I now know where and when I'll be racing next year...
2011 Avon Tyres Caterham Roadsport-B
RACE - Silverstone Arena GP - 26th & 27th March
RACE - Snetterton 300 - 23rd & 24th April
RACE - Brands Hatch Indy - 11th & 12th June
RACE - Zandvoort, The Netherlands - 9th & 10th July
RACE - Donington GP (supporting SuperLeague) - 6th & 7th August
RACE - Oulton Park International - 3rd September
RACE - Silverstone International South - 22nd & 23rd October
All events are Qualifying and two 20-minute races
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Croft - Hit, Spin and Maybe...
Having finished the official season, we were invited to take part in an additional race at Croft. It's near Darlington and became the longest distance we travelled for an event. It didn't come cheap but with the promise of Qualifying and two races, it was not a chance I was willing to miss. Croft is a great circuit and I've been a few times to watch the BTCC - and Croft has had serious problems with locals regarding noise complaints. How is it that someone who moves into the area complains and the circuit (which had been there for some time before the complaining resident), can successfully alter the way the circuit operates to such an extent, it nearly closes...?
Anyway - I was really keen to race at this excellent, and vulnerable, circuit.
It is with regret, that our faithful tow-car, is up for sale. The SAAB has proven an excellent companion and has driven faultlessly - to circuits around the country and to the Nuerbergring, but the arrival of a new car for my wife means it's an un-necessary expense. Therefore, and by a stoke of timing fortune, my new fleet Zafira was used to tow the car and trailer up to Darlington. Any worries about the drop in power and torque were quickly dispelled as the car completed the journey with minimum fuss.
Joining us on the journey were 'The Other' Claire and Ian - so it was a bit of a road trip, too.
Qualifying was an interesting affair - out of the twenty Academy drivers who entered this event, I think only one person had taken the opportunity to complete a track-day at the venue. Therefore, with the skies grey and a damp chill in the air, we set out to achieve a time to determine our starting positions. The early couple of laps were tentative as I tried to remember my route, tried to remember the notes in my Circuit Guide and tried to remember the You Tube videos I'd studied. A mistake here could result you ending up in the local farmer's field... Rachel Horgan with the picture below.
Anyway - I was really keen to race at this excellent, and vulnerable, circuit.
It is with regret, that our faithful tow-car, is up for sale. The SAAB has proven an excellent companion and has driven faultlessly - to circuits around the country and to the Nuerbergring, but the arrival of a new car for my wife means it's an un-necessary expense. Therefore, and by a stoke of timing fortune, my new fleet Zafira was used to tow the car and trailer up to Darlington. Any worries about the drop in power and torque were quickly dispelled as the car completed the journey with minimum fuss.
Joining us on the journey were 'The Other' Claire and Ian - so it was a bit of a road trip, too.
Qualifying was an interesting affair - out of the twenty Academy drivers who entered this event, I think only one person had taken the opportunity to complete a track-day at the venue. Therefore, with the skies grey and a damp chill in the air, we set out to achieve a time to determine our starting positions. The early couple of laps were tentative as I tried to remember my route, tried to remember the notes in my Circuit Guide and tried to remember the You Tube videos I'd studied. A mistake here could result you ending up in the local farmer's field... Rachel Horgan with the picture below.
I got quicker through out the session and just as I thought I could set another couple of quick laps, the flag came out to end the session. The result was pretty good - 6th on the grid meaning if I could stay in touch with the leaders, I had a good chance of a top-5 finish (I even dared to think a podium was possible...).
The green flag lap...
Having relaxed for the rest of the morning and the start of the afternoon, our first race took place in cloudy but dry conditions. I'd changed the front brake pads after Qualifying as the pedal felt long and soft - a problem I'd had since Brands Hatch and should have been dealt with a while ago - so knew my braking performance would be much improved. A reasonable start helped me keep a decent position - in 4th - and safely through the tight first section.
'Tower' is the first major braking on the circuit and with my new confidence in stopping, I made a move up the inside into the corner. I was approaching the corner a bit quicker than other cars and when Chris Bingham chose to try and block me at the last second, I had nowhere to go.
I hit him in the rear. I don't really know what he expected to happen or how I would avoid him but the nose crunched against the back of his car. He slid a little wide at the corner and I made it past him. As I drove away from the bend, I looked in my mirrors and found everyone else was coming round. Then I looked ahead and all I could see was Wes Fox up ahead. It took a couple of seconds to register that I was in second place.
Sadly, my good position was short-lived. Having negotiated the fastest part of the circuit, I approached 'Sunny In' quite quickly - the braking needed to be done in a slight curve. My new brakes dug in but the rears weren't quite as secure and the front slowed more rapidly than the rear - I wasn't able to get my foot over and blip the throttle and the rear simply overtook the front of the car.
I spun 270 degrees and across the racing line - thankfully everyone passed me safely (a massive thank you to all for that!) but I'd gone from 2nd to 20th in one incident. But I had nine and a half laps to go...
The rest of the race was exciting. The laps went really quickly as I continued to pass other cars. By the end, I'd made it back up to 11th place! A good result considering the first lap. I'd start the second race from where I finished the first one.
Next day (following a nice curry with some of the other Academy drivers and their other halves), we didn't race until the afternoon so we didn't get to the circuit until midday. Having watched some of the other racing, I was looking forward to the race.
A steady start had me lose a couple of places and it turns out it may have been a good thing... On the exit of the first section of the circuit, Tim and Bev bounced off each other leading to Tim's retirement form the race. As they recovered, I drove between them and made my way towards Lee Furness. It took me a few laps to get ahead of him (having been put off the circuit in places and Lee using more of the track than might ordinarily be allowed...) and along came Dave Symanski with me. Dave passed me into Tower on the last lap but I was able to get the position back at 'Sunny In' - the same corner as I spun the previous day.
So I finished in 7th - but the result counts for nothing and I had a great couple of days racing. I got to race for position and have battles with people throughout the races.
If this is what next year might bring, I'm looking forward to it already.
A final thank you to the Wymers - there were twelve of us covering three generations at Croft and every one of them helped in one way or another.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
A massive THANK YOU to Team Racing 13
My Wife, Claire - she helped with the build of my car, and everything since. Not least, she's been to every event and followed the races up and down the country. Additionally, she's had to put up with me stressing about everything... I love that fact that she's been a part of this - it wouldn't have been the same without her support.
My Mum and Dad - have also followed me to all the events and have supported my racing financially (race gear isn't included in the price of the car...) and without their help, it would have been impossible to do my racing.
My Brothers and their families - who have been to events and made sure I'm well supported. They helped do any of the necessary lifting, carrying and general sorting stuff out. They also make me laugh.
'The Other' Claire and Ian - both have travelled to events to support me and brought their enthusiasm for racing as well as food and drink. Their gazebo has proven useful and Ian performed as Racing 13's D.O.P.E (Director of Precipitation Engineering) - he carried the umbrella...
Darren (and his gang) - my neighbour couldn't keep away from the car while I was building it and looked after all the fibre-glass (including all repairs). His experience in looking after racing motorcycles certainly paid dividends.
Paul Darbyshire - He provided the van and the driving to collect my kit from Caterham and I would never have got the engine in without him. Incidentally, he's now a very busy (and excellent) plumber.
Tim and Agnes - who have offered advice and support. But the day at the Nuerburgring with you was a highlight in my life as much as a highlight of the year.
Ron - in the Isle of Man but love getting the texts and e-mails of support. I hope you get to come to see a race at some point.
Simon Cox - him and his family have been very supportive. Simon's company Get Embroidered provided all my team-wear which gave us all a very solid and professional appearance at the races. He's also been willing to offer advice about marketing my racing and has provided some useful contacts.
Steve Robinson - Signs and Graphs. He did the vinyl-work on my car: the bonnet stripes and Racing 13 stickers. If he got himself a website, I'd quote it on here!
Caterham - for being relaxed enough to let me call you and ask for anything; professional enough to assist in a way that kept the car going. Special thanks for Angie (at Caterham Midlands) and Kim (the Academy Co-ordinator).
The Academy Drivers and their families - for making this a year to remember. Particular thanks to Wes Fox and his crowd from the first day I started building, Mike Linzey and his team for the food and set-up work (cheers Matt), and anyone else who has helped in any way.
My Wife - again. I love you so very much.
My Mum and Dad - have also followed me to all the events and have supported my racing financially (race gear isn't included in the price of the car...) and without their help, it would have been impossible to do my racing.
My Brothers and their families - who have been to events and made sure I'm well supported. They helped do any of the necessary lifting, carrying and general sorting stuff out. They also make me laugh.
