We have now released and confirmed our range of 2012 tours. ‘Big’ is not big enough to describe what we have planned for this year, it is a going to be our best year of tours ever.

What takes your fancy? Driving the latest Supercars in Europe, and end up in Monte Carlo on the back of a Superyacht to watch the Grand Prix of Monaco? Do you want to experience the two greatest race tracks in the world – Nurburgring Nordschleife and Spa Francorchamps? What about an incredible USA journey that includes Laguna Seca in F3 cars, Vegas in a NASCAR and over to Bristol to watch the best short-track race of the Series? We have something for everyone!

Take a look through our site and feel free to call me direct if you have any questions. We would love to see you in 2012.

Cheers,

Anthony Moss

Falling house prices, markets crashing, debt crisis, its all there and if you want to subscribe to the theory you can probably add to that the world will end soon.

So, what to do about it? Simple really… invest in one of our tours in 2012!

Its seems a little wrong to make light of all of this, but really what else can you do. As the part-owner of a few small and medium sized businesses myself including the retail sector – the outlook isn’t so bad. People are still spending their money, in my opinion they are just a little more careful about where – and how – they spend it.

So its time for you. Stop worrying about it for a while, and do something for yourself for a change! Chances if you are reading this you are a little interested in cars and driving – and do we have some amazing and incredible car and driving holidays for you in 2012.

In short, we are going to take another group to the USA to drive NASCAR’s, F3 cars and even watch a NASCAR race at one of the best circuits in the US – also, we are going to take another group to Europe to drive the two best race circuits in the world – The Nurburgring Nordschleife and Spa Francorchamps – and finally – we are going to take another group to drive a selection of the world’s best Supercars from Frankfurt to Monaco and then watch the Grand Prix of Monaco on the back of a 150″ Superyacht! Why? Why the hell not – and because you deserve it.

All the details of the tours will be released shortly – but be fast – the tours have already started to fill up from our pre-release to current clients, and they wont last long.

Make sure you register on the website to be on our newsletter database, and we will contact you soon with all the details for 2012.

All the best for upcoming silly season and keep safe on the roads.

Anthony Moss

Lets talk Formula 1. With Bahrain canceled due to civil unrest, it brings the start of the F1 season where it should be: Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia. What a year it is set to be with multiple rule changes in place for the 2011 season.

Pirelli tyres make a come-back to Formula 1, but many are saying there are issues, including World Champion Vettel who said last week the the tyres ‘wear down too fast’ and the cars could be up to 10 seconds a lap slower this year. Good for spectators? I say yes.

Also KERS makes a comeback to Formula 1 this year, not being compulsory but allowed, which basically takes waste energy generated under braking and turns it into additional power. This is then used by the driver via a ‘boost button’ on the wheel. The downside? Additional weight – although the minimum weight for cars has now increased 20kg, so teams will not have to pay the heavy price as they did when KERS was introduced in 2009. At this stage most of the top teams will use KERS in 2011.

In terms of bodywork, F-ducts and double diffusers, which dominated so much of the sports’ headlines in early 2010 has been banned, but introduced is adjustable rear wings, which is electronically governed – it can be used at any time in practice and qualifying, but during the race can only be activated when a driver is less than one second behind another car at pre-determined points on the track. Passing in F1 (or lack of it) has been an issue for years, and hopefully this will help to address it in 2011.

In terms of Qualifying, this year any driver not setting a qualifying time within 107% of the fastest Q1 lap will not be permitted to race. Stewards, however, will have the power to grant exceptions in extenuating circumstances, such as where a driver has recorded a suitable time in a previous practice session. This move could scare a few of the fringe teams, and HRT, Virgin and Toro Rosso will all have to lift their game in 2011.

And finally, team orders. After last years’ Alonso/Massa debacle at the German Grand Prix, with team orders in 2010 banned Massa whilst leading the race was told by the team that Alonso is “.. faster than you. Can you confirm you understand the message?’ The message, was in fact very clear. Move over! Shortly afterwards Massa appeared to slow and Alonso took the lead, winning the race. Ferrari was adamant they did nothing wrong, although they accepted the $100,000 fine without appeal. Good for the sport? I say no, but its a decision which will make for some very interesting motor racing in 2011, with drivers’ egos up against their hefty pay packets I should expect!

