2008 RACE REPORTS
Race reports from selected events in 2008
9th July:- Arlington.
Back at our home raceway then and after a very grey and rainy
day the weather claeared up nicely in time for the evenings racing. In
between this and the last meeting we altered the timing on the engine
which was found to be slightly off, causing the loss in power that we
experienced at Bovingdon.
Race 1:-
Probably the best race i had been in so far. Started towards the back
again and just continued to pick off the guys in front of me one by one as the
race went on. The engine was now on song and the car was handling a dream
meaning i was able to manoeuvre the car more easily although the inside line was
still quite damp from earlier rain making it difficult sometimes to set up a
passing attempt. I spent the whole race following the 418 car until i just got
the better of him and passed him on the outside with a couple of laps to go. I
was extremely happy to cross the line in 8th after starting about 12th or 13th
plus it had been a whole lot of fun being able to pass cars once again and have
a good clean race. I brought the car home with a very wide smile on my face.
Race 2:-
The only worry back in the pits was that we may have a left front
tyre going down as the pressures had dropped, however rather than put a brand
new tyre on or change any round we decided to leave it and see what happened
after this race. Once again I started on the dirtier inside line and didn't get
as good start as the 418 beside me. Soon 212 and 251 were passed as well. The
car settled in though and I was right there with the pack. Things started
getting a bit congested up in front as i tried to pass as many cars as I could
but there was no way through. Eventually the pack sorted itself out and I was
right up with 176 going into the scoreboard bend, I got up the inside and seemed
to have almost cleared him when I heard him bounce off the armco on the
front straight. The next thing I knew was SMACK! In the wall almost head on. As
I climbed out of the car on the centre green I looked at the car and knew our
night was over. The front wing was folded over and the chassis had all been
pushed back. The car was towed back to the pits where we were forced to load the
car back up onto the trailer and head home for an early night! A lot of work to
do between now and the next meeting but we're confident it can be fixed in time.
After everything was going so well, the Arlington curse hits us again.
29th June:- Bovingdon
The first test for our new engine would come at Bovingdon on
29th June. With no practice the first race would pretty much be a test
session to put the engine through its paces.
Race 1:-
The start was very tricky as I had to crane my neck all the way round to the
right, which is not easy to do when you are all strapped in with helmet and neck
brace on just so i could see the start marshal wave the green flag. Pretty
abysmal start by all accounts but anyway we were moving. After a few laps
it became clear that this engine was not performing the same as the old one.
there was nowhere near the same amount of acceleration down the straights. I ran
round at the back for most of the race but was forced to retire when a spark
plug lead fell off.
Race 2:-
Pretty much more of the same, only this time the car was not handling very good
at all, we had so much under steer exiting the corners, it didn't help the fact
either that I was overdriving the car in frustration. An 8th place finish was
the best I could manage really. It was a pretty uneventful race with only 10
cars, nobody was going quite as slow as me but that was something we would have
to work on.
Race 3:-
I told myself not to overdrive the car in this race and just get whatever result
i could.
The track was very slippery from the previous banger race and i half spun once
or twice in the early going. This time though i was able to hang with the pack
more as my new driving style was paying off, i was letting the car roll through
the centre a bit more rather than mashing the gas and making the tyres scramble
for grip.
I had a good battle with some of the guys in front and felt a bit disappointed
with another 8th place. Still, we made progress and came home with no damage,
that was a first!
8th June:- Aldershot
With all the damage repaired for that wild night at Arlington it was
time to go again, this time it was a nice trip west to the Aldershot Raceway on
a very hot day. Had summer finally arrived?
Race 1:-
My first meeting starting in the red grade and after a slow getaway the car
was starting to come in, i was hanging around the back for the most of the race
trying to catch the guys in front when the car started to overheat with a few
laps to go and water was boiling over, the car lost a bit of pace until the end
which was quite alarming.
Back in the pits there was a mad frenzy of action in trying to diagnose the problem, water boiling over and spraying onto the plug leads was a possibility. After running the fan for a long time the engine eventually cooled down and we were ready for heat 2.