'The Other' Claire and Ian - both have travelled to events to support me and brought their enthusiasm for racing as well as food and drink. Their gazebo has proven useful and Ian performed as Racing 13's D.O.P.E (Director of Precipitation Engineering) - he carried the umbrella...
Darren (and his gang) - my neighbour couldn't keep away from the car while I was building it and looked after all the fibre-glass (including all repairs). His experience in looking after racing motorcycles certainly paid dividends.
Paul Darbyshire - He provided the van and the driving to collect my kit from Caterham and I would never have got the engine in without him. Incidentally, he's now a very busy (and excellent) plumber.
Tim and Agnes - who have offered advice and support. But the day at the Nuerburgring with you was a highlight in my life as much as a highlight of the year.
Ron - in the Isle of Man but love getting the texts and e-mails of support. I hope you get to come to see a race at some point.
Simon Cox - him and his family have been very supportive. Simon's company Get Embroidered provided all my team-wear which gave us all a very solid and professional appearance at the races. He's also been willing to offer advice about marketing my racing and has provided some useful contacts.
Steve Robinson - Signs and Graphs. He did the vinyl-work on my car: the bonnet stripes and Racing 13 stickers. If he got himself a website, I'd quote it on here!
Caterham - for being relaxed enough to let me call you and ask for anything; professional enough to assist in a way that kept the car going. Special thanks for Angie (at Caterham Midlands) and Kim (the Academy Co-ordinator).
The Academy Drivers and their families - for making this a year to remember. Particular thanks to Wes Fox and his crowd from the first day I started building, Mike Linzey and his team for the food and set-up work (cheers Matt), and anyone else who has helped in any way.
My Wife - again. I love you so very much.
A fraught day at Mallory Park
The last race of the Pistonheads.com Caterham Academy 2010. It's all gone so quickly and with my Wife and Folks with me yet again, I was looking forward to the finale. In fact, I have recorded the level of support they've given throughout the year by naming them as my main sponsors in the race programmes.
I'd had a track day and test day at Mallory so was confident of a decent day on Sunday, 19th September 2010. A good result would see me take 6th in the Championship - a poor one would see me finish 8th. I was joined by many of my family and friends which was a great boost - while driving round the circuit, I could see them every time and it spurred me on.
Qualifying took place in the morning and having recognised the need to keep close to other cars in order to gain from their slipstream, I stuck with one of the quicker cars early on. However, Mike Hart was trying to make room for himself behind slower cars and I kept finding myself alongside him along the back straight and slowing both him and myself. I decided to try and use two or three cars in a lap to aid my progress. Sadly, this didn't work either as passing cars around a lap compromised my line. At this point, I spotted Jon Mortimer in my mirrors and slowed enough for him to catch me. As he approached, I increased my pace and dragged him round for a couple of laps. I hoped he'd recognise this and repay the favour. I let him past me and I followed in his wake in order to set a competitive lap-time.
The result was I took 4th place on the grid (my best of the year) with Jon just behind me. For the race, I'd have an unimpeded view of the circuit to the first corner - a benefit resulting from the staggered formation of the grid.
Rachel Horgan got this shot on the grid... That's me on the right.
At the start, I gained on the leader and found myself alongside the pole-sitter, Merlin Edwards (who was now in third) but this compromised my line round the long right-hander of Gerrard's. Having to go the long way round, gave following cars the opportunity to stay close and their advantage in the slipstream was obvious as I approached the Esses - I fell to 7th. On the approach to the hairpin, I stayed tight to the inside and tried some later braking. It came to very little but I recognised it may prove an advantage later in the race.
This leading group of seven or eight cars remained consistent and jostled for the lead for a few laps. I never saw the front but knew that if I could stay in touch, I'd have a chance of getting something from the race. I traded blows (literally!) with other cars - a bent front wing-stay, a couple of cracks to the rear wings (including getting a shove which smashed the lower rear of my right-hand wing) but the racing was good. At one point Mike Hart forced me onto the grass as I tried a pass but it was half a lap later that the ultimate incident took place...
On the approach to Gerrard's, I found myself approaching very quickly in the slipstream of Mike again. I tried to stay on his outside but ended up on the less used (and dirtier) part of the track. I slid wider and touched the grass. Next thing I know, I'm sliding noisily into the gravel. Dreams of 6th in the championship were carried away with the dust cloud. As soon as I came a halt, another problem, I need to finish the race to get an upgrade signature on my licence. If I could tease the car out, I'd get to the finish and get a point and the appropriate squiggle. I restart the engine, and try to move out of the stones. As soon as I start moving, the tyres spin and I start to sink...
I'd had a similar problem in the snow the previous winter so tried the same technique to get myself free... I put the car in reverse to drive up the hole the rear tyres had made in the gravel - then put the car in second so that as the car moved forward back into the hole, built some momentum and moved on. It worked and with a wave to the marshalls, I continued on my way.
Sadly, despite gaining a second a lap on the cars in front, the gap was just too big and I finished last. I needed another car nearby to drag me round.
So I finish the season in 8th and I've had a great time. It has been a great experience - not a day goes by without having to think about racing or deal with something. It is all-absorbing and for that, I'm thankful to my ever-present (and super-tolerant) Wife, Claire.
I'd had a track day and test day at Mallory so was confident of a decent day on Sunday, 19th September 2010. A good result would see me take 6th in the Championship - a poor one would see me finish 8th. I was joined by many of my family and friends which was a great boost - while driving round the circuit, I could see them every time and it spurred me on.
Qualifying took place in the morning and having recognised the need to keep close to other cars in order to gain from their slipstream, I stuck with one of the quicker cars early on. However, Mike Hart was trying to make room for himself behind slower cars and I kept finding myself alongside him along the back straight and slowing both him and myself. I decided to try and use two or three cars in a lap to aid my progress. Sadly, this didn't work either as passing cars around a lap compromised my line. At this point, I spotted Jon Mortimer in my mirrors and slowed enough for him to catch me. As he approached, I increased my pace and dragged him round for a couple of laps. I hoped he'd recognise this and repay the favour. I let him past me and I followed in his wake in order to set a competitive lap-time.
The result was I took 4th place on the grid (my best of the year) with Jon just behind me. For the race, I'd have an unimpeded view of the circuit to the first corner - a benefit resulting from the staggered formation of the grid.
Rachel Horgan got this shot on the grid... That's me on the right.
At the start, I gained on the leader and found myself alongside the pole-sitter, Merlin Edwards (who was now in third) but this compromised my line round the long right-hander of Gerrard's. Having to go the long way round, gave following cars the opportunity to stay close and their advantage in the slipstream was obvious as I approached the Esses - I fell to 7th. On the approach to the hairpin, I stayed tight to the inside and tried some later braking. It came to very little but I recognised it may prove an advantage later in the race.
This leading group of seven or eight cars remained consistent and jostled for the lead for a few laps. I never saw the front but knew that if I could stay in touch, I'd have a chance of getting something from the race. I traded blows (literally!) with other cars - a bent front wing-stay, a couple of cracks to the rear wings (including getting a shove which smashed the lower rear of my right-hand wing) but the racing was good. At one point Mike Hart forced me onto the grass as I tried a pass but it was half a lap later that the ultimate incident took place...
On the approach to Gerrard's, I found myself approaching very quickly in the slipstream of Mike again. I tried to stay on his outside but ended up on the less used (and dirtier) part of the track. I slid wider and touched the grass. Next thing I know, I'm sliding noisily into the gravel. Dreams of 6th in the championship were carried away with the dust cloud. As soon as I came a halt, another problem, I need to finish the race to get an upgrade signature on my licence. If I could tease the car out, I'd get to the finish and get a point and the appropriate squiggle. I restart the engine, and try to move out of the stones. As soon as I start moving, the tyres spin and I start to sink...
I'd had a similar problem in the snow the previous winter so tried the same technique to get myself free... I put the car in reverse to drive up the hole the rear tyres had made in the gravel - then put the car in second so that as the car moved forward back into the hole, built some momentum and moved on. It worked and with a wave to the marshalls, I continued on my way.
Sadly, despite gaining a second a lap on the cars in front, the gap was just too big and I finished last. I needed another car nearby to drag me round.
So I finish the season in 8th and I've had a great time. It has been a great experience - not a day goes by without having to think about racing or deal with something. It is all-absorbing and for that, I'm thankful to my ever-present (and super-tolerant) Wife, Claire.
Monday, 13 September 2010
The Future's Bright - The Overalls are Orange
As part of the Academy, we're encouraged to do a day of Marshalling. This gives us 5 points in the Championship. An additional bonus is that we are able to get a signature on our licence which counts towards our upgrade to National A. Marshalls are a group of volunteers who stand on the side of the circuit (and other locations) and are responsible for looking after any car and driver that runs into trouble during a race event. They generally wear bright orange so they stand out. They stand for a full day and may have nothing to do - but when they do, they will come on to the circuit even if cars are still racing and help clear the problem. I've had the misfortune to meet some marshalls during a race and they were very helpful and good-humoured.
