DRIVING • June 2022
Epic Drives: the McLaren Racing takeover
Who better to recommend a drive than the team behind 20 Formula 1 world championships? To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day in June – and cheer on McLaren’s next race in the all-electric off-road series, Extreme E, in July – we spoke with those who know a thing or two about adrenline and adventure
Vancouver to Calgary, Canada
Says who? Kim Timms, coordinator, composite materials
My favourite road trip is one I did with my dad in August 2019 in Canada. We drove from Vancouver to Calgary in a Chevrolet Impala, spending three weeks on the road. It was amazing. We stayed in different areas, including on Vancouver Island, where we saw whales, porpoises and eagles. We also visited Athabasca Glacier in the Rockies and Emerald Lake near Banff, where we went canoeing and fishing. My dad always wanted to go – it was one of his bucket-list trips. I’m really glad we did.
Soundtrack: Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
Book your flight to Canada
Hampshire to West Cornwall, UK
Says who? Amelia Lewis, performance engineer
I took the scenic route to Cornwall in my new (to me) Volkswagen Polo, a big step up from the Corsa I had before, which was constantly breaking down. I love taking the A303 to see Stonehenge, even if it means sitting in traffic. We stopped for lunch at a little Italian place outside Exeter, before heading towards Bude. From there, we travelled down the West Cornwall coast on the A39. I remember coming off the A roads, heading towards our holiday home, and seeing that first glance of the sea. Magic.
Soundtrack: What Went Down by Foals
Tokyo to Sapporo, Japan
Says who? Leonila Philips, senior project manager
The year was 2009. I was living in Japan, and a friend and I made the most of my tiny Toyota Passo, ETC highway pass and our August shutdown, hitting the road from Tokyo to Sapporo. I’ll never forget the drive out of Tokyo. We had a couple of stops, where we enjoyed the traditional lantern festival, Kanto Matsuri, in Akita and savoured the freshest seafood in the fishing port of Hakodate, before arriving in Sapporo, coincidentally at the same time as the beer festival. It was such a fun trip.
Soundtrack: Sleepyhead by Passion Pit
California coast, United States
Says who? Daniel Ricciardo, driver
If it was just me and one other passenger, my favourite road trip would be along the California coast in the United States. I’d definitely choose a McLaren – from a comfort perspective, I’d take the GT, but selfishly I’d rather the 765LT. With a group, I’d choose Western Australia and head south, through the wine regions. I’d do that in a Toyota Land Cruiser Troop Carrier (aka a Troopy). You can license it to carry 11 people, so I’d get a lot of my mates on board with that!
Soundtrack: Hallelujah by Ryan Bingham
Book flights to the USA
Oamaru to Dunedin, New Zealand
Says who? Emma Gilmour, driver
This is the drive where I got my first speeding ticket! I was young and driving at night down the coast from Oamaru back home to Dunedin. It’s a route that follows the east coast down the South Island, with rolling hills on one side and sea on the other. It was dark until, suddenly, the night sky started flashing red and blue, and I was pulled over. My dad had always encouraged us to be good drivers but, hey, I was behind the wheel of a Porsche 928!
Soundtrack: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
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More from previous issues
22 ways to be the smartest person on the plane
Travel pros share their in-flight routines, so you can take their tips with you on your next journey with us
What to watch: future films for travel lovers
This month sees the long-anticipated Top Gun sequel hit cinema screens, but which other blockbusters are taking flight?
Books for little travellers
Seven brilliant books that will keep your kids occupied while waiting in one of our lounges, or soaring through the sky on the way to their next adventure
A Member’s guide to the Azores
As we launch direct flights to the idyllic archipelago from July, a Silver Member explores its subtropical climate, striking volcanic landscape and flourishing food and wine scene