Race 2:-
A carbon copy of heat 1 I'm afraid. Again we started with an engine
that was completely on song but we lost power towards the end of the race again,
this time about 5 or 6 laps to go and again the car overheated which inevitably
was killing the engine even more as the temps went up as high as 120 degrees f.
A new radiator was fitted back in the pits which probably wasn't going to make a difference as it was similar to the one we had in the car before the day began.
Race 3:-
Things got even worse in the final as just as we were starting to pick off
some places and have some good battles the temps shot up again and I was forced
to retire ending a day to forget really.
A bigger radiator was obtained and
fitted in time for the following week at Aldershot on the 15th June. The car was
going well in the short practice we had but once I had done a few laps we lost
all power again and trundled round for the rest of the race. There was now a
rattle in the engine that could be hear when it was idling which may mean a
blown head gasket but unfortunately it became clear the situation was not going
to improve that afternoon and so we decided to load up and watch the rest from
the terraces which was very frustrating indeed.
28th May:- Arlington
Quite a unique meeting this week as it would be my first trip to Arlington with a race car. I have been going to watch there nearly every week for years but this would be my first opportunity to race there. Being much narrower than any of the other tracks I knew there would be less room for error. I have seen some quite huge wrecks here over the years even in the non-contact formulas and was just hoping for a good night. Family and friends were here to watch, my work colleagues had made the trip along to support me and with the sun shining after a day of rain we were set for a good nights racing.
But…
All didn’t exactly go to plan, here goes…
Race 1:-
Starting from the yellow grade again, I think the ministox who had been on before us caused a bit of carnage and spilt oil all over the track. There were quite a few whites to get past this time which would be difficult. The race got underway and I got a pretty good start as I barreled into the Hailsham bend, car snapped around on a big streak of oil that had been spilt onto track, cars were sideways everywhere and I had a few pile into me as well. Red Flag was out so at least we all got another chance. Got a good start once again and made it through the first bend which was still quite slippery. Started passing some of the whites and was going quite well until I was overtaking someone on the outside going into the Hailsham bend. I felt a tap from behind, not sure what happened but around I went again but this time I gathered it up and carried on. The rest of the race was spent juts trying to log laps and learn the track as I was in a bit of clean air and couldn’t advance my position. Not sure where I finished but it was a very lively first half of the race.
Back in the pits it was a mad frenzy as we had to straighten the front bumper back into place along with the front wing. Then to top off with fuel before going to line up again.
Race 2:-
Got off to a good start but Ton Longhurst 326 beside me got a flier, he was gone. This race the track was free of oil but still damp in places, there was a nice spot just coming off turn 2 which I hit nearly every lap, slowing me down a bit every time. The car was handling very well and I had managed to pass a few of the white graders and get up to 3rd where I ran for the most of the race. I was slowly closing in on Craig Walter in 225 in the latter stages of the race but I had the faster cars bearing down on me as well. Soon enough I was caught by the pack behind, 216 Sam Smith got down the inside of me through 3 + 4 and we were set for a drag race down the front straight and into turn 1 until the next thing I knew I was sliding sideways down the frontstretch with #130 there as well. That was pretty much it, the car felt junk and I parked it with a few laps to go to save myself from further damage.
Race 3:-
Somehow we made it out for the final and lined up this time at the front of the yellows.
Didn’t know how the car would be, was just going to run it and find out, by now our car looked more like a banger than a Rookie Rod but, ah well, all good fun.
Started well and got passed quite a few at the start but then about 3 laps in I was on the outside of someone and ran out of room on the exit of the Hailsham bend, tagged the car in front and clipped the wall, the car had now lost all straight line speed so it was just a matter of letting everyone past from then on. We later found out we’d bent the bottom arm.
So not the best nights racing but kind of what I expected on such a narrow track. I really enjoyed racing on it, it sure is a fun track but it takes extreme patience when trying to pass someone which is inevitably why accidents happen.
Nevertheless we got home and unloaded the car and have since repaired most of the damage, replaced a front wing, bottom arm and front strut and should be ready for Aldershot on Sunday.
I must say a big thanks to everyone who came along to support me on the night, family, friends especially my work colleagues from Parkers whom could not be missed in their bright green tops.
THANKS GUYS!!!
