The Petrolhead's Guide to Stag Dos: Driving & Adrenaline
Vroom Vroom!
Any petrolhead will tell you that driving activities are essential for any stag do. Let’s be honest, they would race a lawnmower if given half a chance, so for the groom who has a need for speed, a standard night at the pub simply won't cut it.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of options for you and the lads to indulge your driving fantasies. Whether it’s racing rage buggies in the mud, forging a path in a 4x4 or terrorise the group driving full-sized tanks in Nottingham, we have compiled the definitive list of driving activities for your stag do. Helmets on, buckle up and get ready to put the pedal to the metal.
Part 1: The Heavyweights (Tanks & APCs)
Let’s start with the category that you are least likely to try anywhere else. After all, these heavyweight options are not easy to come by, and give you a completely different driving experience. And although speed may be your friend, sometimes speed isn't everything. Sometimes you just want to crush things.
Tank Paintball (Nottingham)
The Ultimate War Game.
Tank Driving is a stag do options that has always been popular, but Tank Paintball just takes it to the next level. After all, why would you want to just drive a tank when you can shoot things with it? This activity uses full-sized, ex-military tanks. You don't just drive; you crew the vehicle, aim the cannon, and fire giant paintballs at your mates who are driving around in opposing tanks. It is the ultimate game of tag, played with 15-tonne war machines, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever done before.
APC Driving
Heavy Metal.
“What the hell is an APC?” I hear a lot of you asking – well these are Armoured Personnel Carriers, military vehicles that are used to transport people and equipment within combat zones. Can you imagine what it would be like to drive one? Well imagine no longer! This is a unique opportunity to get behind the controls of a 15-tonne monster and see what it can do. These FV432s have a Rolls Royce engine and can reach 70kph. It isn't about racing; it's about raw power and armour.
Part 2: Off-Road Racing
For those who want to get muddy and go fast (though we cannot guarantee it’ll happen in that order!)
Rage Buggies
The Stag Do Classic.
Rage Buggies have become a stag do classic for a very obvious reason. If you like go-karting but fancy something a bit more rough and ready and with way more power than you were expecting, then these are the vehicles for you. Rage Buggies are 600cc dirt-track beasts that can hit 60mph. They have an open axle and tough suspension, designed for drifting around muddy corners. As an activity, it is fast, furious, and incredibly competitive, and you’ll be watching every lap time, desperate to shave just a fraction of a second off your time.
Quad Biking
All-Terrain Action.
Quad bikes have always been popular because they can handle anything. Whether you are trekking through a forest or racing around a track, these 4x4 machines have serious thump when you pull the throttle. Be prepared to get competitive, get addicted to the feel and get absolutely covered in mud!
Argocats
The Amphibious Option.
Again, this might be a vehicle you’d not heard of, but rest assured, they are one of the best. Designed for military use, these six or eight-wheeled vehicles are truly "All Terrain"—they can drive on land and float on water. They steer like a tank (by braking wheels on one side) and offer a completely unique driving experience that you and the lads will enjoy tremendously!
Part 3: Track & Tarmac
If you prefer slick tyres and racing lines.
Go Karting
The Old Reliable.
It goes without saying that if you want to spend your stag do competing in a true “wheels on the track” race, Go-Karting is the most common option. After all, almost every major city has a track for good reason. It’s addictive, exciting and the rivalry it creates is unmatched. Many centres are now moving to electric karts, which means instant torque and even faster acceleration, perfect for separating the men from the boys.
Drift Trikes
Sideways Fun.
For a different track racing experience, why not give the drift trikes a try? These are electric-powered adult trikes with slick rear wheels designed specifically for drifting. You spend more time going sideways than forwards. It is like Mario Kart in real life (though with a lack of red shells and banana peels, sadly!)
Mini Motos
Tiny Bikes, Big Laughs.
Look at the picture. Now look at your legs. Now look at the picture again. Admit it, you will look ridiculous on one of these mini motos, but that is almost entirely the point. These are miniature racing bikes that reach surprisingly impressive speeds. Getting your knee down on a bike that is only 18 inches off the ground is a skill that takes some mastering – and for those of you who master it, the adrenaline you will feel is unmatched.
Part 4: The Weird & Wonderful
Driving activities you probably haven't seen before.
4x4 Blind Driving
Trust Exercise (Or Not).
Take a classic Land Rover and a 4x4 course. Now, blindfold the driver and put one or more of the stag group in the back seat and tell them to shout directions. But, if you want to make it really fun, they aren’t allowed to say “Forward”, “Back”, “Left”, “Right” or any other words you think would be terribly helpful. This activity is chaotic, hilarious, and usually involves a lot of swearing – all essential elements for a stag do driving activity.
Hovercrafts
No Brakes, No Wheel.
Flying a hovercraft is like trying to drive on ice. There are no brakes and you steer by shifting your body weight and leaning the craft around corners. Mastering these machines around a time-trial course is much harder—and funnier—than it looks.
Ice Karting
Rally Style.
Available in selected winter destinations, this features karts with studded tyres driving on a frozen lake or ice rink. It teaches you real car control and allows for epic drifts, while still giving you the ability to race against the lads to see who is going to come up trumps.
Blow Karting
Wind Power.
Picture a windsurf sail attached to a go-kart chassis. On a windy beach or airfield, these things can rip along at scary speeds. It’s totally silent (apart from your screaming) and fuelled purely by Mother Nature. Admit it, you are interested, aren’t you?
So there you have it – no matter what kind of vehicle you want to drive on your stag do, we’ve given you plenty of options! Put your foot down and make a decision, and before you know it you’ll be zooming away from the lads as fast as the engine of your chosen vehicle can take you!