At Vospers we’ve sponsored local Plymouth Raiders basketball team for a number of years, so we were delighted when player Drew Lasker joined us for a chat recently. During his visit we got him behind the wheel of the Peugeot 208 GTi , an Abarth 595 and the Ford Focus ST.
Drew, originally from Texas, USA, had previously played with the Plymouth Raiders for 5 years between 2005 and 2010 and re-signed with them for the 12/13 season. Having found his passion for the game at the tender age of 5 it should come as no surprise that his path has led to a career in professional basketball. During his time with the team he has twice been a British Basketball League All Star so he has certainly earned his stripes in this competitive game. At the moment Drew drives a Peugeot 208.
Though he says that San Diego, California is his favourite place in the world for its laid back lifestyle, he has plenty to say about his ‘on season’ home town, Plymouth;
“I came here September 2005; I’ve been here over 7 years. My wife is from Plymouth, this is where I am most comfortable. I like the laidback atmosphere here. Especially when the sun is out, it’s just one of the most gorgeous cities. The vibe is just incredible. It’s by the sea; the view of the ocean is so nice.”
His first hot hatchback was the mighty Abarth 595 Competizione, in Officina red. Kitted and fitted with Sabelt sport seats, Brembo brake upgrade and Koni suspension, Drew was eager to see whether this stunning model reflected performance as it did in design.
Drew loved the raw power of the acceleration on the Abarth despite its compact size and found the car very reactive, probably due to the Abarth 595 Competizione boasting an impressive 140 bhp and Monza exhaust.
“The sound from the Abarth is beautiful. This is my favourite car; it’s a car I would take on a weekend away because it’s so fun.”
He praised the Abarth’s handling around corners and found himself smiling during the whole test drive. That certainly says something about this impressive, feisty car.
Drew then jumped into the new Peugeot 208 GTi, a vehicle back with a vengeance. Released in March 2013 this Supermini has hit the tarmac with a perfect blend of performance and impeccable French style;
“The Peugeot was fun and I could see myself driving that one often.”
Drew loved the comfort of the interior of the Peugeot 208 GTi with its part leather upholstery and sporty steering wheel. The acceleration, 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds, impressed Drew further and he found the car delivered a really smooth drive despite its roaring power. The contemporary chic exterior received big thumbs up too.
Swapping in to the Ford Focus ST, which Ford notes as “one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road today”, Drew noted that this vehicle was designed for exceptional control and maintained its ferocious speed.
“Of the three cars I’ve driven today this is the most versatile. You could drive it to work and take it on long trips but has that speed if you need it, so it’s more of an everyday car.”
Drew adds “I didn’t know I had a need for speed! I’m not a fast driver at all but the cars I took out today were explosive and I love that. “