11th May:- Bovingdon
With just a week to repair all the damage from Aldershot we were
working on the car most evenings during the week. Also the new points chart had
just been released and it was official, I have been moved up to the yellow
grade. Luckily for my sake the points chart only counted points accumulated up
to the 26th April... the day before my win at Bovey, I was very lucky to have
avoided being put back with the blues.
Race 1:-
Unlike the last visit here today was very hot all day which would
mean keeping a close eye on that temperature gauge once again to make sure we
weren't overheating.
We put a new left front tyre on the car for the first race which would prove to
be a big mistake. Started technically off the yellows but off the front of the
grid on the outside of the front row as there was only 1 white grader racing who
opted to start at the back. Got a good start and managed to keep alongside the
418 car through the first corner but got beaten off the corner and into turns
3+4. Stayed around 3rd & 4th all race, the front end of the car sliding really
badly off the corners and getting worse it seemed as the race went on, everyone
started coming past me on the inside and I could do nothing to stop them which
was quite frustrating, still, brought the car home in 7th which was OK.
Race 2:-
Started on the pole for this one. Led away at the start hotly pursued by the
#180 car behind me. All i had to do really was to keep going as fast as I could
and try to pull away from the field, the car was handling a bit better because
we had dropped the air pressures a bit so that was pretty good. I had to keep an
eye out in my mirror for car closing in on me, making sure i knew where they
were on the track. The #130 car of Lee Rawlings who had won the 1st heat was
closing in pretty fast now. The 1 lap board was shown and I couldn't believe I
was in the lead with 1 lap to go. I wasn't sure if #130 had enough time to catch
me, got through the pit bend OK and glanced in my mirror down the backstretch
and noticed him right behind me. I was going to make him go round the outside,
well that was the plan anyway, unfortunately I drove into the last bend way too
deep, the car slid wide and just as I started to power off the corner #130 came
past me and beat me to the line by about 1/2 a car length. I couldn't believe
it, pipped on the last corner having led the rest of the way, but anyway, fair
play to Lee, he seized the opportunity and won the race.
Race 3:-
On the second row for this one behind #352 and #180. Spent the first few
laps behind these 2 until I overtook the #352 car and could set my sights on
#180 for the lead. In the meantime #418 had caught us up and we were all having
a good battle for a while there. #180 slowed and pulled off the track going into
t1 on one lap which meant I was out front. #418 was right there beside me though
and we head a fantastic battle, he was on my outside for about 2 complete laps
until I prevailed and took the lead. In time though the quicker guys had made
their way through from the back and a few of the got past me. I ran wide again
on the last corner of the race and just beat the #850 car in a drag race across
the line to finish 3rd.
A pretty solid day, still a lot to
learn, still trying to find the right balance with the car but on we go to
Arlington next on the 28th May. My home track so I'll be hoping to have a half
decent night racing there.
4th May:- Aldershot
Still riding high after a win the previous week at Bovingdon we headed west to the all new Aldershot Raceway. This is a brand new track with that had just opened a week earlier; a great job was done by all at Spedeworth to build this facility from scratch in just a few months. We arrived a few hours before start time, got the car scrutinized and then we were out for a bit of practice. First thing I noticed was how much grip the track had, it is about the same size as Bovingdon but with huge tractor tyres on the entry and exit of the corners designed to make people think twice about cutting the corner! The car was handling pretty good; it was just a matter of learning another new track.
Race 1:-
Even though I was still officially a white grader still, I was put back to the yellow grade for this meeting, It was sure to be an interesting meeting now. Got off to a good start and in a few laps I had caught some of the whites. I was running about 6th I think when going into turn 1 chasing down the guys in front I felt a tap from behind, I was turned sideways but somehow nobody hit me as I gathered things up and set off on my way again, unfortunately I was way down the field now but kept on peddling and finished about 12th I think. As I drove round I was told by one of the race officials that my front bumper was hanging off, looking at the DVD I was lucky not to get shown the black flag.
Back in the pits Dad went frantically to work on trying to re-fix the front bumper, we had to straighten out the front wing by using the porta power that we brought with us, and then we had to drill a hole in the wing at the bottom so we could fix the bumper on securely.