So on Saturday, 11th September, I'd arranged to do a day at the Qualifying day of the Le Mans series visit to Silverstone. I'd arranged to do the same day as Wes Fox and we met Jon and Paul Mortimer at sign-in.
On arrival, we were given timetables and vouchers for lunch. We then sat with the others who were doing a 'Trial Day' of Marshalling - an opportunity to have a go as a trainee with no obligation to do it permanently - for our briefing. The morning was spent touring the facilities that control a race - incident teams on-track, the medical centre, the control room and a working marshalls post. This was excellent - us drivers were desperate to watch the cars (particularly the Le Mans cars - including Peugeot, Audi and Aston Martins) and we had a view of the circuit un-impeded by the barriers.
After lunch we were assigned posts to spend the afternoon helping. I was given 'Club out' which was on the outside of the circuit at the furthest point away from the pits. It gave me a good view of the new pits complex being built between Club and Abbey.
I saw the Le Mans Series Qualifying, an historic car race, a Radical race and a round of the Speed Championship. I was asked to stay off the circuit if a car needed assistance - only come on to the circuit if directed by Incident Officer, Dale Whiteman. As it is, the only time I left the post was between sessions to sweep the circuit of any stones brought on to the surface by the cars.
Frankly, it was a bit boring. The other chaps on the post were entertaining and I got to watch all the cars without looking through a barrier. However, some of the races were dull and as all I could do was step out to sweep, it was up to 90 minutes between doing anything. Some cars did retire nearby but I wasn't asked to get involved.
After the 'action', I had to take a trip back to the control centre to get a signature on my licence.
Job done. I would like to do it again but I may consider a smaller venue as I'd hope to be more involved.
Thank you to Dale for looking after me - perhaps my future will be orange but for now, it remains in a white race-suit.
So on Saturday, 11th September, I'd arranged to do a day at the Qualifying day of the Le Mans series visit to Silverstone. I'd arranged to do the same day as Wes Fox and we met Jon and Paul Mortimer at sign-in.
On arrival, we were given timetables and vouchers for lunch. We then sat with the others who were doing a 'Trial Day' of Marshalling - an opportunity to have a go as a trainee with no obligation to do it permanently - for our briefing. The morning was spent touring the facilities that control a race - incident teams on-track, the medical centre, the control room and a working marshalls post. This was excellent - us drivers were desperate to watch the cars (particularly the Le Mans cars - including Peugeot, Audi and Aston Martins) and we had a view of the circuit un-impeded by the barriers.
After lunch we were assigned posts to spend the afternoon helping. I was given 'Club out' which was on the outside of the circuit at the furthest point away from the pits. It gave me a good view of the new pits complex being built between Club and Abbey.
I saw the Le Mans Series Qualifying, an historic car race, a Radical race and a round of the Speed Championship. I was asked to stay off the circuit if a car needed assistance - only come on to the circuit if directed by Incident Officer, Dale Whiteman. As it is, the only time I left the post was between sessions to sweep the circuit of any stones brought on to the surface by the cars.
Frankly, it was a bit boring. The other chaps on the post were entertaining and I got to watch all the cars without looking through a barrier. However, some of the races were dull and as all I could do was step out to sweep, it was up to 90 minutes between doing anything. Some cars did retire nearby but I wasn't asked to get involved.
After the 'action', I had to take a trip back to the control centre to get a signature on my licence.
Job done. I would like to do it again but I may consider a smaller venue as I'd hope to be more involved.
Thank you to Dale for looking after me - perhaps my future will be orange but for now, it remains in a white race-suit.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Lovely Mallory Park - A 'Gentleman's' Test Day
Mallory Park near Hinckley is a great little circuit. You turn into the track facility through a little village having wound your way through a narrow road from just round the corner from Caterham Midlands.
It is short but quick - a lap here is done in under a minute.
On Wednesday, 8th September, and in preparation for our race on Sunday, 19th September, a few Caterham 'Academics' took up the chance to join Mallory's Open Test morning. I knew this was available to any driver of a racing car but I was shocked at what else joined us on the day...
A Metro - spent most of its time on three wheels!
A Toyota MR2
A BMW 3-Series race car...
An Aston Martin DB(4 or5) racing car - it's difficult to be sure...
An Aston Martin DP214 - a replica...? If my research is correct - there's only one left in the World...
A Ford GT40 - another replica?
A Ferrari - a historical racing car but don't know what it is
A Lola T70 - again, was it a replica?
Anyway - the sight and SOUND was amazing and I'd have happily spent the day looking at the cars and watching them go round the track. Thankfully, I got the chance to see them on circuit from the driving seat of my car.
Three 30 minute sessions went well and I learnt a bit more about the circuit. In the third session, I drove round with Wes Fox and took the video below (thanks again to Mike Linzey for lending me his camera - mine's on order).
It is short but quick - a lap here is done in under a minute.
On Wednesday, 8th September, and in preparation for our race on Sunday, 19th September, a few Caterham 'Academics' took up the chance to join Mallory's Open Test morning. I knew this was available to any driver of a racing car but I was shocked at what else joined us on the day...
A Metro - spent most of its time on three wheels!
A Toyota MR2
A BMW 3-Series race car...
An Aston Martin DB(4 or5) racing car - it's difficult to be sure...
An Aston Martin DP214 - a replica...? If my research is correct - there's only one left in the World...
A Ford GT40 - another replica?
A Ferrari - a historical racing car but don't know what it is
A Lola T70 - again, was it a replica?
Anyway - the sight and SOUND was amazing and I'd have happily spent the day looking at the cars and watching them go round the track. Thankfully, I got the chance to see them on circuit from the driving seat of my car.
Three 30 minute sessions went well and I learnt a bit more about the circuit. In the third session, I drove round with Wes Fox and took the video below (thanks again to Mike Linzey for lending me his camera - mine's on order).
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Brands Hatch - Testing, Qualifying and Racing
Brands Hatch couldn't be more different to the Nordschleife in length but can match it for the type of challenge. Undulating, changing cambers set Brands Hatch apart from some other UK circuits and the fact that you can see most of the circuit from any point around the outside make it a favourite with drivers and spectators alike. At just under two kilometres long, for every lap of the Norschleife you can do ten of the Indy Circuit at Brands Hatch and it was this circuit that hosted a Caterham Festival of racing over the weekend of 21st and 22nd August.
On our way back home from Germany, we stopped off at the circuit for a Testing Day on Thursday, 19th. With 30 minute sessions, the few Caterham Academy cars were grouped together with Roadsport B, Roadsport A, Supersport and R300s. The difference in speeds between us and the R300s was immense. Sharing a garage with Mike Linzey, we were neighbours to Supersport and R300 drivers. They advised us to keep to our line - don't try and get out of their way - the closing speeds are such that they're choosing their route way before we've realised they're about to pass. If we deviate, chances are we'll be turning into their line and could cause an accident. In a nutshell, it was difficult to get much out of the day and despite trying a few things with tyres etc, I didn't end the day feeling comfortable.
Friday was a day off and myself and Claire spent the day driving round the Kent coast, eating fish-and-chips and taking in the sights of Canterbury.
Saturday saw us Qualify but the timetable put us at the end of the day - the very last group out finishing at about 6pm. So, of course, we arrived before 11am! But it was a worthwhile exercise. The car was prepped and I could relax. Having bled the brakes and swapped the tyres back to their original corners, I was as prepared as I could be. The car felt good at first but I didn't think I was getting the most out of things. Whether there was understeer of poor traction out of corners, I didn't think I was as fast as I could be. Ultimately, I ended the session in an average 9th position.
Next day and there was less time to prepare. Having watched the Group 2 chaps race (a first this year - they were scheduled before us) we were ready to race before lunch. Starting from 9th place meant I had a bit of work to do if I was to progress up the order and off the start, I kept to the inside of Paddock Hill Bend to make up two positions. At Druids, I headed round the outside of the cars keeping a tight line and found myself alongside Wes Fox - he'd started 3rd on the grid! Then the car twitched and on the exit, I ran wide onto the grass. I followed Blaize Rhodes (who'd also taken to the grass!) and a stone flew up from his car and smashed my windscreen. Still, I'd made a few places and settled into the race. A lap later, I'd lost one place but was still in a solid 7th place.
Soon, the cars started to fall out ahead - Merlin Edwards was hit by Mike Hart and was unfortunate to retire with bodywork rubbing his tyre while Jon Mortimer spun away at Druids. Now in 5th, I had a quiet few laps but when the rain started, I panicked and slowed unnecessarily. On the line, I was beaten into 6th by a recovering Jon by 0.002 seconds - we spent the cool-down lap waving to one-another as to who had got the better result.
