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Launched by former F1 racer Jonathan Palmer in 1991, PalmerSport retains its reputation as the world’s greatest driving event: a motorsport experience like no other.

PalmerSport guests spend a full day driving an unrivalled collection of high-performance sports cars, tin tops and open-top racing cars on four purpose-built circuits at Bedford Autodrome. And unlike lesser driving events, PalmerSport actively encourages guests to push right to the limit on every circuit, in every car.

With more spacious run-off areas than conventional motor racing venues, these bespoke circuits allow participants the freedom to drive harder and faster than anywhere else in the world, with outstanding safety.

PalmerSport offers a heart-stopping, exhilarating and unforgettable day, whether you join us as an individual or as part of a corporate group.

Welcome to PalmerSport 2018.

DRIVE HARDER.DRIVE FASTER.DRIVE PALMERSPORT.

Back in the 1980s I was determined to pursue my passion for motor racing, aiming for the very top – F1. Through winning F3 and F2 championships, I was privileged to be able to realise my dream of driving not just F1 cars, but also Le Mans prototypes, racing both for six years across some of the world’s most challenging circuits.

When my own driving career came to an end, I wanted to find a way to share my passion for motorsport with others and recreate the exhilaration that only comes from being behind the wheel of a racing car. PalmerSport was born out of a desire to create a motorsport event like no other, a truly authentic driving experience where highly skilled instructors actively push guests to drive as hard and as fast as possible. This philosophy has endured, and more than 25 years later PalmerSport is still unique in its field - firmly established as the dominant market leader.

Years of experience have taught me the importance of carefully developing all kinds of race cars to achieve optimum performance, and

I’ve carried the same meticulous approach over to PalmerSport. Here though, I work with my team of engineers to not only optimise the performance of our cars – which is far above those of other driving events – but also make sure this performance is easily accessible to our PalmerSport guests, who despite usually no experience, can be confident extracting the maximum in a short time, whether first-time or repeat visitors.

But PalmerSport is about more than just driving. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be looked after by our exceptional hosts and instructors, ensuring you get the most from the day whether you are visiting as an individual or participating in a corporate event. Alongside eight thrilling driving activities, you will enjoy superb food and hospitality in an inspiring and exhilarating environment. All our suites overlook the track so even when you are networking or socialising, you are right by the action.

PalmerSport is the closest you’ll get to strapping into a race seat for real, and it’s guaranteed to leave an indelible impression. Nothing else comes close.

THE F1 CONNECTIONJONATHAN PALMER – THE VISIONARY

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Former F1 driver and respected commentator Martin Brundle presents your pre-event briefing video, talking you through all the cars and circuits at PalmerSport before you get behind the wheel.

MARTIN BRUNDLETHE EXPERT

British racing driver Jolyon Palmer is your F1 benchmark – he’s extensively tested every car at Bedford Autodrome, pushing to the limit in every activity.

Everybody would love to know how their driving skills stack up against those of an F1 driver, and exclusively at PalmerSport we can give you the answer!

JOLYON PALMERTHE PACE SETTER

RENAULT CLIO CUP RACERNORTH CIRCUIT

BMW M4 GTPSOUTH CIRCUIT

ARIEL ATOMEAST CIRCUIT

PALMER JP-LMWEST CIRCUIT

FORMULA 3000WEST CIRCUIT

LAND ROVER DEFENDEROFF-ROAD COURSE

The JP-LM adds a flavour of Le Mans to the line-up, with slicks-and-wings and a sleek sports car body that would look perfectly at home on the Mulsanne Straight.

This British design icon remains the ultimate machine for rugged off-piste action. Tackle steep drops and high-water passes on our off-road course in this all-time great.

This is a pocket-sized speed demon, offering accessible kerb-hopping fun, and an easily controllable driving thrill that everyone can enjoy.

A muscular brute of a GT car that has been modified from its road-going production counterpart to provide a thoroughbred power ride.

7-SpeedPaddleshift

3 Litre Twin Turbo425 BHP

Top Speed

185 MPH

3.9 SECONDS

0-60 MPH

Live Timing Rear-Wheel DriveFront Engine

A Grand Prix-style single-seater, with an open cockpit and a thunderous Cosworth-developed V6 power unit, and tyres from F1 supplier Pirelli.