Race 2:-
So back out onto the race track then and all ready to go again. Once again,
started in about 6th in the middle of the yellows. Was able to concentrate on
trying to catch the guys in front. It was new for me to have to work my way
through the pack and I had to make sure I picked the right moment when making an
overtaking move, I think once or twice though when I went to pass someone on the
outside I slid to far wide on the exit and got hung out to dry. It was fairly
close racing and certainly good fun, the car did start to get tight on the exit
of the corner towards the end of the race and the engine started to overheat
which was a bit of a concern, probably because it was quite a humid day. I was
pleased with a 5th place by all accounts.
Race 3:-
I really had to make sure I kept an eye on the temperature gauge during the
final because the last thing we needed was a blown engine. It had just started
to rain as we went out on track which would make things tricky out there with
oil on track left by the bangers in the previous race as well.
Once again the front end was sliding coming off the turns in this race which
made it very difficult when passing/lapping cars on the outside. Managed to have
cracking battles with a few guys which was good, John Smith 212 drove a
fantastic race, came flying past me and went on to take the win on the last
corner at the expense of Daniel Barkham 418 who had driven well to. I was happy
to come home in 6th, more points on the board and a car that wasn't too badly
damaged. I had learned so much again today and enjoyed every minute.
27th April:- Bovingdon
We now had 2 meetings under our belts and were starting to
get a feel for things, it seemed like such a short break between
Wimbledon and Bovingdon, the 3 week gap had flown by. The car was a mess
when we left Wimbledon and a lot of panel beating & straightening out
was required.
By now though we had the car looking in relatively fine form once again
as we prepared to venture up to Hertfordshire once again to the
Bovingdon Raceway. Today the Rookie Rods would be sharing the bill
with the Superstox, American Legends, Ninja Karts and Bangers. This
would also be the first meeting we would be baring the name of our new
sponsors 'Parker Building Supplies' who we are extremely proud and
thankful to have on board.
We arrived at the track at around 10:30am and my god did the heavens
open. We just sat in the car until the thunderstorm passed through which
was a good 25 minutes. We could see the track was almost completely
flooded and so it looked like the conditions would be very tricky. I was
soaked to the skin after helping unload the car but soon enough the rain
stopped and everything started to dry out.
By the time the first Superstox heat had finished the track was almost
bone dry.
Race 1:-
My 2nd meeting starting from the front then. I lined up at the front
of the grid in pole position and aimed to get a good start. I did exactly that,
got a blinder of a start and had a clear lead into turn 1. I then started
pulling away from the car behind until a complete restart was called due to an
incident blocking the track. I would have it all to do again. Unaffected by this
however I managed to do exactly the same at the restart, got an even better
clutch start and once again took the lead. I had a clear track in front so kept
my toe down and went as fast as I could. Soon though there was another yellow
flag which bunched the whole field up. We followed the pace car for 2 laps
before we were back racing again, still holding onto the lead a I just
concentrated on my lines and braking points, I wasn't worrying about what was
going on in my mirror too much. The race went on and I was just waiting for some
of the more experienced drivers to catch up to the back of the lead pack, there
were a few really fast guys from 3rd on back but the 140 car was holding them
off nicely enabling me to hold onto my lead. With about 7 laps to go
another yellow came out, this one due to a coil spring lying right in the middle
of the track on the backstraight. 2 laps under the pace car again and we were
back racing. I saw Mr Starter counting the laps down, 5, 4, and then the 3 lap
board was displayed i thought 'wow, I could win this!' I just kept my
concentration and made sure I didn't outbrake myself or get loose and spin out
and much to my astonishment (and everyone else with me) I brough the car home in
1st place. I couldn't believe it. Only my 7th car race and here It was, win
number 1. I pulled up on the centre green and was swiftly congratulated by Paul
Huggett, struggled to undo my helmet in all the excitement and though i would
have to get help to remove it and one point. Anyway I got that sorted and got
out the car where I was presented my trophy and had my photo taken with Mr
Starter before I took my lap of honour on the back of the Spedeworth pace car. I
then returned to the pits where I was congratulated by my family and friends.