Ultimately, poor Mike was excluded (despite crossing the line first) for his tangle with Merlin but this gave me a final result of 5th place. Through hard work, and a bit of luck, I'd made a four place improvement on my starting position.
I hope this will be shown on the TV, soon. Motors TV covered the event again and I was lucky enough to have the 'in-car' camera attached to me car. I hope the start at least will make the highlights.
Once again, I was assisted through the weekend by my Mum, Dad and Wife - all of whom make my racing so much more enjoyable - it wouldn't be the same without them. An added bonus was that my Brother John came along as well, with Billy, my Nephew.
Just one more race to go... Mallory Park on September, 19th. All pictures from Rick Wilson.
On our way back home from Germany, we stopped off at the circuit for a Testing Day on Thursday, 19th. With 30 minute sessions, the few Caterham Academy cars were grouped together with Roadsport B, Roadsport A, Supersport and R300s. The difference in speeds between us and the R300s was immense. Sharing a garage with Mike Linzey, we were neighbours to Supersport and R300 drivers. They advised us to keep to our line - don't try and get out of their way - the closing speeds are such that they're choosing their route way before we've realised they're about to pass. If we deviate, chances are we'll be turning into their line and could cause an accident. In a nutshell, it was difficult to get much out of the day and despite trying a few things with tyres etc, I didn't end the day feeling comfortable.
Friday was a day off and myself and Claire spent the day driving round the Kent coast, eating fish-and-chips and taking in the sights of Canterbury.
Saturday saw us Qualify but the timetable put us at the end of the day - the very last group out finishing at about 6pm. So, of course, we arrived before 11am! But it was a worthwhile exercise. The car was prepped and I could relax. Having bled the brakes and swapped the tyres back to their original corners, I was as prepared as I could be. The car felt good at first but I didn't think I was getting the most out of things. Whether there was understeer of poor traction out of corners, I didn't think I was as fast as I could be. Ultimately, I ended the session in an average 9th position.
Next day and there was less time to prepare. Having watched the Group 2 chaps race (a first this year - they were scheduled before us) we were ready to race before lunch. Starting from 9th place meant I had a bit of work to do if I was to progress up the order and off the start, I kept to the inside of Paddock Hill Bend to make up two positions. At Druids, I headed round the outside of the cars keeping a tight line and found myself alongside Wes Fox - he'd started 3rd on the grid! Then the car twitched and on the exit, I ran wide onto the grass. I followed Blaize Rhodes (who'd also taken to the grass!) and a stone flew up from his car and smashed my windscreen. Still, I'd made a few places and settled into the race. A lap later, I'd lost one place but was still in a solid 7th place.
Soon, the cars started to fall out ahead - Merlin Edwards was hit by Mike Hart and was unfortunate to retire with bodywork rubbing his tyre while Jon Mortimer spun away at Druids. Now in 5th, I had a quiet few laps but when the rain started, I panicked and slowed unnecessarily. On the line, I was beaten into 6th by a recovering Jon by 0.002 seconds - we spent the cool-down lap waving to one-another as to who had got the better result.
Ultimately, poor Mike was excluded (despite crossing the line first) for his tangle with Merlin but this gave me a final result of 5th place. Through hard work, and a bit of luck, I'd made a four place improvement on my starting position.
I hope this will be shown on the TV, soon. Motors TV covered the event again and I was lucky enough to have the 'in-car' camera attached to me car. I hope the start at least will make the highlights.
Once again, I was assisted through the weekend by my Mum, Dad and Wife - all of whom make my racing so much more enjoyable - it wouldn't be the same without them. An added bonus was that my Brother John came along as well, with Billy, my Nephew.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Nürburgring Nordschleife - The Green Hell? An amazing place...
Any Motorsport fan will have heard of the Nürburgring. It’s on the calendar for Formula One (amongst others) isn’t it? However, the REAL reason why Motorsport fans will know of the Nürburgring is because of the less-used ‘Nordschleife’ or ‘Northern Loop’. The circuit used by the current crop of highly-paid racers is a modern facility that ticks all the required safety and commercial boxes on the ‘I’d-like-to-host-an-F1-race-please’ application form. But the Nordschleife has history and drama. It also has nothing to stop you hitting the barriers, is narrow, has blind crests, 150-ish corners and is over 22km long. Not at all suitable for modern F1. I won’t go into the history of the place here but a quick look at this link should tell you everything you need to know.
Set in the Eifel Forest in Germany meant taking the car on a trailer through the UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. We set off after work on Thursday evening and got to Dover in time for one of Sea France’s evening sailings. The car was starting to attract a lot of attention and soon after we were pulling up at an overnight stay in a Campanile just into France.
The next day, we headed off across Northern Europe to meet our good friends Tim and Agnes who live an hour away from the famous circuit. Agnes competed in Formula Woman a few years ago (in Caterhams) and Tim is a Motorbike obsessive. His Yamaha R1 came along for a trip out, too... I couldn’t wait.
Saturday, 14th August 2010 - we made our way to the single-most disorganised part of Germany. Famed for its efficiency, trying to get on the Nordschleife was refreshingly frustrating! The process is simple: you pay by the lap, in advance, at a booth (€22 per lap); they give you a credit-card with your pre-determined number of laps saved on it; you drive up to a barrier, wave your card at a machine and the barrier opens. That’s it...
The circuit should have opened at 11am and as the time approached, hundreds of cars made for the entrance. The access road is wholly inadequate to handle the volume of cars, bikes, buses, vans etc (they’re all allowed on the circuit at the same time!!) that want to be there so it just got jammed up. Sitting in the car, with my race-gear on it was getting very hot. Tim sat in the passenger seat (he acted as guide for the first couple of laps) and we chuckled at how poorly the staff were coping with the volume of cars around me. More attention for my car – it was a surprise to me but my home-built Caterham Academy car was being photographed as much (or more) as any Porsche or BMW.
Eventually, I was able to approach the barrier, Tim swiped my card and we fed through the cones onto the circuit – 20km of the greatest driving I’ve ever had followed. Tim shouted LEFT, RIGHT, SHARP or STRAIGHT for the first few kilometres without any reply from me. Concentration is absolute. A ‘moment’ at this place could result in several-thousands’ pounds worth of damage to the car and circuit – or worse... At about 7km, Tim shouted, ‘Can you hear me? You haven’t said anything!’ My reply was specific, ‘F*cking yes! Keep it up!’
At the end of the lap, we queued for another trip round. It is an amazing place – I can’t do it justice by trying to describe it here.
By the end of the day, I’d done 6 laps. Four were on my own (with Tim on his R1 close by) and I had the most amazing day of driving I’d ever had.
My car was looked at, photographed, talked about and sat in (!) during the day and made me really proud amongst the Audi R8s, Nissan GTRs, Astons, Lambos, Porsches etc. In fact, I helped a chap who had a problem with his very nice R8 (it wouldn’t select a gear after 2 laps...). His friend had a Nissan GTR (which wouldn’t go any further after just one lap). I suggested he’d have been better off with a Caterham which he took in good humour!
I earned a new sticker for the car today and would love to return for another go at the circuit. That will have to wait while I get the racing season finished...
Yet another thank you to Claire who waited around all day for me – thankfully the weather was excellent and there were plenty of cars and people to watch – but I couldn’t have had the chance without her.
Set in the Eifel Forest in Germany meant taking the car on a trailer through the UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. We set off after work on Thursday evening and got to Dover in time for one of Sea France’s evening sailings. The car was starting to attract a lot of attention and soon after we were pulling up at an overnight stay in a Campanile just into France.
The next day, we headed off across Northern Europe to meet our good friends Tim and Agnes who live an hour away from the famous circuit. Agnes competed in Formula Woman a few years ago (in Caterhams) and Tim is a Motorbike obsessive. His Yamaha R1 came along for a trip out, too... I couldn’t wait.
Saturday, 14th August 2010 - we made our way to the single-most disorganised part of Germany. Famed for its efficiency, trying to get on the Nordschleife was refreshingly frustrating! The process is simple: you pay by the lap, in advance, at a booth (€22 per lap); they give you a credit-card with your pre-determined number of laps saved on it; you drive up to a barrier, wave your card at a machine and the barrier opens. That’s it...
The circuit should have opened at 11am and as the time approached, hundreds of cars made for the entrance. The access road is wholly inadequate to handle the volume of cars, bikes, buses, vans etc (they’re all allowed on the circuit at the same time!!) that want to be there so it just got jammed up. Sitting in the car, with my race-gear on it was getting very hot. Tim sat in the passenger seat (he acted as guide for the first couple of laps) and we chuckled at how poorly the staff were coping with the volume of cars around me. More attention for my car – it was a surprise to me but my home-built Caterham Academy car was being photographed as much (or more) as any Porsche or BMW.
