Home   Kent   News   Article

High-octane laps for the 107-year-old petrolhead!

Dulcibella King-Hall at the race track
Dulcibella King-Hall at the race track

Engines roar and tyres screech as Brands Hatch hums to the high-octane thrill of fast cars.

Not the environment you'd expect someone to mark their 107th birthday!

But Tunbridge Wells care home resident Dulcibella King-Hall burnt rubber on Wednesday to celebrate her 107th birthday this weekend.

The lifelong fast car enthusiast reached speeds matching her age in a BMW M3.

Before the trip she was asked if she felt nervous about the prospect of going up to 108 miles per hour. She replied “nervous? Why would I be nervous?”

Social Events Co-ordinator Lena Akers, who cares for Dulci at the Halliwell Care Home in Tunbridge Wells, said: “She thoroughly enjoyed going in a 1949 Rolls Royce for her 105th birthday, but it did not go as fast as the other cars so I was left with no-one else to turn to but Brands Hatch to take her round a track as fast as she could possibly go.

“She told me as the car pulled away she thought she was going to disappear into the back of the seat!

“Her helmet was maybe a little too big and kept sliding down, but she really enjoyed it and is already asking me what we are going to do next year. I better put my mind to it now!”

It was a day of firsts for Dulci. As well as being the oldest person ever to experience a passenger ride at Brands Hatch, she became the first member of the public to take a trip in one of the new BMW M3s, capable of reaching 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

Brands Hatch Chief Instructor Gary Palmer, who drove Dulci around the track, said: “This is definitely one for the memory books. We’ve never had someone of 107.

“Her helmet was a bit heavy for her, but I managed to lift it up for her and she was watching the bends.

“When we came in we asked her if she wanted an extra lap and she said yes, so I took her out again. She is definitely a petrolhead.”

On the day of her actual birthday on Saturday Dulci will be celebrating with a lunch at the Halliwell Care Home with invited guests, including local MP Greg Clarke and his daughter.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More