Race 2:-
Still on cloud nine from the result in race 1 it was time to go out
again for our 2nd heat. A few cars had loaded up due to the damage they
sustained in race 1 but we were ready to go again. I would have to start at the
back of the white graders for this one (5th place) due to my win earlier. Again
I got a blinding start and was in 3rd coming off turn 2. There was a coming
together involving 1st and 2nd in front which resulted in one car spinning, this
meant I was up another place into 2nd. I managed to stay with the leader but we
were about as fast as each other so It was a bit of a stale mate, I had a bit of
trouble lapping a back marker late in the race which meant some others caught up
behind me and I was challenged for 2nd place late on. I shrugged off the
challenge however and brought it home in 2nd place, still a fantastic result.
Race 3:-
So then now came the final. Once again I had to start at the back of
the white graders meaning I would have to work extra hard to get a win.
Another good start saw me in 3rd by turn 1 and following the 2nd place car. We
just settled into a nice pace when there was a huge wreck in which one car ended
up on its side and another was leaking oil out onto the track. This would mean a
complete restart. Got away well and once again settled in 3rd. This time the
faster guys did catch up and were soon all over my back bumper. I managed to
hold 3rd place for a lot of the race until things livened up with about 5 laps
to go. Coming off turn 4 and felt a huge whack down the left side of the car and
going down the straight immediately knew something was wrong. I swiftly pulled
off onto the centre green and got out of the car. A broken track rod end the
damage that would put us out of the race. A sad way to end a fantastic day over
all.
Now a race against time to get the car repaired in time for Aldershot this weekend. We have replaced the broken part and just need to do some panel beating now before we can send the #44 Parker Building Supplies Rookie Rod back out into battle on May 4th.
6th April:- Wimbledon
After the success of our 1st meeting we were all looking
forward to going to Wimbledon. a venue I had been to countless times
before as a spectator. What a strange day this was. Down here in East
Sussex and across most of the south east of England there was a massive
snow storm. There was a good 3-4 inches of snow laying in the Garden by
lunchtime and it was still coming down as we loaded the car onto the
trailer.
Strangely enough when we arrived at Wimbledon Stadium the sun was
shining and there was no evidence of the snow storm that we were hit
with.
This was the first meeting that I would be starting at the front of the grid with the other white graders, a whole new experience.
Race 1
Lined up out on track on the inside of row 2 and was keen to get
going. Got a good clutch start initially but shortly after, I jammed it into 2nd
gear and got neutral instead. Soon the pack came flying past me as I was still
fishing for 2nd, I eventually found it coming off turn 2. The reds came out soon
after and I dove low into 1 and got a few hits from behind as others were also
trying to avoid the stationary #475 and #13 cars. Slowed down and felt relieved
I would have another chance not to fluff the start. Was on the outside of row 2
this time and couldn't see Mr Starter up on his podium when he waved the green
so had to go when the car beside me went, thankfully no drama here. As I
predicted it wasn't long before the quicker guys caught and passed me, the car
didn't feel quite right, I knew we'd been hit but soldiered on and finished
about 13th or 14th I think.
Sure enough when we got back to the pits we had a few dents and the car was toeing out quite a bit more that it was before we started. We only had a short time to fix this. Dad and my Uncle went frantically to work to try and sort the tracking out whilst i congratulated winner Steve Wright before joining in to help as well. I'm not a lazy sod.....honest.
Race 2
Before I knew it we were on track and ready to go again for heat 2.
I started on the outside this time, still could not see Mr Starter but got a
pretty good start. I was hung on the outside for a while and lying in 4th before
making a move around the outside of the #36 car, I was now in 3rd and felt
confident I was on pace with the guys in front of me however going in to turn 1
I felt the back end step out a little too much, I turned into the slide to
overcorrect it and the car swung sharp left, spun round and hit the fence
drivers side on. I was OK apart from a twisted knee but my pride was hurt more
than anything. I watched the rest of the race from the centre green before
driving back to the pits where my crew once again went to work on the car to
prepare it for the final.
Race 3
I was determined to end the night on a high and this would be my last
chance.