Eventually, I was able to approach the barrier, Tim swiped my card and we fed through the cones onto the circuit – 20km of the greatest driving I’ve ever had followed. Tim shouted LEFT, RIGHT, SHARP or STRAIGHT for the first few kilometres without any reply from me. Concentration is absolute. A ‘moment’ at this place could result in several-thousands’ pounds worth of damage to the car and circuit – or worse... At about 7km, Tim shouted, ‘Can you hear me? You haven’t said anything!’ My reply was specific, ‘F*cking yes! Keep it up!’
At the end of the lap, we queued for another trip round. It is an amazing place – I can’t do it justice by trying to describe it here.
By the end of the day, I’d done 6 laps. Four were on my own (with Tim on his R1 close by) and I had the most amazing day of driving I’d ever had.
My car was looked at, photographed, talked about and sat in (!) during the day and made me really proud amongst the Audi R8s, Nissan GTRs, Astons, Lambos, Porsches etc. In fact, I helped a chap who had a problem with his very nice R8 (it wouldn’t select a gear after 2 laps...). His friend had a Nissan GTR (which wouldn’t go any further after just one lap). I suggested he’d have been better off with a Caterham which he took in good humour!
I earned a new sticker for the car today and would love to return for another go at the circuit. That will have to wait while I get the racing season finished...
Yet another thank you to Claire who waited around all day for me – thankfully the weather was excellent and there were plenty of cars and people to watch – but I couldn’t have had the chance without her.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Mallory meet of Academy members - Track Day
The only weekend Track Day at Mallory Park unsurprisingly attracted several Academy cars as it's the venue of our last race of the Championship season.
Saturday, 31st July saw no less than six of us turn up for an Open Pit Lane event run by Focused Events. Track Days are an excellent way to learn a circuit and Open Pit Lane means there are rarely any restrictions in the amount of time you can have on the circuit. The added bonus of a Track Day over a Test Day is that you can take a passenger - which means you can have instruction from a Pro Driver.
And so, on a damp morning, I took to the circuit for the first ever time and quickly started to enjoy the short trip round. The rain got heavier at the same time as someone had an engine problem and spilled oil round half the circuit on the racing line. The combination isn't a pleasant one...
So as it started to dry, I took my first session of instruction and immediately it paid off. Small alterations to the line, advice on braking and gearing meant I soon felt a lot quicker.
One the rain dried, I had a chat with Mike Linzey and we agreed to take each other out on the circuit. As Mike had his video camera with him, we captured our few laps in my car. The video is below and is courtesy of him and his company - Micrographix.
After lunch I got a few laps with Mike which was great fun. I've rarely been a passenger in an Academy car.
Later in the day, I had another session with the instructor and this helped further.
By the end of the day, I think I'd done about 150 laps of the circuit - certainly a good grounding for the race.
Saturday, 31st July saw no less than six of us turn up for an Open Pit Lane event run by Focused Events. Track Days are an excellent way to learn a circuit and Open Pit Lane means there are rarely any restrictions in the amount of time you can have on the circuit. The added bonus of a Track Day over a Test Day is that you can take a passenger - which means you can have instruction from a Pro Driver.
And so, on a damp morning, I took to the circuit for the first ever time and quickly started to enjoy the short trip round. The rain got heavier at the same time as someone had an engine problem and spilled oil round half the circuit on the racing line. The combination isn't a pleasant one...
So as it started to dry, I took my first session of instruction and immediately it paid off. Small alterations to the line, advice on braking and gearing meant I soon felt a lot quicker.
One the rain dried, I had a chat with Mike Linzey and we agreed to take each other out on the circuit. As Mike had his video camera with him, we captured our few laps in my car. The video is below and is courtesy of him and his company - Micrographix.
After lunch I got a few laps with Mike which was great fun. I've rarely been a passenger in an Academy car.
Later in the day, I had another session with the instructor and this helped further.
By the end of the day, I think I'd done about 150 laps of the circuit - certainly a good grounding for the race.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Race Day - Snetterton, Norfolk
Feeling far more relaxed than at Rockingham, and once more supported by my Wife, my Mum and my Dad, we arrive at the circuit and set up camp alongside Mike Linzey and Wes Fox. Wes' whole family are with him and I get to catch up with his Father-in-Law, John, who I'd spoken to a few times while building my car.
Qualifying took place in the morning and with just 15 minutes to get a competitive time, every lap counts.
We start under grey skies and in the first few laps, I set a pretty good time. A good job, too - the rain comes soon after and with half a memory of spinning off in the rain during our Sprint, I think the best lap times have been set. In fact, the rain is affecting one end of the circuit more than the other and I lock-up at the end of the Revett Straight. I use the escape road and see I have started a trend - a few other cars join me.
Over the next two laps, the rain stops and the track starts to dry. I let Mike Hart pass me so I can get a couple of laps behind him in his slipstream - it's useful to have a quick driver in front of you so that you can benefit from a tow... I pass the chequered flag and set my fastest time on my last lap! It's good enough for 5th on the grid.
Come the race, immediately after lunch, all I think about is getting a decent start. If I can stay with the cars in front, I can sit in their tow along the straight and join the fight. I line up and as the red lights dim, I head off. Not as promising as I'd hoped and my rear wheels spin - but it seems everyone ahead has done the same! Only Blaize (up from 10th on the grid!) passes us so I'm down to 6th. Into the second corner, it's three-across but I lose out and remain in 6th place. Then I get a tow along the straight - and go to the outside of Mike Hart at the left-hand turn of the Esses. I'm on the inside of Mike at the next part of the Esses and stay ahead of him through the Bomb-Hole. Up to 5th.
Mike tries to come back past at the first corner but he's going too fast and I stay in 5th - following Jon and Blaize. Wes has disappeared at the front and Merlin is moving away from the battle that is ultimately for 3rd place. I watch and wait for Jon and Blaize to scrap. I get past Jon at one point but he makes his way back in front.
Rachel Horgan with the pictures below...
Then I see the 5 minute board telling us we're in the final stages of the 15-minute race. Next time round, I see Jon make a move alongside Blaize along the straight. Jon's to the right and Blaize to the left. I follow Jon and get his slipstream so gain on them both. Hoping they won't have seen it happening, I move left and pull alongside Blaize. Three-across into the Esses, I get ahead and stay there - I'm up to 3rd! Two cars taken in one move.
Despite pressure from James Bishop behind, I hold third until disaster strikes coming out of the Esses for the penultimate time. I push the throttle to the floor and it gives - it's moved past the throttle stop and jammed open! I recognise what's happened immediately and put my foot on the clutch. James and John pass me and I aim for a vacant marshall post. I fear a fire so think this is the most sensible idea. A marshall twists the kill switch and my race is over. Up from 5th to 3rd, then out of the race with just one lap left.
A concoction of emotions: anger, frustration, despair, distress, sadness, resignation... The marshalls cheer me up and I have a tow back to Parc Ferme where the explanations begin...
Once again, I've been supported by my Wife. I love the fact she comes along and helps - frankly, I couldn't do it without her. My Mum and Dad kept me fed and watered and their constant encouragement and investment is humbling. In fact, in the program, I've put my sponsor down as 'My Wife, My Mum and My Dad'.
Videos aren't here as MSV threten to charge £25,000 for putting them on the internet. I can't afford that. Well done to Jonathan Palmer for everything he's done - it's a shame he's sanctioned such a rediculous restriction for people who want to share their enthusiasm for their sport.
Qualifying took place in the morning and with just 15 minutes to get a competitive time, every lap counts.
We start under grey skies and in the first few laps, I set a pretty good time. A good job, too - the rain comes soon after and with half a memory of spinning off in the rain during our Sprint, I think the best lap times have been set. In fact, the rain is affecting one end of the circuit more than the other and I lock-up at the end of the Revett Straight. I use the escape road and see I have started a trend - a few other cars join me.
Over the next two laps, the rain stops and the track starts to dry. I let Mike Hart pass me so I can get a couple of laps behind him in his slipstream - it's useful to have a quick driver in front of you so that you can benefit from a tow... I pass the chequered flag and set my fastest time on my last lap! It's good enough for 5th on the grid.
Come the race, immediately after lunch, all I think about is getting a decent start. If I can stay with the cars in front, I can sit in their tow along the straight and join the fight. I line up and as the red lights dim, I head off. Not as promising as I'd hoped and my rear wheels spin - but it seems everyone ahead has done the same! Only Blaize (up from 10th on the grid!) passes us so I'm down to 6th. Into the second corner, it's three-across but I lose out and remain in 6th place. Then I get a tow along the straight - and go to the outside of Mike Hart at the left-hand turn of the Esses. I'm on the inside of Mike at the next part of the Esses and stay ahead of him through the Bomb-Hole. Up to 5th.
