MOTOR SPORT: LUCY BEAUMONT tries out her hand at racing at Oulton Park.

Forget bungee jumping over Victoria Falls or white-water rafting on the Zambezi - you can discover a much more exciting adrenaline rush closer to home.

I spent Sunday morning driving rally cars at break-neck speed in the lashing rain at the normally picturesque Oulton Park circuit at Little Budworth. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences I have had all year, and possibly in my life.

I was taking advantage of one of the special events run by staff down at Oulton Park.

And from the minute I arrived at the circuit I was under the watchful eye of the RallyMaster team who talked me through the safety guidelines, driving techniques and, more importantly, how to relax and enjoy the whole experience.

As I was having my helmet securely fitted and being strapped into the driver's seat, I began to feel apprehensive. I had never stepped into a rally car before, never mind driving one in a monsoon.

As I turned the ignition I felt the surge of the engine starting up and an amazing buzz from the rawness of the car. And that was only the beginning.

On the track my instructor, Dominic O'Donnell, guided me around the circuit. The car was like a beast to control, I was spinning left, right and centre. Initially I panicked when the car spun but after a few laps I realised that was the excitement of rally driving, indeed the whole point.

After giving Dominic a white knuckle ride we swapped places and it was time for him to have his revenge! Unfortunately, being an adrenalin junkie I loved the rip-roaring ride of his driving and was saddened when it was time to head back to the pits for a de-briefing.

The feedback from Dominic was pleasantly surprising. He described my session: 'It was a good assertive drive from lap one, with maximum attack on each corner. I've never had so much fun in a car before!'

This coming from a former rally driver put my worries of being a timid female driver at rest and I realised I could give the men out there a run for their money.

Whilst I was thrashing rally cars around the circuit my colleague Ann Davidson was treating her husband John to a day on the RaceMaster Experience for his birthday.

The RaceMaster involves driving single-seater Formula Brands race cars, similar to mini Formula One cars. The initial briefing is a similar process for both courses - the differences come when you are out on the track.

In the RaceMaster you start by doing several laps in a Renault Clio 182 with an instructor to guide you around. Then you are harnessed into the single-seater race car and left to your own devices.

John said afterwards: 'The controls are very sensitive in the race car and at low revs the ride is a little jerky, but as the speed is increased the ride is a lot smoother.

'Due to exceptionally heavy rain early morning the track was very wet and while thankfully the rain eased the spray from the track made the drive even more challenging and you appreciate the skill required by drivers who drive at such high speeds in all conditions.

'It was breathtaking. The whole event was a wonderful experience and an education on how to handle a racing car around the track.

'A gift voucher is a great idea for Christmas or birthdays.'

The RallyMaster and RaceMaster experiences are an unbelievable day out for families, couples and singletons, like me. Spectators are welcome to go along and they can enjoy the day just as much as the person actually doing the driving. It's a perfect gift for someone - or a treat for yourself.

For more information call 0870 8505015 or visit www.motorsportvision.co.uk.