Sounds like a holiday? It is! And because I was in such a good mood, I packed my family into the spacious car and jetted from Frankfurt into the desert - er ... to Zandvoort, the sandy paradise for racing drivers and sandbox kings. I'm already a bit more experienced in the trackday business, but the long journey? That's always been a problem. But this time there was a double date - so twice as much fun, twice as many bends, twice as much ... Traffic jams. Yes, you read that right: Traffic jam. Luckily, there was a chance for a charming coffee stop in Cologne with Andrea and Rolf - the true heroes of the motorway. Thanks again for saving us at the last second!

When we finally arrived, the weather was so beautiful that even the clouds were jealous. Everything was fine again - the sand, the sun, the mood. As the trackday didn't take place until Saturday, we used the time to take a little holiday. A trip to Amsterdam and lots of time on the beach - that was the plan. Even if the temperatures were a little less summery than on the day of arrival.

Saturday was the day to really get going: the first day on the race track! My first time in Zandvoort - and I felt like a kid in a sweet shop. The introductory laps were like a blind date with the track: exciting and new - and I knew I would fall in love with it immediately. And yes, Zandvoort is now officially my new favourite place - after Spa-Francorchamps and my sofa, of course.

It was clear from the very first laps: everything is different here. The track is like a rollercoaster, only without the nausea - and that's a real plus! The grip level? So high that my Goodyear SuperSport RS would probably burst into tears just looking at the track. And me? I proudly wore the red ‘L’ on the car - for “learner”, not for ‘lumbesackel’ (although both go together).

At lunchtime, we had the finest fish - right on the route, within walking distance. That's handy if you get hungry after a marathon lap and don't want to start a treasure hunt in the hotel first. Over the course of the day, I got to know the route better and better. Markus W. also invested some time and drove a few laps ahead of me in his red and gold RS to show me his line. Thanks for that!

The track has a few corners that are very tricky - but that's what makes it so much fun! You have to experiment, try, fail and get up again - just like in life, only with more rubber and fewer tears. The field of drivers? Absolutely relaxed. Probably because everyone is in holiday mode and thinking: "The main thing is that we all get to the beach safely and on time. And to the cocktails."

And what do you do after a day of fun? Change the tyres! Fortunately, I had made provisions at Boes Motorsport - they are so reliable that I almost think they read my mind. Fast service, friendly faces - what more could you want? As a piste club rider, you take that for granted, but it's a really convenient and exclusive service that other providers don't necessarily have in their repertoire. And at reasonable prices too!

After a day full of adrenaline, bends and rubber wear, we treated ourselves to a well-earned reward in the evening at the local fish restaurant. After all, what could be better than spoiling yourself with fresh fish and a glass of wine after a long day on the racetrack? Exactly: nothing!

The next morning, only the morning was on the agenda - the last chance to consolidate what we had learnt and have a bit more fun. The weather was perfect again: sunshine, not a cloud in sight, and so little strain was put on man or machine that you could almost have thought we'd spent the day at the spa.

But as life goes - when it's at its best, it's time to say goodbye. So we quietly waved goodbye, shed a little tear (okay, maybe a big one) and made our way home. No need to worry: summer is coming now! And I'm sure I'll be back to Zandvoort then - because: more fun, more bends, more sea, more everything!