IT IS the nearest any of us are ever going to get to being Lewis Hamilton.

The thrill of driving as fast as possible, braking at the last minute and performing daring overtaking manoeuvres while trying to hold off the threat of a rival breathing down your neck is usually reserved for the professionals.

But at Karting Oxford, you really do experience what it is like to be a Formula 1 driver.

A bit of an exaggeration you might think, but the feeling - albeit at a much-reduced speed - really is lifelike.

So when the Oxford Mail sportsdesk were given the chance to test it out, we jumped at the chance.

A couple of people were very wary, but even they were won over by the time we'd finished.

Of the eight of us, only two had been karting before, and it's fair to say that they hardly excelled.

Having arrived at Oxford Stadium and looked down at the twisty circuit, you could hardly believe that you can get up to speeds of up to 50mph.

We were greeted by Andy Cooper, a former speedway mechanic and rider who gave us a brief run-down of what you can expect.

Reeling off some facts and figures, some forlorn looks were cut after we were told that the lap record for the 360m circuit was around 23 seconds - albeit by a former rally driver - and that we should expect to lap around 26-27 seconds a lap in our 270cc karts.

Working out the average speed, and taking into account one sharp hairpin and other tight corners, that was some going.

"It's a great, fun sport and is the perfect way for a group of people to have a real laugh together," he says.

"If everyone respects each other, you will all have a brilliant time.

"If you try and perform breathtaking overtaking manoeuvres and show no regard for your fellow drivers, we will have to keep stopping everyone and you won't be able to get the full benefits.

"Basically, if you just show common sense, you'll be fine."

After filling in our disclaimer forms, we started to get kitted out - and you could see a few people getting twitchy.

The main problem many of us experienced was trying to get glasses on under a helmet - however you tried, it just didn't seem to work.

We were asked to head to the track for a few practice laps, just to get used to the kart and the circuit.

Andy advised that we go out in two groups of four so that there was plenty of clear track.

So five people got into karts - such was the anticipation - and headed off for a practice.

The first thing you notice is that you are virtually sitting on the ground, and you feel every bump.

Pulling away slowly, it was obvious it would take a while to adapt to the steering and braking.

Thankfully, earlier rain had cleared leaving the track in perfect conditions.

We were warned, however, that because we had slick tyres on (see, told you it was like being a Grand Prix driver) that any rain would make driving very treacherous.

Taking a gentle right corner out of the pit lane, you head to the straight and the first chance to really go for it.

Pushing the accelerator right to the floor, you feel the speed building up - just as you have to start breaking for the sharp right corner approaching.

Finding the perfect time to brake was not easy. Having stopped accelerating too early on the first lap, I left it too late on the second and was lucky not to lose control.

I soon approached my first opportunity to overtake.

And even sooner, I lost it again as the adrelin rush forced a silly mistake and allowed my victim to pull clear.

It wasn't long before I was ready to pounce again, however, and as soon as I saw a slight opening, I went for it and got through.

I couldn't help but smile as I pulled clear - the satisfaction of pulling off a successful move was the reason we were all here.

After we completed our 12 laps, we pulled into the pit lane, and once out of the karts, were handed a sheet of paper.

Listed, were all of our lap times, highlighting the quickest, and other useful information such as your average time and speed.

Quickly we all gathered around to compare notes and see who was the fastest.

And it was now you realised just how quick 26 seconds was - my best was 32.54, and I thought I was flying round!

The other three drivers were now out on track, and it was interesting to get a different perspective on how best to tackle corners - mainly achieved by watching how not to do it.

After their test was over, we headed back indoors to compare notes and prepare ourselves for the race proper.

With everyone in high spirits, we soon went trackside again, clambered into the karts, and were taken to the grid one by one.

We had told Andy that we were keen to start in the order of fastest laps - making our practice laps worthwhile.

But he was having none of it and muddled it all up.

With everyone in place - albeit randomly placed - the flag was downed.

This was it, the great Sportsdesk race of 2007.

We were off. Well, almost.

Typically, the dozy driver on pole position was looking around at who was behind him and so didn't move.

And it caused carnage.

Number three on the grid, right behind our dawdling pole man, was forced to pull out sharply, blocking off No 5 (me) and No 6.

With everyone braking before we had even crossed the start-finish line, effectively, six of us had been taken out of the race.

Thankfully, things soon sorted themselves, and we were in full flow.

Because of the shocking start, six of us were within a few yards of each other, with one man way out in front, and another way behind.

A slight mistake at the end of the straight threatened a mass pile-up, but we sorted it out with minimal fuss.

As the 20-lap race went on, you got more and more confident with overtaking and braking.

By now I was even confident to let the kart skid around corners to save valuable time.

Suddenly, as three of us battled for position, we saw the chequered flag come out, finishing the race.

No-one was really sure of any placings - the calamitous start had meant it was impossible to keep track of who was where. It was only after we all started talking about our races we were able to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.

In high spirits, we made our way towards the podium to hear the results.

Ripples of applause followed each announcement, and the top three proudly took their places - the winner even handed a bottle of Cava to acknowledge his success.

In true Grand Prix style, this was shaken, opened and poured over his colleagues - and we were still talking about the race days later.

Mainly finding as many ways as possible to abuse our friend who decided to ruin the race by falling asleep at the wheel . . . Have a go Karting Oxford have packages to suit everyone.

From children's parties, to corporate days, stag and hen group and just friends who fancy a laugh - they can accomodate with prices starting from just £10 per person.

More information is available at kartingoxford.co.uk or by calling 01865 717134.

Pictured are the team ahead of their karting challenge.