Mike tries to come back past at the first corner but he's going too fast and I stay in 5th - following Jon and Blaize. Wes has disappeared at the front and Merlin is moving away from the battle that is ultimately for 3rd place. I watch and wait for Jon and Blaize to scrap. I get past Jon at one point but he makes his way back in front.
Rachel Horgan with the pictures below...
Then I see the 5 minute board telling us we're in the final stages of the 15-minute race. Next time round, I see Jon make a move alongside Blaize along the straight. Jon's to the right and Blaize to the left. I follow Jon and get his slipstream so gain on them both. Hoping they won't have seen it happening, I move left and pull alongside Blaize. Three-across into the Esses, I get ahead and stay there - I'm up to 3rd! Two cars taken in one move.
Despite pressure from James Bishop behind, I hold third until disaster strikes coming out of the Esses for the penultimate time. I push the throttle to the floor and it gives - it's moved past the throttle stop and jammed open! I recognise what's happened immediately and put my foot on the clutch. James and John pass me and I aim for a vacant marshall post. I fear a fire so think this is the most sensible idea. A marshall twists the kill switch and my race is over. Up from 5th to 3rd, then out of the race with just one lap left.
A concoction of emotions: anger, frustration, despair, distress, sadness, resignation... The marshalls cheer me up and I have a tow back to Parc Ferme where the explanations begin...
Once again, I've been supported by my Wife. I love the fact she comes along and helps - frankly, I couldn't do it without her. My Mum and Dad kept me fed and watered and their constant encouragement and investment is humbling. In fact, in the program, I've put my sponsor down as 'My Wife, My Mum and My Dad'.
Videos aren't here as MSV threten to charge £25,000 for putting them on the internet. I can't afford that. Well done to Jonathan Palmer for everything he's done - it's a shame he's sanctioned such a rediculous restriction for people who want to share their enthusiasm for their sport.
Testing times at Snetterton
As a result of our race day being moved (again) from Saturday to Sunday, we had a lot to sort out. Getting a place to stay at short notice, in Norfolk, in the first weekend of the school summer holidays... well, you can imagine. Fortunately, we got somewhere but it wasn't easy.
In a small token of generosity, the BRSCC (who organised the Snetterton Race Weekend) offered everyone in the Caterham Academy two, thirty-minute test sessions. All very good but at a cost - £125 to be exact - for an hour on the circuit.
Still, it gave me the chance to be re-acquainted with the circuit I took my car out on for the first time. Thankfully, conditions were drier and brighter than our previous visit (where it rained during our Sprint) so I got to put several laps in.
The added bonus of being scrutineered and briefed meant two less jobs for race day.
Both sessions passed without any damage to me or my car but that's not to say it wasn't without incident. The most significant of which was while following two other competitors into the first corner - it's quick with a dab of the brakes and a flick of the steering to get the car to the right. It's possible to overtake but there is a significant risk of getting out of shape on the way in. You need the other person to have some sympathy and this was clearly lacking where two cars spun right in my path. I'm bearing down on them at up to 80mph and staring at one of the drivers as he looks out the side of his car. Fortunately, he rolls forwards as I arrive and I pass through the middle of them.
Everything they say about aiming at the spinning car is true - it really will be gone by the time you get there!
In a small token of generosity, the BRSCC (who organised the Snetterton Race Weekend) offered everyone in the Caterham Academy two, thirty-minute test sessions. All very good but at a cost - £125 to be exact - for an hour on the circuit.
Still, it gave me the chance to be re-acquainted with the circuit I took my car out on for the first time. Thankfully, conditions were drier and brighter than our previous visit (where it rained during our Sprint) so I got to put several laps in.
The added bonus of being scrutineered and briefed meant two less jobs for race day.
Both sessions passed without any damage to me or my car but that's not to say it wasn't without incident. The most significant of which was while following two other competitors into the first corner - it's quick with a dab of the brakes and a flick of the steering to get the car to the right. It's possible to overtake but there is a significant risk of getting out of shape on the way in. You need the other person to have some sympathy and this was clearly lacking where two cars spun right in my path. I'm bearing down on them at up to 80mph and staring at one of the drivers as he looks out the side of his car. Fortunately, he rolls forwards as I arrive and I pass through the middle of them.
Everything they say about aiming at the spinning car is true - it really will be gone by the time you get there!
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
I'm on Motors TV!
Just a quick post to say that coverage of our race is on Motors TV and you get to see one of my overtakes while at the end, I'm namechecked for being 6th in the Championship!
I'm racing cars, it's on the TV and I get a mention!
Excellent.
I'm racing cars, it's on the TV and I get a mention!
Excellent.
Race at Rockingham
We arrived early at the circuit - a few sore heads wandering around the paddock after the previous evening's 'entertainment' provided by Caterham. One of the Academy cars had found its way into the road through the paddock as part of the larking about from the previous night.
It was the wind that became the most obvious change from Qualifying - it claimed one or two gazebos. Thankfully, the weather stayed dry and bright.
The events of the day include the entire Caterham Motorsport ladder as well as Formula Academy for Formula Ford cars and the Metro Cup. Sadly, the pick-up trucks pulled out so the 4th July stayed a mainly Caterham race day.
I made sure I was ready in good time - I was the first into the assembly area. Ian (my DOPE - Director Of Precipitation Equipment) ably holding an umbrella to keep me cool from the sun watched the cars come into the paddock. I wasn't much company at this point as I was feeling a bit nervous. In just a few minutes time, I'd be making my way to the grid...
As I lined up on my grid position, I suddenly realised I'd never be able to find my place again, but I knew I had the Green Flag lap first. Trying to find a white line amongst all the other possible positions led to a spot of panic - it always looks so easy on the TV. Fortunately, I spot the 'Row 4' sign just to my left so I only need to look for that when I return.
We set off on our Green Flag lap - so called because all the marshalls wave their Green flags to show their locations around the circuit. It was only half way round that I realised I had jumped ahead of the seventh-placed car and thoughts turned to Michael Schumacher being black-flagged for pulling ahead at the British GP a few years ago. Amazing what goes through your mind sometimes...
Once the Red lights went out, I tried to set off calmly - only to find other cars coming past me... A poor start aside, I immediately tried to make up for it. I take a car into the first corner then find myself on the right side of the circuit for the next corner - where I stay on the inside and take a couple more. Before the lap is out, I lose another place but I think I'm back to my starting place - 8th.
On the second lap, I pass Merlin (who had been leading but spins from the front) - and I continue to follow Matthew Waite. I feel quicker than him but as I peel onto the the main straight, immediately behind him, I miss a gear - a disaster at this point of the circuit. As you come onto the main straight, it's vital you get the gearing and traction correct - I lose out to Matthew and miss out on the chance to get a tow along the straight.
I'm soon back up behind him but do exactly the same again. It's evident my nerves are getting the better of me despite me feeling more comfortable in the car.
A couple of laps later, Merlin passes us both (I block him once on the infield section of the circuit but there's nothing you can do about a tow along the straight).
One more missed gear ruins any chance of finally getting past Matt but I'm elated at the end - I finish as I start - in 8th. When I get to Parc Ferme (where all cars are held until the scrutineers are happy to release them), I see my Dad, Brother and DOPE - and Claire gets to see me soon after - sadly, my Mum is working and can't see my first race. Everyone gets a hug - and Claire in particular deserves one! I've been grumpy for a couple of days and we've effectively run our lives round my racing for some time. I know I'm lucky and I'm putting that here so Claire knows I realise it.
It was great to see Simon Cox and his family see me at the end of the race - their company, get.embroidered have provided me with my shirts and hats showing off my website.
The first two pictures are from Rick Wilson, the third is from Rachel Horgan.
It was the wind that became the most obvious change from Qualifying - it claimed one or two gazebos. Thankfully, the weather stayed dry and bright.
The events of the day include the entire Caterham Motorsport ladder as well as Formula Academy for Formula Ford cars and the Metro Cup. Sadly, the pick-up trucks pulled out so the 4th July stayed a mainly Caterham race day.
I made sure I was ready in good time - I was the first into the assembly area. Ian (my DOPE - Director Of Precipitation Equipment) ably holding an umbrella to keep me cool from the sun watched the cars come into the paddock. I wasn't much company at this point as I was feeling a bit nervous. In just a few minutes time, I'd be making my way to the grid...
As I lined up on my grid position, I suddenly realised I'd never be able to find my place again, but I knew I had the Green Flag lap first. Trying to find a white line amongst all the other possible positions led to a spot of panic - it always looks so easy on the TV. Fortunately, I spot the 'Row 4' sign just to my left so I only need to look for that when I return.
