Silverstone

3years 251days

Another one of our "special firsts in the life of Katie" days. Today Katie had her first racing experience. Qualifying for the 2013 British grand prix at Silverstone. I am something of a "petrol head" and Katie enjoys watching various car shows that I enjoy, so she'd been excited when I suggested we go see the cars.

We set off very early and travelled with her in her jammies. She was awake the whole way though. She was a happy little soul for the full journey. We stopped to get her a babyccino and some breakfast before continuing on. The traffic was much better than the last time I went and we arrived in plenty of time for the practice session. We managed to get ourselves seats in an excellent grandstand - right on Club Corner: that is, the final corners of the circuit with a view of the pits, the start/finish line and the pit entry. Because we had such good seats Katie and I took turns with our friend to go nosey at the stalls, buy a lolly, toilet etc.

She was absolutely brilliant for the whole thing. She loved wearing her ear defenders, enthusiastically waved her flag to all the drivers, while eating a whole picnic before 11am. In the break between practice and quali we took a bit of a walk and returned with a tshirt for her and lanyard for me. Plus bought the most expensive 99 I've ever known. We managed to get seats 3 rows from the front and at the end of an aisle row which to her delight meant she could sit on the steps, and could stand (with Mummy) right at the front and "wave to the drivers".

After the session had ended, we walked round the outside of the entire circuit. We stopped for a sit down and snacks beside Stowe and she did some gymnastic bar work on the barriers, to the amusement of the marshalls. She played "spot the maclaren tshirt", as she now recognises the vodafone and mercedes logos. She chose a Silverstone drinking bottle as her last souvenir of the day, which she has since refused to part company with. She had a tub of porridge at the car before we set off and by 5pm was snoring deeply. A good day!!

My photos can be found here.