Who will be there at the pointy end in 2011? Expect the usual suspects Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari to lead the charge, but with plenty of changes this year look out for the young guns who are slowly making their mark in the sport. My wildcards? The Renault team of Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov, both with now plenty of experience and my tip to pop their Formula 1 race winning cherry’s in 2011.

Probably one of the most exciting things UDT will be doing this year will be part of our Ultimate USA Tour in May. We all know the States are the land of cheeseburgers, SUV’s, The Superbowl and World Series Baseball (whilst not competing against any other nations…) but they are also most famous for a sporting event which, this year is the 100th anniversary and one of the most important races in motorsport – the Indy 500.

The event, dramatically billed as ‘the greatest spectacle in racing’ and part of the ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’ which includes Indy, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Only one driver has ever won the Triple Crown, Graham Hill and seems as though he will be the only driver ever to do so now the F1 World Championship and Champ Cars are now leagues apart and the Indy 500/Monaco F1 GP is generally held on the same or a weekend apart.

Back to the Indy 500. Let’s talk numbers. The permanent seating at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is 257,000 people and with infield seating can raise that to around 400,000. Unofficial attendance figures have estimated that as many as 450,000 people have been at the Indy 500 on race day in previous years. Just imagine that many fans at a race meeting… absolutely incredible. The track was built in 1909 as a gravel and tar track, then paved with bricks which was a bad idea, as this resulted in many deaths due to the unsteady racing surface. The first ’500′ was held on May 30, 1911 and won by Ray Harroun driving a Marmon “Wasp”, apparently an American car. The car was fitted with his new invention, a rear-view mirror…. wow.

One of the more interesting things about the race is that the winning drivers don’t get a bottle of Champagne after the race to spray as most F1 or other racers do, in fact they get… milk. The tradition started in 1933 after one Louis Meyer requested a glass of buttermilk (yes, only in America) after winning his second Indy 500. Modern drivers are now offered a choice of whole, 2% and skim milk. Nice!

The race has been won by some of the greatest drivers in World Motorsport including Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr, Juan Pablo Montoya and closer to our end of the world, New Zealander Scott Dixon in 2008. Aussies Will Power and Ryan Briscoe are now competing in the Championship but neither have won the ’500′. Maybe 2011 will be their year!

So there it is, a quick history on the Indy 500. As part of the USA tour this year we will be there, cheering on the Aussies and generally being a part of motorsport history in 2011. We still have spots available on the tour, so if you want to drive a NASCAR, go to the Indy 500, fly in a private jet and then drive Supercars through the Grand Canyon, come with us this year on the trip of a lifetime!

Happy new year!
Mossy

The 2012 Ultimate Supercar Tour is now sold out. Click this link here for full details on the pre-release of the 2013 tour. Limited spaces are available.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THIS TOUR

An incredible week spent driving Supercars in Europe! Starting in Geneva, Switzerland, and driving some of the best roads, mountain passes and motorways and finishing in Nice, France – heart of the French Riviera. Finally, we carrive into Monte Carlo for the 83rd running of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco. This being ‘Ultimate’ driving tours – we propose to do it in style – on the back of a 150′ Superyacht moored meters away from the track! If that isn’t enough for you – this tour also has the amazing option of driving a real Formula 1 car at t private circuit in the South of France, one of the most contemporary collections of F1 cars available to drive in the world – its a MUST do! 

This is the one to do with your best mate, your Father or Son, or your partner if they are really into driving! It is a tour for the drivers, for those who want to drive the best roads in the world in amazing cars, then do it all again the next day!