6-SpeedPaddleshift

3 Litre V6250 BHP

Top Speed

170 MPH

3.1SECONDS

0-60 MPH

Live Timing Rear-Wheel DriveMid Engine

This modern classic, stripped down to the bare essentials, offers immense acceleration and mind-bending cornering capabilities.

6-SpeedPaddleshift

Honda i-VTEC2 Litre, 245 BHP

Top Speed

145 MPH

3.2 SECONDS

0-60 MPH


6-SpeedPaddleshift

3 Litre V6250 BHP

Top Speed

167 MPH

3.4 SECONDS

0-60 MPH


Wading Depth500mm

Dual-Range 4x4and Locking Centre Diff

Maximum Climb Angle

45̊

Maximum SideTilt Angle

35˚

4-Wheel DriveFront Engine

ONBOARD VIDEO

6-SpeedPaddleshift

1.6 Litre 4-Cylinder Turbo, 220 BHP

Top Speed

147 MPH

5.0 SECONDS

0-60 MPH

Live Timing Front-Wheel DriveFront Engine

EVERY GUEST DRIVES EVERY CAR…THE 2018 LINE-UP

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In one unforgettable day, guests will drive a selection of fantastic cars in an eight-activity programme with live timing, scoring and awards. Here’s a typical itinerary...

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07.45 REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST

Your hospitality suite opens for registration and breakfast at the start of one of the most memorable days of your life.

08.50 YOUR DAYBEGINS

Join your team leader and then board your bespoke PalmerSport shuttle that will transport you around the venue.

09.00 PEDAL TOTHE METAL

Meet your instructor in the first of the day’s cars, get to grips with the controls and then put your foot down!

12.15 LUNCH ANDREFUEL

A first class lunch, table-served in your hospitality suite, with time to share those unforgettable moments.

13.15 RESTART

An adrenaline-drenched afternoon lies ahead as your confidence builds with more cars to drive.

16.45 PRIZEGIVING

The coveted PalmerSport trophies are awarded to the day’s best drivers.

16.30 AFTERNOONTEA

Tea with sandwiches and cakes is served over talks of spins, lap times and ‘‘what might have been” moments.

08.30 EVENTBRIEFING

A video briefing from Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle on what you’re going to be driving and how best to do it.

NORTH CIRCUIT: RENAULT CLIO CUP RACER SOUTH CIRCUIT: BMW M4 GTP EAST CIRCUIT: ARIEL ATOM

WEST CIRCUIT: FORMULA 3000 PALMER JP-LM

KART CIRCUIT: SODI GT5 KART

OFF-ROAD COURSE: LAND ROVER DEFENDER

NAA: CATERHAM PURSUIT

ACTIVITIES

KEY

BEDFORD AUTODROMEBedford Autodrome is located right in the centre of England – just 50 miles north of London, with excellent road and rail links and its own runway at Bedford Aerodrome.

SOUTH CIRCUIT 1.50 MILESBMW M4 GTP

NORTH CIRCUIT 1.00 MILERENAULT CLIO CUP RACER

EAST CIRCUIT 0.75 MILESARIEL ATOM

NORTHERN ACTIVITY AREA (NAA)CATERHAM PURSUIT

R

BEDFORD AERODROME

WEST CIRCUIT 1.87 MILESFORMULA 3000PALMER JP-LM

ENTRANCE

OFF-ROAD COURSE LAND ROVERDEFENDER

SODI GT5 KART

R VENUE RECEPTION

HOSPITALITY SUITE

TRACKSIDE SUITE WITH LIVE TIMING

WORKSHOP

VENUE OFFICES

Added to the PalmerSport line-up in 2017, the Renault Clio Cup race car is enormous fun to drive on our fast and furious North Circuit and will leave you grinning from ear to ear!

Indeed, this manufacturer-developed racing thoroughbred, as seen at British Touring Car events, is just like an oversized go kart – super-stiff, nimble and darty.

Beneath its road-going facade lies a four-cylinder turbo engine and a six-speed

paddleshift gearbox. And it’s the only PalmerSport car with front-wheel drive, adding a fresh challenge and new skills to master during your day.

You’ll tackle the Clio with an instructor at your side, encouraging you to fling this pocket rocket racer through a sequence of challenging corners just like your favourite touring car stars.

This car is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. And it’s yours to tame.

