An exciting day today. I set some life plans many years ago through Uni. As well as running my own business, the major one was to have a house and a Lotus Elise by the time I was 24. I missed my targets. My Elise wasn’t on the drive until I was 25 and I’ve never been close to owning a house. In order to achieve the goal of owning an Elise, I worked two jobs and ridiculous hours. It was worth it for me.

Ever since that car was launched, back in 1996, I wanted it. A light-weight, fabulous looking, 2 seater sports car that was all about driving – no compromises to any other frivolities, such as comfort or practicality. The car I bought at 25 was a very early model, so for nearly 9 years, my car had been waiting for me. Eventually we were brought together in a Grayshot specialist dealer after a very understanding boss let me go and put a deposit down.

After 6 happy years, today I’ve finally made the decision that will likely see me sell my first love. The car is still perfect, so why am I selling? Well, the next life plan is in the offing.

Today I placed the deposit for a new car. A Caterham. I will have it before the end of the year and with that same car, through 2013, I will be racing it in the Caterham Academy.

I can’t think about the day I have to say good-bye to the Lotus yet. But it’s just not justifiable for one person to own 3 cars. So that day will come and it will be sad indeed.

Not only am I replacing my car but the replacement will be delivered in bits. It’s part of the Caterham ‘experience’ to build and race your own car. You can get the factory to build the car for you but somehow that doesn’t seem right and would also push the bank balance even further into the danger zone.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to race cars. I’ve been a motorsport nut for over 25 years and a regular karter for the last 5 years. But now it’s time to scale up. In my head, I am going to be good at this. The reality may well be very different. Thing is, you never know for sure until you roll out and wait for the lights to go out.

I can’t wait.