I started on pole for this one but the #50 car got a better start and jumped
into the lead, I felt I was slightly faster than him down the straights but
didn't want to try anything drastic in the early going. I ran 2nd for a good
part of the race behind the #50 car and could feel the #140 behind me pushing me
through the turns to remind me he was there, I wasn't giving up the inside
easily though. The reds took to the outside to pass us but It was still good to
be racing with those guys for position. As the laps wound down my vision
deteriorated, my visor was starting to steam up as it was getting colder and
darker outside. With a few laps to go I knew the whole field hadn't passed me so
that was an achievement. As I crossed the line I knew I had recorded my best
finish, a 7th place which I was very pleased with. I had certainly made amends
from the first 2 races. It was a blast being on pace with the other guys and
actually being able to race them. Of course there is quite a way to go yet but
we'll get there. For now though, its back home to knock out the dents and repair
the rest of the damage.
21st March:- Bovingdon
Bit of a feature length report to start us off, as it was my first
meeting.
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity... Lets go racin' boys!!!
After all the preparation throughout the winter months the time had
finally come for us to get out there amongst em!
I had been waiting for this day since we decided to enter the
formula almost a year ago!
The target for the day was to learn and gain experience of racing within
a pack of 25+ cars. There were 29 booked in for Bovingdon so this was
sure to be a lively meeting.
I got up at 6:30am and was ready and raring to go. I made sure I had
everything loaded in the truck that i needed to take. We loaded the car
onto the trailer and at 8:30 we set off for Bovingdon.
The weather forecast was not very promising, a cold and wet day was
predicted for the Hemel Hempstead area. I was not as nervous as I
anticipated I might be. I just couldn't wait to get out there and race.
I think my parents were more nervous than I was.
It was a very smooth run up and we were one of the first competitors to
arrive at the track at just after 10:30.
We stopped just outside the entrance to the paddock so I could hop out
and go and sign in, I also received a copy of the racing schedule and
notice that we would be on races 4, 8 and 12, out after the Bangers each
time!
We parked up and my Dad's pickup which looks like a beast standing on
our driveway at home was dwarfed sitting next to the huge transporter of
2.0ltr Hot Rod driver Chris Crane. We quickly met up with my uncle
Trevor who had travelled up with Chris Harvey and he came to help us.
It was absolutely freezing, but dry and partly sunny at the moment, so
we went to work on swapping some tyres round and altering the pressures
and then giving the car a good wipe over to clean all the muck off.
It wasn't long before the car was scruitineered and cleared to race. The
time had flown by so far!
In the days leading up to this meeting I had been pondering over where
to start, baring in mind I didn't want to look like an idiot if I stalled
the car on the grid in front of 30 other drivers :-)
I just couldn't make my mind up but in the end after chatting to a few
people I decided it probably would be best just for the first meeting to
start at the back of the grid, so I went to the control box to ask
someone if this would be possible and this is where I met up with the
race commentator (can't remember his name, a very friendly chap though)
who told me I would need to go and see 'Bomber' the clerk of the course,
so I made my way back up to the top gate and asked 'Bomber' if I could
start at the back today as it was my first meeting, he said that would
be fine.
Mum had just come back with a Spedeweek race programme, I quickly
flicked to today's entry list and was proud to see my name listed down
amongst some of the other more well known drivers (sad I know).
By now a hot cup of coffee was in order along with some lunch which we
sat and eat in the truck as it was so cold.
There was now a good hour and a half to kill before the meeting started
but we spent a lot of time chatting to Chris Harvey and his mechanics,
learning a few things here and there. It was also nice to chat to the
#114 Ministox team for Patrick Holford who are based in Hailsham not far
from where I live
and Gary Larner #365 Rookie Rod who came up and introduced himself to
us. He was in the same boat as us, It was his first meeting, but he
would be braving it by starting with the whites! We wished each other
good luck.
Shortly after getting the car weighed Steve Wright #200 came over and
introduced himself. It was nice to meet him after he had been giving us
some useful tips on the oval racing forums and advising us on some
things basically since we had started looking for a car. He also keeps
his car about 3 miles from where I live.
Had a chat with Paul Huggett as well just before the meeting started, we shared
a joke about my bright red race shoes and he wished me luck for the day ahead.