POCKET ROCKET

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RENAULT CLIO CUP RACE CAR

Just like an oversized go kart - super-stiff, nimble and darty, perfect for flinging from corner to corner.

NORTH CIRCUIT 1.00 MILE

TOP SPEED: 147 MPH

0-60 MPH: 5.0 SECONDS

ENGINE: 1.6 LITRE, 4-CYLINDER TURBO, 220 BHP

TRANSMISSION: 6-SPEED PADDLESHIFT

DRIVETRAIN: FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE, FRONT ENGINE

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RENAULT CLIO CUP RACERPOCKET ROCKET

The Ariel Atom is one of PalmerSport’s most popular cars. Stripped down to the bare essentials, this no-frills machine is the perfect weapon to tackle the East Circuit, Bedford Autodrome’s most sinuous ribbon of tarmac.

Thanks to its low weight and high power, the Atom accelerates with noisy urgency and tackles corners with amazing agility. Its Honda i-VTEC engine, located right behind the driver’s back, pushes all the way to 8000 rpm and belts out 245 bhp. Weighing

in at merely 610 kg, the Atom launches, corners and stops with a forcefulness that would outshine many supercars.

The close-ratio six-speed paddleshift gearbox, unique to PalmerSport, makes changes possible in a barely perceptible 0.05 of a second, whilst gunning from 0-60 mph is a three-second blur.

With an expert instructor alongside, pushing you to the limit, this car will literally take your breath away.

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ARIEL ATOMATOMIC WEAPON

The Atom launches, corners and stops with a forcefulness that would outshine many supercars.

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TOP SPEED: 145 MPH


ENGINE: 2.0 LITRE, HONDA I-VTEC, 245 BHP


DRIVETRAIN: REAR-WHEEL DRIVE, MID ENGINE

EAST CIRCUIT 0.75 MILES

ARIEL ATOMATOMIC WEAPON

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PalmerSport’s Formula 3000 single-seater is the closest you’ll get to the experience of an F1 car – and you’ll leave with stunning video footage to prove it!

Powered by a Cosworth-developed 3000cc V6 which thumps out 250 bhp at 6500 rpm, the car’s engine growls as its acceleration pushes you deep into your seat. As you work the six-speed paddle gearshift on the steering wheel, the car is still accelerating hard as it blasts past 100 mph.

With Grand Prix-style high-downforce bodywork and big, slick Pirelli tyres, the Formula 3000 turns in with massive grip. But when you want to slow it all down, the powerful brakes can slam the car to a halt in seconds.

Your fastest lap on our fabulous, flowing West Circuit will be recorded on video to share with friends and family, plus you’ll receive detailed data showing how your performance compares with British F1 driver Jolyon Palmer.

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FORMULA 3000A RACING THOROUGHBRED

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Our Formula 3000 single-seater is the closest you’ll get to the experience of an F1 car.

TOP SPEED: 170 MPH


ENGINE: 3 LITRE V6, 250 BHP



WEST CIRCUIT 1.87 MILES

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FORMULA 3000A RACING THOROUGHBRED

ONBOARD VIDEO

PalmerSport’s M4 GTP is an absolute beast, boasting a mighty 425bhp. Quickest of the mid-sized GTs in BMW’s infamous M-range, our version is even faster thanks to competition-specification enhancements.

The M4 GTP has been stripped of its interior luxuries and equipped with uprated brakes and lowered, stiffened suspension to provide phenomenal on-track performance. Coupled to a brilliant seven-speed paddleshift gearbox and a race-prepared chassis, the M4 GTP takes the supercar art to a new level.

The M4’s three-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, tuned by BMW’s motorsport division, can howl its way to 7600 rpm, but it is in the mid ranges that it really packs a powerful punch, with torque leaping from 295 lb ft in our previous M3 to a whopping 406 lb ft.

Take it for a spin on our ultra-fast South Circuit and test the performance figures for yourself – 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and 100 mph in 8.8 seconds. Blistering!

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BMW M4 GTPBAVARIAN BRUISER

This brute boasts a mighty 425 bhp, plus uprated brakes and lowered, stiffened suspension to provide phenomenal on-track performance.

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BMW M4 GTPBAVARIAN BRUISER

SOUTH CIRCUIT 1.50 MILES

TOP SPEED: 185 MPH


ENGINE: 3 LITRE, TWIN TURBO, 425 BHP


DRIVETRAIN: REAR-WHEEL DRIVE, FRONT ENGINE

Our stunning Palmer JP-LM feels as good as it looks as an instructor helps you extract all of its mind-blowing acceleration, braking ability and cornering grip on the West Circuit.

