celebrating their tenth year of association this season, as they aim for an unprecedented tenth Bennetts BSB title.
Available to thrill seeking individuals or larger corporate groups, PalmerSport is a flat out driving day like no other, with seat time across eight activities. This includes the F1 inspired Formula 3000 single-seater and the bespoke Palmer JP-LM Prototype, inspired by Le Mans.
Other cars in the current line-up include the exclusive Caterham Seven PalmerSport edition, the super-fast Ginetta G56 GTA and the BMW M4 GTP. The full PalmerSport day also includes off-roading in a Land Rover Defender, head-to-head Caterham Pursuit driving and a Sodi Kart session.
PalmerSport dates are available most weeks from late February through to December, with a range of event formats available.
Irwin said: “It was my third time at PalmerSport and firstly huge thanks to Hager for the invitation; it is definitely a perk of racing for the PBM Ducati team with Hager’s involvement. Also, I want to say a big thank you to all the instructors and team leaders working at Bedford Autodrome.
“It is one of those experiences that is hard to explain to anyone just how much fun you will actually have as it isn’t like a usual driving day where you can’t rev to a certain amount of RPM! Most of the guys in my group didn’t have a racing background, like say I do, and the instructors are shouting at them to stay on the gas when they are thinking of going for the brakes! They want and encourage you to push to the limits, whether that be in a Kart or a JP-LM, the BMW M4 or in the Formula 30000 on your own, there is a driving challenge!
“How would I describe PalmerSport in a nutshell? The first time I did it was 2018 and I spoke to my dad afterwards and said that it gave me the buzz that racing gives me. For me, in particular with the Formula 3000. I came back and said to the lads at home we should all go over for a weekend as it is a phenomenal event.
“To share the track with my Team Boss Frank was great as he has carved his own car racing career out, and to give him credit where credit is due – he can drive! He is an absolute gentleman, a great boss but I honestly didn’t realise he was as good at driving as what he is! Also big up to John Mowatt our Team Co-Ordinator who won the Caterham part of the event. Unbelievable – what a great day and it definitely brings everyone together.”
Frank Bird commented: “We had a fantastic day with our title sponsor Hager at PalmerSport; it was great to see so many people and customers networking and I highly recommend it. Days like these allow us to go racing, so thanks to them for the invite and to the PalmerSport team for such a brilliant day. Luckily, I remembered how to drive and showed Glenn a few tips!"