Supercar dreams made into reality

Fortunately, an entrepreneur from Holmfirth is helping drivers of all ages to realise their dreams and get behind the wheel of a supercar, if only for a short time.

Simon George is the co-founder of 6th Gear Experience, a company which provides supercar experiences through vouchers sold in retailers such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Tesco.

These allow customers to drive a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin or Porsche for prices starting from 75 at Elvington, near York, and at race tracks in the Midlands and Surrey.

Turnover at the business has doubled to 4.8m over the last year as Britons spurn expensive goods and opt for cheaper treats instead, said Mr George.

"In the UK, there's a massive enthusiasm for supercars. Top Gear really does help that," he added, referring to Jeremy Clarkson's hugely successful TV show.

Mr George, 40, and his business partner, Andy Cummings, also 40, plan to invest more than 3m in the business over the next three years as they expand into Spain and then Italy, where Top Gear enjoys a large following.

Mr George got into the business after he built up and then remortgaged a portfolio of rental properties in south Leeds, buying himself his dream car, a 180,000 Lamborghini, with the proceeds.

He then met Mr Cummings, the owner of an engineering business and a fellow Lamborghini owner. Neither could afford to run the expensive vehicles, said Mr George.

"We got our heads together and wondered how to make some money out of these cars we already owned," he explained. After some research on the internet, they decided to hire them out at supercar days.

Both got their racing licences and decided to go into business themselves. They funded the launch with 60,000-worth of credit card debt after banks "laughed at their idea", said Mr George. The pair spent 18 months persuading public liability insurers to cover their events.

"Our experience with banks is not good," he said, citing unfulfilled promises and "negative, risk averse attitudes".

Mr George added: "Like most smaller businesses, the first two years consisted of sleepless nights and a lot of stress trying to keep things together."

The company now owns 26 supercars and four articulated race car transporters. Some come from dealers, while others come from banks and financial institutions after their original owners became distressed.

The most expensive vehicle currently on the books is a Lamborghini LP640, which is worth 228,000, but the cars generally cost around 80,000 each. One of its current stars is the Aston Martin DBS, the model which featured in the last two James Bond films.

The company is awaiting delivery of the latest Ferrari 458 Italia, worth 200,000, and next year plans to buy a Lamborghini V12, worth 275,000.

The West Midlands-based firm employs 16 full-time employees and around 50 part-time staff.

The average event day is attended by 600 customers, a big logistical event for the organisers, who handle up 50,000 drivers a year between the operating months of March and November.

Around two-thirds of the bookings come through high street stores or agencies, while the rest come through the company's website or promotions.

Each car has an instructor and dual brake pedals for safety reasons. "Some people like to drive at 40 or 50mph. Then we get people who want to be Michael Schumacher. Instructors have to adapt to each," said Mr George.

The company has a broad demographic of customers, who have often been bought vouchers as gifts. "We assumed our base ought to be car enthusiasts," he said, "but that actually accounts for a small minority of customers."

Mr George said 6th Gear Experience pioneered the junior driving experience in which any child taller than 4ft 8ins can drive a dual-controlled supercar.

Some online forums have reported complaints about poor value for money, but Mr George insisted that 6th Gear Experience offered the best value of all the four or five supercar race days providers in the UK.

He said the company received 18 complaints last year, but "dozens and dozens" of positive emails and testimonials.

Just a little spin on the track . . .

In the interests of journalism, the best way to understand 6th Gear Experience was to try out its products.

Unfortunately, driving conditions at Elvington were atrocious. Nevertheless, I took to the track on a cold, wet and windy day in a succession of supercars.

The first was the Aston Martin DBS. Despite its good looks, I found it difficult to control. After a few laps, I swapped it for the Lamborghini LP640. In contrast, it seemed an easier drive until I managed to spin the rear wheels at around 90mph. A frightening experience.

My favourite drive of the day was the Ferrari 599 GTB. A sublime vehicle known fittingly as the "gentleman's express".