We set off on our Green Flag lap - so called because all the marshalls wave their Green flags to show their locations around the circuit. It was only half way round that I realised I had jumped ahead of the seventh-placed car and thoughts turned to Michael Schumacher being black-flagged for pulling ahead at the British GP a few years ago. Amazing what goes through your mind sometimes...
Once the Red lights went out, I tried to set off calmly - only to find other cars coming past me... A poor start aside, I immediately tried to make up for it. I take a car into the first corner then find myself on the right side of the circuit for the next corner - where I stay on the inside and take a couple more. Before the lap is out, I lose another place but I think I'm back to my starting place - 8th.
On the second lap, I pass Merlin (who had been leading but spins from the front) - and I continue to follow Matthew Waite. I feel quicker than him but as I peel onto the the main straight, immediately behind him, I miss a gear - a disaster at this point of the circuit. As you come onto the main straight, it's vital you get the gearing and traction correct - I lose out to Matthew and miss out on the chance to get a tow along the straight.
I'm soon back up behind him but do exactly the same again. It's evident my nerves are getting the better of me despite me feeling more comfortable in the car.
A couple of laps later, Merlin passes us both (I block him once on the infield section of the circuit but there's nothing you can do about a tow along the straight).
One more missed gear ruins any chance of finally getting past Matt but I'm elated at the end - I finish as I start - in 8th. When I get to Parc Ferme (where all cars are held until the scrutineers are happy to release them), I see my Dad, Brother and DOPE - and Claire gets to see me soon after - sadly, my Mum is working and can't see my first race. Everyone gets a hug - and Claire in particular deserves one! I've been grumpy for a couple of days and we've effectively run our lives round my racing for some time. I know I'm lucky and I'm putting that here so Claire knows I realise it.
It was great to see Simon Cox and his family see me at the end of the race - their company, get.embroidered have provided me with my shirts and hats showing off my website.
The first two pictures are from Rick Wilson, the third is from Rachel Horgan.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Rockingham Qualifying
Signing on at 2pm is a rare luxury afforded to us because we're new to this - and our Qualifying session has been scheduled for late in the afternoon. However, this is the first time I've done this and I'm feeling a bit nervous. I'm grouchy, snappy and rude to Claire and my Dad. Why the f*ck do I care about the washing on a Saturday morning when I'm about to take part in my first competitive timed session of my life...? Perhaps, everyone will realise I need to be left alone before an official session - perhaps I should calm down...
So at 12.30pm on Saturday, 3rd July I arrived at Rockingham. My car was already there having been left there the night as I'd been testing on the Friday. I got the car off the trailer, checked the fuel, checked the tyres, checked the oil, checked the straps, checked everything.
We were lucky that we were allowed to sign-in early and the car was scrutineered early, too. Scrutineering is quite a difficult part of the day - any problems and you won't be allowed to race. They're a great bunch of chaps who talk you through everything they're looking at, have a bit of banter and see that your car's safe. Thankfully, I had no problems.
Soon before my Qualifying session, I had to get the car to the Assembly Area - this is so the marshalls know everyone's ready and the cars are sent out together. My DOPE (Director of Precipitation Equipment - Ian) came to hold a brolly over me - it was really hot. After a short wait, I was able to set off and start 15 minutes of getting round the track as quickly as I could - this would determine my track position for the race the next day.
The session was tricky - I tried to stay close to some cars (you get a great tow down the main straights) but I realise this may have held me up in other areas. In any case, I managed to get the car into 8th place on the grid. I'd hoped for higher but this is a pretty good result. There are 25 cars on the grid and I'm much closer tot he front than the back.
So at 12.30pm on Saturday, 3rd July I arrived at Rockingham. My car was already there having been left there the night as I'd been testing on the Friday. I got the car off the trailer, checked the fuel, checked the tyres, checked the oil, checked the straps, checked everything.
We were lucky that we were allowed to sign-in early and the car was scrutineered early, too. Scrutineering is quite a difficult part of the day - any problems and you won't be allowed to race. They're a great bunch of chaps who talk you through everything they're looking at, have a bit of banter and see that your car's safe. Thankfully, I had no problems.
Soon before my Qualifying session, I had to get the car to the Assembly Area - this is so the marshalls know everyone's ready and the cars are sent out together. My DOPE (Director of Precipitation Equipment - Ian) came to hold a brolly over me - it was really hot. After a short wait, I was able to set off and start 15 minutes of getting round the track as quickly as I could - this would determine my track position for the race the next day.
The session was tricky - I tried to stay close to some cars (you get a great tow down the main straights) but I realise this may have held me up in other areas. In any case, I managed to get the car into 8th place on the grid. I'd hoped for higher but this is a pretty good result. There are 25 cars on the grid and I'm much closer tot he front than the back.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Testing Testing - Let's Rock!
Test days are different to Track days for a number of reasons: you must have a Racing Licence (so no briefing, either!), you don't have to follow track day etiquette (so you can pass on either side), you can time your laps but you can't take any passengers (including instructors).
So it was that on Friday, 2nd July I took to the track on my first test day. The relaxed atmosphere of the track day was gone and a more regimented, sessioned day took place. For thirty minutes in every ninety, we got to put laps in with other Academy cars around you. The difference to the track day was that it was a bit more competitive, a bit more intense.
I started the day re-fitting the damaged light lens I sustained at Brands Hatch (Wes had kindly returned my replacement after 'Useless Josh' (though he's anything but...) had taken it accidentally after Rockingham). This proved to be a bit more of a job than I first expected so I was a few minutes late for my first session.
A few drops of rain in the morning didn't bring the expected slippy conditions but it was certainly useful to experience the track in the damp. During the day, the only 'damage' I incurred was a wiper arm that detached itself down the straight and the tax disc falling off the windscreen.
It's amazing how much I missed the help from my wife, family and friends. Being on your own really does prove more difficult.
So it was that on Friday, 2nd July I took to the track on my first test day. The relaxed atmosphere of the track day was gone and a more regimented, sessioned day took place. For thirty minutes in every ninety, we got to put laps in with other Academy cars around you. The difference to the track day was that it was a bit more competitive, a bit more intense.
I started the day re-fitting the damaged light lens I sustained at Brands Hatch (Wes had kindly returned my replacement after 'Useless Josh' (though he's anything but...) had taken it accidentally after Rockingham). This proved to be a bit more of a job than I first expected so I was a few minutes late for my first session.
A few drops of rain in the morning didn't bring the expected slippy conditions but it was certainly useful to experience the track in the damp. During the day, the only 'damage' I incurred was a wiper arm that detached itself down the straight and the tax disc falling off the windscreen.
It's amazing how much I missed the help from my wife, family and friends. Being on your own really does prove more difficult.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Track day at the Rock
A perk of being part of the Caterham Academy is that they carry a little weight when it comes to some Motorsport-related companies. I get a discount on my insurance, I get a discount on my racewear and when Caterham say they want to book a track-day, they book the whole thing.
On 12th June 2010, Caterham had pulled their influential weight with Book-a-Track and block-booked their advertised day for Caterham Motorsport competitors only. I feel for the chap in the Clio (I suspect he'd been suitably 'looked-after' for having his place cancelled) that had booked a place but it made for a good day - in sessions throughout the day with other Academy entrants.
We were given 20 minutes in each hour and in one of my early sessions I took some instruction. Frankly, my instructor sounded like he had the perfect job: he was a rent-a-driver for people with historic cars who wanted an additional pot of skill for racing their pride-and joys. If he's reading this, I'd like a job.
The rest of the day consisted of 20 minute sessions and I got to learn the track that I'll be racing on in a few weeks for my first race.
I shared the day with Wes (again!) in a garage along with Fulvio Mussi who Wes has 'hired' to give him some coaching. Fulvio is a great chap - he looked after a friend of mine - Agnes - when she competed in Formula Woman a few years ago.
There aren't any pictures to put on here but I should be able to direct you to Rachel Horgan again - just look for the Rockingham Track Day pictures. It would be good if you could take a look at her charity donation site in aid of the Richard Burns Foundation where she'd like to encourage you to make a donation to this excellent cause in exchange for taking a look at her pictures.
I was really pleased to have Simon Cox and his family join me for part of the day (very ably looked-after by my wife, Claire). Simon has provided my racewear through his company 'get.embroidered' and I was pleased to take some of them out for a few laps (I just hope he's a little less green now...).
On 12th June 2010, Caterham had pulled their influential weight with Book-a-Track and block-booked their advertised day for Caterham Motorsport competitors only. I feel for the chap in the Clio (I suspect he'd been suitably 'looked-after' for having his place cancelled) that had booked a place but it made for a good day - in sessions throughout the day with other Academy entrants.