Tour Investment: From AUD$13,900 Supercar/Grand Prix package (additional for F1 drive)

Tour package includes:

• All hire of Supercars
• 4 days of driving spectacular scenic routes
• Welcome dinner and drinks in Geneva
  
• Luxury Transfers to/from Monte Carlo for the F1
  
• Detailed route instruction/navigation with experienced guides
• Grand Prix of Monaco on a Superyacht in the Monte Carlo Marina
  
• One day of driving Formula 3 and Formula 1 cars at Circuit du Var (F1 option only – dates TBA)
  

Additional:

• Seven nights’ Accommodation to suit budget and requirements (packages available starting @ around AUD$1500 twin share)
• Contribution to fuel/tolls/damage waiver, etc (travel kitty) to ensure each person contributes the same amount
• Flights to/from Europe as per own requirements

Other details:

This tour is now 100% confirmed, and is already over 70% subscribed.

Investment schedule:

Expression of interest: Deposit due AUD$5,000 – once EOI is accepted.

All other details as per Tour Application ATTACHED

Cars currently being considered for the 2012 tour include:
-    The extraordinary Ferrari 458 Italia and the stunning California
-    Lamborghini’s Aventador and Gallardo
-    Mercedes Benz’ spine-tingling SLS AMG
-    Porsche’s latest and fastest ever 911
-    The incredibly gorgeous Maserati Grantourismo
-    Aston Martin’s latest Vantage S and the super-quick DBS
-    Bentley’s sledgehammer GT and GTC
-    And Audi’s giant killing R8

PROPOSED ITINERARY 2012

Day 1: Monday 21st May.

We leave Geneva and immediately we start at the first exciting part of the tour: The incredible Alpine roads of Switzerland heading into the heart of the Swiss ski fields.

The route takes us along the stunning Lake Geneva, and through Montreux and Villeneuve, then we head East across the Alps through Spiez and Lucerne as we head to Davos.

Day 2: Tuesday 22nd May.

Departing Davos in the early hours – this will be a day the drivers will always remember. Heading South-East towards Italy, we travel along what ‘Top Gear’ called ‘The Greatest Driving Road in the World’ – Davos to Stelvio. Once we clear the Italian border, we begin our decent of what is regarded as the most exciting mountain pass in the world – The Stelvio Pass. Once at the bottom of the Alps we traverse the stunning Italian countryside into Lake Como, home to some of the most beautiful castles and villas in the world.

Day 3: Wednesday 23rd May.

Departing Lake Como we head through Italy towards Maranello, the home of Ferrari! This will be a more relaxed day of driving, and once in Maranello we are arranging a VIP tour of a very well-known Italian car manufacturer! Can you guess? That evening we will enjoy good wine and food which is famous for the Emilia-Romangna region.

Day 4: Thursday 24th May.
The day begins with a visit to the Modena Autodrome and F430 Challenge track day! This optional activity is sure to be popular as clients will enjoy 5 fast laps of this historic circuit. After the track day and lunch we towards the coastline and head along the worlds best coastal drive, the A8 elevated freeway with over 160 tunnels cut into the Italian and French mountains with the sparkling Mediterranean alongside.

At the conclusion of the day we arrive in Nice where the cars will be returned and we celebrate that evening an amazing four days of driving.

Day 5: Friday 25th May.

The first day where we can relax a little – the morning will be free to explore Nice. The next 2 days will have us soaking up the atmosphere of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco as the Principality awaits the 83rd running of Formula 1 racing in Monte Carlo.

Day 6: Saturday 26th May.

We arrive onto the wharf and are ferried to our viewing platform for the next two days – a 150” yacht moored right on the track – the ONLY way to watch the Monaco GP. As we settle in the drivers will be out for final practice and then the afternoon will be Qualifying to see who will start on pole for the race.

Day 7: Sunday 27th May.

This is it. The 83rd running of one of the most exciting and prestigious races in world Motorsport – The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco. You will watch the GP from the back of our 150” yacht, whilst enjoying your French champagne and excellent food provided by top catering. If you feel like a spa, why not drop into the swimmers for a dip on the rooftop Jacuzzi. This is the only way to experience Formula 1!

Tour concludes after the Grand Prix.

