Formula Kart Stars Drivers Visit McLaren & Meet Hamilton
press release
Eyes widened, jaws dropped and some of Formula Kart Stars most vocal drivers were stunned into silence as Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren Formula One team opened their doors for an exclusive look at their world famous Technology Centre.
All of the 2010 Lewis Hamilton `True Grit' award winners were joined by the top three finishers in each FKS class for a special guided tour of McLaren's truly spectacular headquarters followed by a chance to quiz the 2008 World Champion themselves.
It's not every day that you get a chance to take a peek around a working Formula One facility but the lucky drivers were shown around the McLaren museum, the usually top secret wind tunnel and development rooms, the state of the art fitness centre and even had the chance to chat to Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren boardroom.
"I really can't thank Lewis and the entire McLaren team enough for allowing our drivers a truly unique opportunity," said FKS series director Carolynn Hoy. "It was incredible to see a Formula One factory at work and it gave all the drivers a real insight into the amount of effort it takes to put two F1 cars on the grid."
Once the guided tour was complete all the drivers had the opportunity to sit down with Lewis and ask him anything and everything from his favourite kart circuit to how he copes with the pressure of life in the F1 fast-lane.
"Lewis was just fantastic with the drivers," added Hoy. "He was full of helpful advice and stories from his days in karting right up to the last race he did in Formula One. I think all the drivers really learnt a lot of valuable lessons from what he had to say."
During the day Hamilton presented MSA British Cadet Champion Nathan Aston with his prize TAG Heuer watch, one that Aston had worn each time he won a race in 2010 but that he now gets to keep for good. Every driver was also given an exclusive gift bag of McLaren goodies as part of their experience.
Formula Kart Stars would like to thank all the staff at the McLaren Formula Kart Stars Technology Centre as well as Lewis Hamilton for their time and generosity.