We’ve squeezed every last bit of power from the JP-LM’s Cosworth three-litre quad-cam V6 engine for relentless acceleration and impressive straight-line speed. Its superior aerodynamics allow this stunning open-top two-seater

to slice through the air and generate staggering downforce.

This sublime racing machine feels like it’s glued to the track, carrying what seems like impossible speed round corners. With such phenomenal performance at your disposal, this is the nearest you’ll get to jumping into a Le Mans prototype and heading off around the famous French circuit.

PALMER JP-LMMULSANNE MAGIC

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This sublime racing machine feels like it’s glued to the track, carrying what seems like impossible speed round corners.

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PALMER JP-LMMULSANNE MAGIC

WEST CIRCUIT 1.87 MILES

TOP SPEED: 167 MPH


ENGINE: 3 LITRE V6, 250 BHP



If you’re expecting our Land Rover Defender to be the easy option, think again! You’ll need as much skill, concentration and commitment in the mud as you do on the track to successfully negotiate your way down rock-strewn paths, through deep rivers, and up slopes so extreme you’ll scarcely believe even a 4x4 could scale them.

You’ll climb so steeply that all you can see through the windscreen is sky, before plunging over what appears to be the edge of a cliff.

You’ll negotiate tracks covered in gigantic boulders and waist-deep water and drive onto our infamous see-saw, using nothing but the weight of the car at the pivot point to tilt the platform and drive down the other side.

Put your faith in our rugged Defender and listen to your instructor, and you’ll emerge from these challenges lost in admiration for this great British institution that has remained unequalled for over 60 years.

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MAXIMUM CLIMB ANGLE: 45 DEGREES

WADING DEPTH: 500 MM

MAXIMUM SIDE TILT ANGLE: 35 DEGREES

DUAL-RANGE 4x4 AND LOCKING DIFF

DRIVETRAIN: 4-WHEEL DRIVE, FRONT ENGINE

OFF-ROAD COURSE

LAND ROVERDEFENDERA BRITISH INSTITUTION

You’ll need as much skill, concentration and commitment in the mud as you do on the track.

Go head-to-head with one of your teammates in our Caterhams for a contest with a difference. You’ll be timed or scored on every activity at PalmerSport, but this battle takes place on two identical mirror-image courses with straights, hairpins and a mini roundabout.

Don’t be fooled by how simple it looks – balancing grip against power is no mean feat as you slip and slide against the clock! You’ll want to push it to the max, but in a Caterham the dividing line between hero and zero can be a millimetre too much throttle applied a millisecond too early, so you’ll need maximum concentration for perfect powerslides.

Plenty of finesse is required too, not least for that innocent-looking roundabout – if you can master tyre-smoking doughnuts, you’ll beat your opponent every time in this best-of-three competition.

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CATERHAMPURSUITPISTONS AT DAWN

The dividing line between hero and zero can be a millimetre too much throttle applied a millisecond too early.

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The JP-LM SuperRide, the only optional extra activity at PalmerSport, allows you to experience this awesome machine at genuine race speed as a passenger alongside one of our elite instructors.

Our SuperRide JP-LMs are even faster than the cars our guests drive, with increased grip from fatter tyres, more downforce from the bodywork and 15 per cent more power. Our SuperRide will give you a new appreciation of just how fast a racing car can really be

driven, and an entirely new respect for the other-worldly talents of professional racing drivers.

You’ll also receive a permanent reminder of the experience, with onboard video included for every SuperRide guest. ‘‘

PALMER JP-LMSUPERRIDEOPTIONAL EXTRA

ONBOARD VIDEO

Experience this awesome machine at genuine race speed as a passenger alongside one of our elite instructors.

A DAY LIKE NO OTHER…

Former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer spent more than 12 months painstakingly designing Bedford Autodrome to create the world’s most extensive, thrilling and safe motorsport complex. PalmerSport’s philosophy is unlike any other – to actively encourage participants to push themselves to the limit and drive as fast as they can. That’s why the circuit is designed with flat-out driving – not motor racing – in mind. There are no concrete walls or grandstands, just endless run-off and acres of grass.

