Fabulous photos of thrill-seeking gran taking new Lotus supercar for spin at Castle Donington

A thrill-seeking granny won a brand-new 180mph sports car – and immediately took it for a spin around a famous Derbyshire racing circuit.

Elizabeth Hon, 66, from Watford, scooped the £85,000 machine plus £100,000 in cash, as an Early Bird Prize in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw.

Elizabeth’s big win is a Lotus Emira. Its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine produces an impressive 400hp and a whopping 420Nm of torque, which helps the rear-wheel drive machine accelerate from 0-60mph in just over 4 seconds.

It also eats up the miles, covering a quarter mile in a little over 12 seconds.

When she found out she’d won the car and was also offered the opportunity to drive around Donington Park circuit accompanied by a professional racing driver, she leaped at the chance exclaiming she couldn’t wait to “take her win for a spin”. 

Elizabeth worked for the NHS as a nurse for over four decades. 

She still goes back to work, despite being retired, at her local hospital to help with the staffing shortage. During lockdown, she came out of retirement to volunteer and work at the makeshift Nightingale Hospital in the ExCel London.

She has two daughters, two sons and two grandchildren.

Elizabeth currently drives a Honda Jazz hybrid that takes almost 10 seconds to reach 60mph. Her previous car was no longer compliant with ULEZ, making it difficult to see her children and travel to her work in London boroughs. The unexpected need to buy a new car put a spanner in the works regarding how she would have to spend her pension.

She took her new car around Donington Park circuit in Derbyshire, made famous by hosting many iconic races including the British Grand Prix. She was accompanied by a racing instructor who showed her what the Lotus was capable of. 

After a few sighting laps, she jumped behind the wheel herself to burn some rubber and reach speeds of well over 100mph. 

She said it was a dream come true and “one the best days of her life” adding that “Lewis Hamilton better look over his shoulder” as she now has a taste for life in the fast lane. 

An elated Elizabeth said: “Whizzing around the track was so exhilarating, I’ve never done anything like that before, but I loved every second of it, it was one of the best days of my life, I’ve still got butterflies in my tummy.

“I didn’t realise cars were capable of such things, it was very different to driving to the shops in my boring old pensioners car, a Honda Jazz, that's for sure! Lewis Hamilton better look over his shoulder as I've got a taste for racing now!”

Speaking about her big win she said: “When Omaze first got in touch to tell me I'd won something, I couldn’t believe it, my sister was there and thought it must be some kind of scam! But the next thing I knew I owned a sports car and had £100,000 in the bank, it all feels like a dream. 

“I’d booked a European cruise to celebrate a friend's 60th birthday, which was a bit of a stretch for me, so knowing I’d won meant I could relax. 

“It’s so nice to be able to do things without thinking about what sacrifices you’re making to enjoy them.

“The £100,000 is life changing for me - I’m a Glam Mother now! 

“I can help out all my children and spoil my grandkids! I’ll also use the money to go back home to Malaysia to see my family for the first time in more than two years.

“As much as I love the Lotus, I’m going to sell it and bank the cash. I can upgrade my little car to something bigger, so I can fit the grandchildren in! 

 “This win means I’m going to have a much more comfortable retirement now - I just can’t believe it!”

She added: “I entered Omaze because I love the idea of winning a lovely house for my family – but also love supporting amazing charities at the same time.”

Elizabeth paid £20 for her winning entry as part of her Omaze Million Pound House Draw subscription. The draw she entered raised £3,450,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

James Oakes, Chief International Officer at Omaze, said: “We’re thrilled that Elizabeth got to fulfil a life-long dream of driving around a racetrack, and what’s more in her very own sports car! Not only did she win our Early Bird prize, she also contributed to the incredible £3.450,000 million raised for Prostate Cancer UK. We’re tremendously proud that the Omaze community has raised over £51 million for good causes across the UK.”

 Elizabeth is hoping her good luck continues so she can bag an Omaze house one day.