Like any red-blooded car fanatic, I've got a full roster of automotive fantasies, the stars of which are nimble sports cars, wailing exotics… and one or two that are best kept to myself (Ford spokesman, Mr. Dirty Jobs himself and a fully loaded Raptor come to mind…).
But this one couldn't have been better if I'd planned it myself.
Like a gift from heaven, the offer came to spend three days with Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG coupe—whose soaring gullwing doors and sinuous shape put a sappy grin on my face and fill my heart with aching lust.
The timing was perfect. I'd been invited out for a few laps around Mosport International Raceway behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayman S and Boxster Black Edition. Instead of slinking in the back way and tucking my 20-year old beater out of sight behind the snack bar, I nonchalantly rolled into the paddock, and with a crackle, pop and burble, put the SLS in its rightful place among the GT3s, M3s and Audi R8s.
I'm greeted by Rick Bye of Porsche Canada, one of my all-time favourite car guys with whom I credit my surviving Alaska's treacherous Atigun Pass last winter. "Les, you'll be driving with David today, I think you'll find he has plenty to teach you".
We shake hands, and I'm impressed with his lofty height.
Most race-car drivers are, shall we say, rather jockey-like in stature. Setting off in a Peridot Green Cayman S, I'm reassured by David's obvious ease at the wheel. As we chat, I'm gobsmacked to learn that he's David Deacon, the man behind the Rothman's Porsche Challenge Cup Series, a veteran of the legendary LeMans and a former BMW M1 driver – the automotive unicorn of race cars.
Any feelings of intimidation as I climb behind the wheel quickly vanish, laid to rest by David's laid-back attitude and friendly direction. The Cayman S is one of the tightest cars I've ever driven, agile, intuitive and sure-footed as a cat. Relaxing banishes my biggest fault—clenching the wheel—and as I loosen up, the car unwinds and our course becomes fluid.
The Boxster feels looser, leggier, but after a lap to familiarize myself, I find myself growing braver. Thanks to a fabulous instructor and superb cars, I've never driven better. I'm tickled pink by David's praise. "Excellent, Lesley, that last lap was perfect. I could do this all day with you". The feeling is mutual.
Could it possibly get any better?
Well, yes. Driving home, I glance over and realize the driver beside me is an ex-boyfriend. With a casual wave, I open the throttle of the SLS AMG and disappear in a sinewy black streak, leaving only a wailing echo behind.
But this one couldn't have been better if I'd planned it myself.
Like a gift from heaven, the offer came to spend three days with Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG coupe—whose soaring gullwing doors and sinuous shape put a sappy grin on my face and fill my heart with aching lust.
The timing was perfect. I'd been invited out for a few laps around Mosport International Raceway behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayman S and Boxster Black Edition. Instead of slinking in the back way and tucking my 20-year old beater out of sight behind the snack bar, I nonchalantly rolled into the paddock, and with a crackle, pop and burble, put the SLS in its rightful place among the GT3s, M3s and Audi R8s.
I'm greeted by Rick Bye of Porsche Canada, one of my all-time favourite car guys with whom I credit my surviving Alaska's treacherous Atigun Pass last winter. "Les, you'll be driving with David today, I think you'll find he has plenty to teach you".
We shake hands, and I'm impressed with his lofty height.
Most race-car drivers are, shall we say, rather jockey-like in stature. Setting off in a Peridot Green Cayman S, I'm reassured by David's obvious ease at the wheel. As we chat, I'm gobsmacked to learn that he's David Deacon, the man behind the Rothman's Porsche Challenge Cup Series, a veteran of the legendary LeMans and a former BMW M1 driver – the automotive unicorn of race cars.
Any feelings of intimidation as I climb behind the wheel quickly vanish, laid to rest by David's laid-back attitude and friendly direction. The Cayman S is one of the tightest cars I've ever driven, agile, intuitive and sure-footed as a cat. Relaxing banishes my biggest fault—clenching the wheel—and as I loosen up, the car unwinds and our course becomes fluid.
The Boxster feels looser, leggier, but after a lap to familiarize myself, I find myself growing braver. Thanks to a fabulous instructor and superb cars, I've never driven better. I'm tickled pink by David's praise. "Excellent, Lesley, that last lap was perfect. I could do this all day with you". The feeling is mutual.
Could it possibly get any better?
Well, yes. Driving home, I glance over and realize the driver beside me is an ex-boyfriend. With a casual wave, I open the throttle of the SLS AMG and disappear in a sinewy black streak, leaving only a wailing echo behind.