"Wow, this is huge!"
One early summer morning I set off from Prague to Ostrava to try another experience... this time I was going to drive a specially modified 8x8 racing Tatra. After a couple of hours I was on the spot, not far from the main railway station in Ostrava. At the first moment I was impressed by the size of the whole complex. And I could only see about 1/3 of the area from the parking lot... I thought to myself that it would be a great ride on such a big offroad polygon.
During the formalities I couldn't wait
I filled out the necessary paperwork at the main reception and the very friendly staff helped me choose a well-fitting helmet for my safety. After all, we were about to go to a polygon full of bumps, steep slopes and obstacles that at first glance look like the Tatra is going to tip over... but I was hoping that was just my impression. Yeah, I've always been a bit naive.
After some important instructions, my driver and instructor in one person Ivan was already waiting for me. After a few meters we finally arrived at the real beast, waiting for us was a specially modified Tatra 813 Kolos with 8x8 drive, which in its glory days used to win big races.
"This just can't go through"
After the initial briefing, I got in the passenger seat for the first lap and Ivan showed me how to control this monster, how to get the car started properly and how to tackle the off-road obstacles. Halfway through the polygon, I couldn't believe my eyes. The Tatra was tackling ditches and steep hills with complete ease...
"My turn!"
After the opening lap, I finally got into the driver's seat. There it was, holding the huge steering wheel of the Tatra 8x8. The order was clear, put it in first gear, let out the clutch and go. After the first few metres I overcame the first obstacle, a few metres high pile of gravel and dirt. My adrenaline was going, the hot summer sun was burning my face, but I felt absolutely great and wanted more!
More obstacles, more hills, more speed!
The engine managed to get this eight-wheeled monster out of ditches that man couldn't get out of on his own. We climbed some incredible hills, went through some incredible corners and finally enjoyed some serious speed.
"Wow, what a ride!"
I've run a few obstacles with enthusiasm, one better than the other. The instructor was completely calm and gave me information on exactly what to do, how to ride the obstacles, etc. So even though I was a bit nervous, Ivan gave me confidence...
Finally, it came to the final straight, where I shifted into second gear and felt the real and unadulterated power of the eight-cylinder engine. It was a wonderful feeling.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that driving even such a huge car is easier than it looks. Very experienced and professional instructors will explain everything in detail and show you what Tatra can do. It was an incredible experience and I would like to take the Tatra home and drive it all the time. I was surprised how lively it is, what it can drive through and especially with what ease! I don't think even a tank could drive it... It's a blast!
Honza