With the comfort of knowing there’s nothing to hit but the rev limiter, and a professional instructor sitting right alongside, guests can have the confidence to push our cars – and themselves – harder and faster than they ever thought possible.

By running four circuits simultaneously, we keep waiting to a minimum and maximise your time behind the wheel. But there’s still plenty of time to relax in our stylish and comfortable suites, swapping stories and watching the live timing screens before being whisked off to the next PalmerSport challenge.

BEDFORDAUTODROMEBUILT FOR SPEED AND SPACE

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Our entire venue has been engineered to offer you and your guests comfortable surroundings, all-weather protection and catering of the highest standard at every turn.

You’ll fuel up with a delicious breakfast, enjoy a superb table-served lunch and experience a fine afternoon tea in our modern hospitality centre. And throughout the day you’ll find complimentary

drinks and light bites in all our trackside suites, which provide a comfortable space for relaxing between driving sessions.

You’ll probably want to keep in touch when you’re out of the office, so for maximum convenience we offer free WiFi internet across the venue and mobile phone charging in every suite.

HIGH-SPEEDHOSPITALITYKEEPING YOU FUELLED

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Maintaining a fleet of more than 100 vehicles to PalmerSport standards is a monumental task – every car has to be ready to be driven to its limit all day, every day.

We own, operate and maintain all of our vehicles, ensuring that we provide our guests with products in peak condition, ready to be pushed to their extremes with total freedom. This is why we employ outstanding technicians, many with race team experience. And we don’t just change consumables like tyres and brake pads - our cars follow a rigorous

schedule of maintenance where parts are routinely replaced regardless of condition, just as they are in the safety-dominated aircraft industry.

By applying such standards, we can ensure that our cars are not only supremely reliable and safe, but as identical as they can be. Equality of vehicle performance is a vital component in the PalmerSport experience: if you win one of our trophies, you’ll know it’s because you were simply the fastest driver out there.

ENGINEERINGEXCELLENCETHE PALMERSPORT FLEET

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Because of the stringent standards and qualifications required to be a PalmerSport instructor, just one in ten prove to be good enough to work with us.

How good? Chances are you’ll be sat alongside an experienced racer, possibly a hotshot who’s on the verge of the big time. Multiple F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is just one of the accomplished drivers who has instructed at Bedford Autodrome.

Our instructors’ ability to establish a rapport with our guests and quickly

understand their levels of experience and confidence means they soon feel at home behind the wheel and outperform their own expectations.

Every guest at PalmerSport is part of a team with its own leader, who will be there from start to finish to ensure the entire event runs like clockwork. Team leaders carefully explain every activity in detail, from timings to what to wear, so you can relax and enjoy your day.

TEAM PALMERSPORTTHE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

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The fun of light-hearted competition is a hugely popular element of your day at PalmerSport, and guests are scored on all eight activities, with our coveted trophies awarded to the day’s best drivers at the end of the event.

Our live timing screens, located both inside and outside our trackside suites, work in the same way as those in Formula One qualifying, showing each

driver’s best time the moment they complete the lap. When guests are not out on track, their eyes will be glued to the screens, enjoying each other’s conversation while keeping one eye on the progress of their teammates and seeing how their own lap times compare.

For those of a competitive nature, the screens make for compulsive viewing!

EYES ON THE PRIZETIMING, SCORING AND AWARDS

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EVENT BOOKINGSEvery guest takes part in every activity at PalmerSport and drives each car for the same amount of time, whether attending as a private individual or part of an exclusive corporate booking. There’s no complicated menu of items to choose from; the only optional extra is a SuperRide in our JP-LM two-seater race car.

Half-day or evening programmes in a selection of our vehicles are available, whilst gift vouchers can be purchased as presents or a reward to incentivise your sales team.

Our Account Managers will be happy to talk you through price and date options. Once your day is booked, our team of event co-ordinators will liaise with you on every detail.

Our season runs from March to December inclusive

PalmerSport operates six days a week (not Sundays)

Events are run in teams of 12 drivers with a maximum of six teams per day

Shared days (designed for individuals and small groups) can accommodate one guest upwards

Exclusive events are available for bookings of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 guests (certain larger teams can be accommodated - contact us for details)

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EMAIL:[email protected]

VISIT:PALMERSPORT.COM

CALL:01403 733999

WWW.PALMERSPORT.COM

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