AUGUST NEWS-LETTER
Full Send & Full English Welsh: DR!VE CO August Update
First off — a massive thank you. I honestly didn’t expect much from the first newsletter. It was a bit of a trial run (read: late night caffeine-fuelled idea), but the messages of support, feedback and general encouragement have been genuinely appreciated. So... the newsletter lives on - for now!!
Route 7 — Slippery Start, Glorious Finish
Since last time, we squeezed in Route 7 - and while it technically sold out, Welsh weather had other plans. A drizzly morning saw some of the more exotic stuff sit this one out (can't blame them), but those who braved it were rewarded.
The Cup 2s did not enjoy the damp start - only me and one other GT3 driver kept the faith - but once the roads dried up, it turned into one of those drives. B-roads through mid-Wales, coffee in Rhayader, and the mighty A483 down from Beulah – EP!C.
We wrapped things up at the brilliant UN1T & Coffee House in Llanelli, with a great breakfast and coffee. Huge thanks to Dan and the team for hosting us.
We didn’t manage Elan Valley this time - but it’s definitely on the hit list for a future run.
LOWE Classics Launch — Community in Full Force
Another highlight this month was the official launch of LOWE Classics’ new venue. I’ve known Ollie (the founder) since 1994 — and we’ve got stories on each other that are best left in the archives
The turnout was wild — easily a few hundred cars and an atmosphere to match. Huge respect to Ollie and the team for pulling it off. We’re already cooking up a few DR!VE CO x LOWE collab ideas... stay tuned.
Lights, Camera, Elan Valley
One of the big moments this month was the DR!VE film day - finally getting behind the lens to capture what we’re all about. Massive shoutout to Dan and Kieren - absolute magicians with a camera and drone, and not afraid to hang out of the boot of an Audi estate to get the shot (literally).
We took a small crew of 7 DR!VE regulars and ventured up through Elan Valley and a few scenic spots along the way. The footage already looks incredible and I can’t wait to post it.
There’s been a slight delay in getting the videos out - mainly because I wanted to include some proper intro-to-camera moments. Time to put a face to the brand, share a bit about how this all started, and drop some inro on what’s coming next.
By the time this newsletter drops, we’ll have wrapped up filming those final clips at Baffle Haus - and Dan is now working his editing magic. Keep your eyes on Instagram and YouTube — the final cuts are coming soon
Dragon Rally 2026 – The Return of the Dragon
Planning is in full swing for next year’s Dragon Rally — and trust me, keeping it fresh is no easy feat. Behind the scenes, it's hours of planning, scouting, and negotiating with venues (and the weather).
For 2026, we're switching things up:
Returning to our friends at GYG Karting (Red Bull’s track!). We’ll be partaking in a new endurance format, with teams of two sharing kart duties - so, teamwork and maybe a bit of friendly sabotage. Same vibes, new flavour
Tickets went live on 27th July… and sold out in under 24 hours. I’m honestly blown away - thank you to everyone who jumped in early. There is always some trepidation releasing an event – will anyone be interested, has the candle burnt out…so selling out in under 24 hours was insane!
Something Big (and Slightly Terrifying)
With Dragon Rally locked in, I’ve started planning something big for later in 2026. I can’t say much yet (mostly because it’s still slightly terrifying), but it’s shaping up to be either the greatest thing we’ve ever done… or a spectacular fireball of failure.
But hey - he who dares!
Watch this space.
LOWE DOWN Podcast – Cars, Chaos & The DR!VE CO Story
I recently sat down with Ollie from LOWE Classics for a chat that went way beyond the usual car talk. We covered everything from our first cars (and questionable modifications) to learning to skydive with broken arms, epic road trips, and the journey that’s built DR!VE CO into the community it is today.
It’s a mix of stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes insight.
Ollie and I have known each other for 30+ years, both with chaotic traits, the conversation covers a variety of topics!
GT4 Ownership – Still Grinning
Something personal…
Three months in with the GT4 and it’s still making me smile every time I take it out. The Cup 2s continue to be a questionable life choice on wet roads, but on dry tarmac the thing just hooks up.
That said… I’ve noticed my late-night scrolls on Autotrader and PistonHeads are starting to feature more 458s. 2026 maybe?
But for now, the GT4 stays.