To apply for this tour, click HERE. For more information contact info@ultimatedrivingtours.com or phone +61 414 333 090

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THIS TOUR

Generally regarded as the two most exciting, challenging and fastest circuits in Europe, if not the world: The Nurburgring Nordschleife and Spa Francorchamps. They are, quite simply the ultimate circuits for anyone who dreams of driving a car fast. These two tracks have a rich Motorsport history, home to two of the most grueling 24hr races in the world and have both been around in some form for nearly a century.

In 2012, we are pleased to announce THE ULTIMATE NURBURGRING & SPA FRANCORCHAMPS TOUR.

The Tour includes:

• Luxury transfers from/to Frankfurt airport
• A visit to the Porsche and Mercedes museums in Stuttgart
• 4 nights’ accommodation in Nurburg
• Fully prepared track cars for use at the Nurburgring Nordschleife on an open day and Spa Francorchamps on a private track day (1 car for every two people)
• Instruction from experienced race car drivers
• Go Karting Grand Prix at Michael Schumacher’s very own family go-karting centre
• Final dinner and drinks in Nurburg.

The 2012 Ultimate Nurburgring/Spa Tour is only $6,900 per person

The Tour itinerary:
Rendezvous, Friday 1st July – Flights arrive into Frankfurt Airport, informal drinks and dinner in Frankfurt
Day 1 – Transfers to Nurburgring – travel approx. 3hrs, afternoon karting session at Michael Schumacher centre
Day 2 – Full day on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in track-prepared cars
Day 3 – Rest/Group outing day
Day 4 – Private track day @ Spa Francorchamps, return to Nurburg for dinner and drinks in evening
Day 5 – transfers to Frankfurt Hotels and Airport or optional drive to Stuttgart to visit to Porsche and Mercedes Museums for those interested

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THIS TOUR

The types of cars we will be using:

VW Golf GTi                              230 BHP
Probably the world best ‘bang for buck’ hatch. Very capable on the track.
VW Scirocco TSi Coupe            220 BHP
The favourite of past tours. Incredibly quick with unbelievable handling.
BMW 325i E90 Sedan              192 BHP
BMW 330i E90 Sedan              272 BHP
No ordinary garden-variety BM’s. These are race stripped and lightweight. Excellent handling and 50/50 weight distribution.
BMW M3 E46 Coupe                343 BHP
An ex-Nurburgring 24hr car, the real-deal. Was one of the best in its day and still an awesomely quick car.
BMW E92 M3 V8                      420 BHP
BMW’s masterpiece set-up purely to eat laps at the Ring. Unbelievably quick.
PORSCHE 911 Carrera 996     320 BHP
Germany’s finest set-up purely to tackle the best circuits in the world.
All cars are equipped with German rego, full racing harnesses, full roll cages and motorsport tyres, race tuned and ready to go.

Click HERE to apply for this tour. There are limited places available and onsale now. For more information contact us info@ultimatedrivingtours.com or phone +61 414 333 090

As long as the respective tours reach minimum numbers noted on each tour page they will be confirmed. You will be notified in writing and deposits will be returned in the unlikely event a tour does not go ahead.

What do the tours include?

All of the inclusions are noted on the tour pages. We usually try and do a welcome drinks as well as some dinners during the tour. Depending on the tour, accommodation may be included, airfare generally is not.

What don’t the tours include?

Generally the tours don’t include any personal expenses, including airfares. All of the inclusions/exclusions will be noted on the tour pages.

Can you arrange flights/accommodation for us?

Yes, we would be happy to arrange flights for you, if accommodation is additional we generally have accommodation packages to choose from. You can choose from single occupancy or double occupancy rooms.

How does the hire of cars generally work?

In our Supercar tours we hire a car for every 2 people, if you choose to come on your own we will pair you up with a likeminded person. For track tours/racing tours we generally hire one car for every two people, although at certain tracks/venues we leave this to the operator – such as our F1 tour who has cars that everyone generally has turns driving.

Do I need travel insurance?

Generally, our conditions specify you must have a valid travel insurance policy for duration of the tour. If you don’t have one we can recommend and in most cases arrange one for you at competitive rates.

QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO THE ULTIMATE USA TOUR, 2011

Will be updated soon. Please email info@utlimatedrivingtours.com for details

link to tour