Aaron Telitz: Pond Crossing and Race Car Driving

The “Snooze Box,” Silverstone, England – Finally, the day had come. It was time to head to England to get my UK adventure officially underway. All of our awesome Team USA Scholarship gear had arrived from Styled Aesthetic. I crammed it all into my suitcase along with my driving gear, said my goodbyes to my family and headed for the airport. My flight was a redeye from Minneapolis straight to London. I was super-pumped to see that the airplane was about half full and I was going to have an entire row to myself! I had some dinner and promptly fell asleep.

I woke up with about an hour left in the flight and passed the time by attempting to work the small touch screen from 1992 in front of me. By the time I managed to start an episode of “Top Gear” we were descending into a very cloudy London. Once on the ground and at the gate it didn’t take too long to get off the plane (another bonus of a half-full plane!). I navigated through customs like a pro to the bag claim where I was glad to see that my bag had made the trip. I walked out into the terminal to find Michelle Dempsey waiting for me with her phone up ready for a groggy arrival photo! After introductions we headed out to the “car park” (English phrase, nailed it!) where I proceeded to try and get into the driver’s seat! Once I reminded myself “You’re not in America anymore, Aaron” I got into the left-side passenger seat.

The drive up to Corby was a bit of a blur to be honest. With jet lag in full effect I was in autopilot mode. I perked up a bit for some lunch at Subway and then a quick visit to the race shop. I could immediately tell I was going to get along with the guys! They were fun and laid back right from the start. Cliff Dempsey was welcoming and gave me a quick tour of the transporter and cars, then Michelle took me back to their home which is in an awesome little village. Michelle made me feel right at home! I had heard great things about her from other Team USA Scholarship drivers and the rumors are true, she really is your mom away from home! I had my first English meal, lamb chop, mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots cooked by Michelle later that evening. Then, it was definitely bedtime!

I couldn’t quite manage to get out of bed until about 10 which I figured wasn’t too bad for the first day! I went in to the shop and got all fitted to my car. Cliff informed me that the seat I am using was used by both Conor Daly and Spencer Pigot! So I’ll have to do it proud! After a great day of hanging with the guys at the shop and my teammate Michai, we were both treated to a dinner at a super-nice Italian restaurant. I had my first European pint of Guinness which I can confirm is better than what you get in America. I was also told it’s even better in Ireland! (Maybe on another trip.)

After a day of relaxation and figuring out the time change we left for Donington Park. We made it in time for Michai and I to take a tour of the Formula One Museum. They had cars from every era of Formula One. We had the whole museum to ourselves so it was even harder to obey the velvet ropes and no touching signs! It was absolutely amazing. After the tour Michai and I went on a track walk of Donington. The track reminded me a lot of Road Atlanta – very flowing with loads of elevation changes. I was really looking forward to getting on it the next day!

Carl Breeze offers some tips at Silverstone.

We woke up to a pretty normal English rain shower so the track was full wet for the first outing. I had a great time getting comfortable with the Ray chassis and using a four-speed H-pattern gearbox again. The track slowly dried out during the day and we had full dry driving by the afternoon. The track was absolutely a riot. It’s super-fast with lots of elevation change. After an expertly prepared meal by Michelle in the transporter we were off to Silverstone! I got to ride with British Sports Car Driver extraordinaire, Carl Breeze! Carl would be helping to coach Michai and I while we were at Silverstone for testing and later this month for the Walter Hayes Trophy. After a night in the cozy “Sleep Boxes” (shipping containers converted into tiny hotel rooms) I was ready for more driving.

Again we had a bit of drizzle in the morning. After a quick track walk with Carl and Michai I strapped into my car and set off for my first laps of Silverstone! To be entirely honest I didn’t find it all that exciting. It is very flat and the corners are kind of characterless (sorry, Silverstone!). However, I must say it is going to be really exciting to race there with the long straights; it will be great for drafting! Nonetheless I had an awesome time ripping it up around the legendary track! By the end of the day I was setting some very quick times – faster than the other Formula Fords that were testing.

I’m feeling nice and comfortable back in an F1600 car and can’t wait for the coming weeks! Giant thanks to the Dempsey family who have brought me into their home and treated me like one of their own. Also, thanks to the Cliff Dempsey race team who has been doing a great job with my car. And of course thanks to all supporters of the Team USA Scholarship! So far the experience has been amazing and I’m positive it’s only going to get better!

Thanks for reading,
Aaron