Mark Tolner at the Autodrome
I have always had that inherent need for speed as a kid. I liked everything fast. I loved roller coasters, lightning fast train rides, and most of all, that unmistakeable high of riding in a very fast car. My father Mark Tolner Sr. was as an amateur driver. In fact, he was pretty famous were we lived. He was the fastest driver I knew and seemed to pride himself on being one of the first group of people to be labelled a “petrol head”, quite endearing, eh!
We also had a lot of certificates and trophies at home from his driving exhibitions. I always looked up to him like some kind of celebrity. I’d ask him to “Drive very, very fast, Daddy.” He got a lot of speeding tickets of course and my mother dreaded those times when my dad used to brag how he could let our humble car fly in top speed. But those rides were the best memories that I had of my childhood.
Growing up, I dreamt of becoming a NASCAR driver. Eventually, I got my first license. But I never really got into professional driving. The most that I was able to do was to race with just a couple of friends and annoy all my neighbours. And then I grew up, went to university, got a career… and my dream was inevitably dismissed into the back burner.
Recently though, I went on a business trip with some colleagues from the office to the United Arab Emirates, specifically in the exquisite locale of Dubai. Although the conference that I was attending lasted 8 hours a day for an entire week, I was finally able to have a free day solely for pleasure and relaxation.
Dubai was definitely the perfect place for both. But nope, I didn’t need another shopping trip or city tour. I’ve bought too many key chains and refrigerator magnets from all across the world. And no thanks; souvenir shopping is plainly boring. I was actually setting myself for something that I’ve been dreaming of, all these years. I planned to spend my day at the Dubai Autodrome. I’ve read about it in the internet; however, I really did not know what I was in for. Little did I know that I was in for the best time of my life.
The night before, I could barely sleep as I anticipated my perfect day at the Dubai Autodrome. I was tossing and turning on my bed the whole time. I was tense with anticipation. Early the next morning, I was already pumped up and ready for the day’s activities. I woke up extra early that day… I was all set to see the exhilarating world of fast cars, and sizzling hot wheels. I was more than excited. I was ecstatic.
I was sitting on the driver’s shed while waiting for my turn for my first ever car race. I was high with anticipation and I couldn’t wait to show them what I’ve got. I chose an Audi R8 V10, the super car wonder that has haunted my dreams since it has been officially released. Now this beast I had checked out earlier in the day and the set of tires on this motor were not the same tires for sale in your local tire garage!! The First Group of staff members were so helpful they really calmed us down.
The staff at the Autodrome were very professional and they provided me with all the necessary gear and information to ensure I enjoyed the car fully while keeping myself safe and alive. It only took 20 minutes for the lecture and question and answer session, and then I was on my own…collecting my thoughts and waiting for the first group to make their way off to begin their day.
Finally, a haunting voice prompted me to get ready: “Calling Mr. Mark Tolner, please come to the starter’s grid. Startled for what seemed forever a second message snapped me out of my trance like state, “ Mr.Mark Tolner; last call for Mr Tolner.” Shortly after, the best drive of my life started.
The adrenaline was pumping through my veins and I was achieving levels of concentration I didn’t know I had. Both the track and car were great and I seemed to get faster with each lap. Every manoeuvre I made my heart pumped faster. I can’t really put into words the whole experience of this race as it seemed to pass me by so quickly. But, it was amazing and I must of done something right because I made first place!!
Afterwards, I went on to the all-famous Kartdrome in the Dubai Autodrome. If you could imagine what I saw, you’d surely be impressed with the spectacular fleet of leisure Karts in line for your entertainment. 
I felt like a pro on the outdoor track; complete with its tunnel and bridge to enhance the authentic experience. But racing enthusiasts, who were in the place, suggested that I had to take another spin in the moonlight for a heart-pumping night racing adventure. Also, I was quick to observe that not only drivers took great delight in the Dubai Autodrome. Spectators as well were afforded with the greatest viewing pleasure of live races and the privilege of being so near to all the glorious action.
I made my way into the Indoor Kartdrome complex, and was pleasantly surprised to see the Laserdrome which can best be described as paintball on steroids and without the mess! My work colleagues and I had such a blast competing with each other using the brilliant laser guns that were provided by the complex. And no, we weren’t just playing in an ordinary room; we were in this ancient-looking medieval castle that was reminiscent of a dungeon.
My day was jam-packed with a series of adventures that fulfilled a lot of stuff on my bucket list. I’ll never forget that ultimate ride of my life that was fulfilled in the Dubai Autodrome. It’s an experience that I will never forget. My perception of fast cars has been changed forever. And I’ve grown to love them even more than I used to as a kid.
The ultimate highlight of my Dubai Autodrome adventure? It was the buzz of hearing the announcement, “The driver who won first place in today’s Amateur Motorace 2011 goes to Mark Tolner”.
Indeed, the excitement of pure steel and burnt rubber on the fast track was incomparable. When I got home from Dubai, my family and friends weren’t able to stop me from talking and talking about the magical place for hours on end. I almost wanted to live in Dubai. Next summer, I’ll be taking my family to see the magical action in the Dubai Autodrome. I know they are as excited as I am. And when the time comes, I’ll make sure to buy all the souvenirs that I could collect from the place.
How about you? Do you have the same thirst for the race track like I do? Then you know where to go. Dubai is a wonderland of shopping, entertainment, nightlife and innovation. And the Dubai Autodrome, the grown-up version of Disneyland, is worth traveling a thousand miles over. Just to fill you on some juicy tips, I heard that the place does corporate events and conferences. They also host the world’s most celebrated and awaited racing events in the world of cars and motorbikes. A lot of prototype cars are also being tested here so it’s also where you can get a real glimpse of the future (of cars).
But you know what’s the real bonus of going to the Dubai Autodrome? It’s the once-in-a-lifetime chance for amateurs to be a star for a day without having to spend a lot of money. Go ahead, you’ve got to see it for yourself! Find out more about Mark Tolner and his economic outlook on world events. The First Group can be viewed here