We watched the Ministox 1st heat and I was standing there by the fence thinking,
"This will be me in a few minutes!" Sure enough the chequered flag flew on that
race and we went back to the car and I got myself strapped in. The nerves were
gone now, I was just trying to plan ahead for the race, make sure I knew where
faster cars were and to give them plenty of room when they came up behind me,
Learn the lines, braking points etc and most of all, to ENJOY IT!
So here goes, the start of my racing career...
Race 1:-
I lined up at the back of the grid with a few other white graders behind the
reds. It was relaxing to know I wasn't the only newbie starting from the back.
Somehow it was still dry after the treacherous day we were forecast.
Very soon the pit gate was closed and it was all eyes on Mr Starter, the noise
got louder and the revs started rising... Green, Green, Green!!! I dropped the
clutch and got a blinder of a start, almost no wheelspin. I was flat out into
the first turn and boy this felt good, I had left the other whites behind me and
was really pleased to be keeping within a respectable distance of the reds.
They just started to get away from me gradually when the waved yellows came out.
I noticed 365 facing the wrong way up against the wall on the frontstretch. Got
caught napping on the restart a bit but was getting used to the track more and
more as every lap went by.
The leaders were soon right on my tail so I took to the outside around turns 3 +
4 to let them by. Before I knew it the race was over, I had been lapped but hey,
I stayed out of trouble and I finished the race, that was an achievement for me.
Congratulations to #200 Steve Wright on his win who also kindly stopped by to
ask me how I got on after the race.
I got back to the pits and out of my car where I was greeted with praise from
Mum, Dad and my Uncle. Dad recorded the tyre pressures and filled the car up so
we were ready to go again.
Race 2:-
I had hardly a chance to catch a breath as it didn't seem long before we were
back in our cars and on the grid again. This time the rain started coming down,
I could see very dark clouds drawing in before the race and was hoping this
would stay away. We were waiting a while on the grid this time as it took a
while for the recovery vehicles to take some of the stricken bangers back to the
pits.
The rain had now stopped and we were ready for the off. Got a bit of wheelspin
on this start, gave it too many revs due to over enthusiasm methinks. I
started to improve my lines entering and exiting the turns and noticed myself
getting quicker. Once again I managed to stay with the reds for a few laps.
There were a few moments during that race as I started to push the car a little
harder, the car got loose coming off turn 4 a few times and I had to over
correct it, fun. A few laps from the finish i was tagged onto the end of a nice
little battle, I almost got alongside the #479 car going into turn 1 but i had
to watch for the #13 in my mirrors also. Then a car spun in front of me in 3 & 4
which i avoided, when we came through that turn form the remainder of the race
though, we all had to watch out as his back end was sticking out on the race
track. The chequered flag waved again and it was a win for #222 Martin Meenehan.
I was happy to get through the race this time without being lapped!
Race 3:-
I was starting to get used to this now and couldn't wait for the Final to begin.
The field had diminished to somewhere around 23 cars due to others being
involved in incidents or having mechanical failures. I was just praying that we
could get through this race unscathed. Got going pretty well and as soon as the
race got underway I was having a nice battle with the #13 car of George Martin
who had got bored of following me throughout race 2 so made a nice move around
the outside of me. I was then caught behind the #140 car for quite a while and I
just couldn't seem to find a way past him, now the rain had arrived and
sprinkles started settling on my visor which limited my visibility. Still stuck
behind the #140 car the leaders came up on me fast so I pulled to the inside
down the back straight and let the lead pack go by. I brought the car home in
one piece and was having so much fun I was disappointed when that last race
finished. Well done to #850 Stefan Miller on the win.
Just when we got back to the pits there was a terrific hail storm, it was like
frozen peas falling from the sky, no exaggeration. I had driven the car back
onto the trailer, removed my helmet and was ready to get out. Hail stones pelted
me as I tried to shelter in my car, I almost put my helmet back on! I was soaked
through but now it was time to secure the car on the trailer, which we did when
it left off slightly. Our race finished at just about the right time, I didn't
envy the 2.0ltr Hot Rods having to race in that!
All n all though everyone had a blast, I never imagined the day would be so much fun. I've definitely caught the bug now...
Roll on Wimbledon!!!
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