We were given 20 minutes in each hour and in one of my early sessions I took some instruction. Frankly, my instructor sounded like he had the perfect job: he was a rent-a-driver for people with historic cars who wanted an additional pot of skill for racing their pride-and joys. If he's reading this, I'd like a job.
The rest of the day consisted of 20 minute sessions and I got to learn the track that I'll be racing on in a few weeks for my first race.
I shared the day with Wes (again!) in a garage along with Fulvio Mussi who Wes has 'hired' to give him some coaching. Fulvio is a great chap - he looked after a friend of mine - Agnes - when she competed in Formula Woman a few years ago.
There aren't any pictures to put on here but I should be able to direct you to Rachel Horgan again - just look for the Rockingham Track Day pictures. It would be good if you could take a look at her charity donation site in aid of the Richard Burns Foundation where she'd like to encourage you to make a donation to this excellent cause in exchange for taking a look at her pictures.
I was really pleased to have Simon Cox and his family join me for part of the day (very ably looked-after by my wife, Claire). Simon has provided my racewear through his company 'get.embroidered' and I was pleased to take some of them out for a few laps (I just hope he's a little less green now...).
Monday, 5 July 2010
Brands spanking new - Indy circuit Track-day
After a night at Wes' house, we both set off for a track-day at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. I've been a few times to Brands and think it's a great spectator circuit - but I've never driven it and was looking forward to getting my first chance.
We were lucky to arrive and get the last of the available garages which really helped - as then it started raining... Bear in mind that my last run on a circuit was in the wet and I'd spun off in the conditions.
After a few sighting laps behind the pace car, I got the opportunity to experience Paddock Hill Bend, Druids, Grahame Hill Bend and Clearways in the damp... And there was more grip available than I thought. The problem is that I couldn't see ANYTHING behind me and I spent more time trying to keep out the way of cars I couldn't see than making any progress. My confidence now completely shot - I lined up to take some instruction.
When my instructor approached the car he just pointed and said, "I'm not getting in that!" So my instruction took place in a Seat Leon... Despite this, I got a great idea of the best lines (and there are some places where a small change in line can make a massive difference).
After instruction, I went out and started to gain speed and confidence - and as the conditions improved, I got quicker.
The rest of the day was spent learning the track some more and eventually, I got to overtake some cars in my own right.
A great day at a great circuit. Once the weather improved, I really enjoyed it.
We were lucky to arrive and get the last of the available garages which really helped - as then it started raining... Bear in mind that my last run on a circuit was in the wet and I'd spun off in the conditions.
After a few sighting laps behind the pace car, I got the opportunity to experience Paddock Hill Bend, Druids, Grahame Hill Bend and Clearways in the damp... And there was more grip available than I thought. The problem is that I couldn't see ANYTHING behind me and I spent more time trying to keep out the way of cars I couldn't see than making any progress. My confidence now completely shot - I lined up to take some instruction.
When my instructor approached the car he just pointed and said, "I'm not getting in that!" So my instruction took place in a Seat Leon... Despite this, I got a great idea of the best lines (and there are some places where a small change in line can make a massive difference).
After instruction, I went out and started to gain speed and confidence - and as the conditions improved, I got quicker.
The rest of the day was spent learning the track some more and eventually, I got to overtake some cars in my own right.
A great day at a great circuit. Once the weather improved, I really enjoyed it.
Snetterton Slippery Sprint...
Our final Sprint took place on Saturday 25th May at Snetterton. I'd missed the test day the day before as I'd had a track day here earlier in the year.
A comfortable night in Blue Bell Barn B&B meant I felt comfortable arriving at the circuit in the morning - we'd even left the car and trailer there the night before so we were pretty much ready to go.
An oddity about the event here was that there were races planned for part of the program - we had to do our practice runs squeezed in among the race qualifying. As a result of this mixture, the organisation left a little to be desired... Cars were run out of order with really long waits in between. Ultimately, we got two runs with about 30 mins between each trip - and we couldn't get out of the cars...
When I arrived at the Esses, I tried to get through quickly - it was effectively a practice run. Sadly, I found the limits of adhesion were somewhat lower than I had planned and I was off again. Rachel Horgan managed to catch me mid-spin for your viewing pleasure...
A comfortable night in Blue Bell Barn B&B meant I felt comfortable arriving at the circuit in the morning - we'd even left the car and trailer there the night before so we were pretty much ready to go.
An oddity about the event here was that there were races planned for part of the program - we had to do our practice runs squeezed in among the race qualifying. As a result of this mixture, the organisation left a little to be desired... Cars were run out of order with really long waits in between. Ultimately, we got two runs with about 30 mins between each trip - and we couldn't get out of the cars...
Sadly, the afternoon (and the official timed runs) were a complete wash-out... Rain began just as we were about to head out and didn't let up for all the time we were in the cars - three runs taking about an hour. I can confirm it's not much fun sitting in an open top car in the pouring rain.
When I eventually set off, I immediately got distracted - a piece of tape I'd put across the top of the windscreen flew off and started flapping in my face. I tried to put it out of my mind and made it successfully round the first corner.
As the second corner approached, I chose an early braking point but had completely forgotten the advice I'd received to keep off the normal racing line in the wet. The tyres locked and despite my best attempts to keep it pointing the right way, the car spun off the outside of the corner. I had stalled and got the car re-started but as I set off along the straight (expecting to see red flags and not getting any) I realised my time was irrelevant as I'd had all four wheels off the circuit.
When I arrived at the Esses, I tried to get through quickly - it was effectively a practice run. Sadly, I found the limits of adhesion were somewhat lower than I had planned and I was off again. Rachel Horgan managed to catch me mid-spin for your viewing pleasure...
On returning to the pits, I found my car covered and full of mud - but I still had two runs to take...
My second timed run was just an opportunity to get round the circuit. It wasn't remotely competitive but at least I had a time. In the end, I ended up 13th. A disappointing day - but a massive learning experience.
Rick Wilson should be thanked for the top set of pics - Rach can be scowled at for getting the picture of me spinning. A link to her website can be found here and is well worth a look.
Another note on the day was that our friends Claire and Ian (as well as my Mum and Dad) joined myself and my ever-present wife. In suffering the wet for my cause, I thank all of them. For continuing to put up with the grumpy bloke in the driving seat, everyone should know I love my wife very much...!
Proof from this picture taken by my Dad...
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Curborough Sprint - True 'Grass Roots' Motorsport
It should be pointed out here that in order for video cameras to work, they need a charged battery. For this event, mine didn't have one...
We were given two practice and two timed runs. My first run proved competitive enough and the sunshine made our runs a little easier. My second practice saw an improvement on my time.
By this time, it was clear that I was in a far better mental state than Aintree. I felt more comfortable with the process, got myself ready in good time and was happy with my driving. There were less cars than at Aintree with far more Caterhams (but there were a few other cars - a Peugeot 206 GTi, a Scimitar and a brand new Nissan GTR...!!! The last was barely narrow enough to stay within the confines of the track!). Organisation was excellent and by keeping an eye on which cars were going out for their runs and when, made sure I was a lot calmer. The picture below comes from Rick Wilson (or at least his deputy as Rick couldn't get to this event).
For my first timed run, I tried very hard to remain smooth without sudden steering and good throttle control. I'd found the track slippy and sudden acceleration creates slides which were fun but not quick! A time of 65.99 seconds put me in third place in my group - a good result but with other drivers close around me, I knew I could still lose out. Another of Rachel's pics...
As soon as I returned to the paddock, I changed my front anti-roll bar (ARB) to a stiffer version - one of the few changes the regulations allow. This ARB should stiffen the front of the car which creates less roll at the front of the car. I'd never run this before so it was a risk but with a good time in my first run, I felt it was a risk worth taking - the front running cars had the stiffer ARB fitted... The change didn't take long (which is down to the help given to me by my older brother and my Dad).
My final run started with a slide into the first corner and despite congratulations from the commentator for controlling it, I'd lost some time. Ultimately, it cost me getting a quicker time but after a nervous wait, my time from my first run was good enough for third.
Once again, though, my starts have dropped me significant time. I'm still among the slower starters and a better start time could have bagged me a second place. The win went to Mike Hart - with a time quick enough to narrowly miss out on the class record - he was quick.
So a 'podium' netted me a trophy from Caterham and another trophy and book from the event organisers. Rick's picture shows I was pretty pleased with my result.
Curborough - Practice makes...
Not strictly a sanctioned Caterham Academy event but a day practicing at Curborough the day before our Sprint could prove beneficial. Arranged by a fellow Academy competitor, and with Caterham support in attendance, about 20 of us were able to use the Sprint venue for the day. It was well organised despite having nobody from the facility's owner in attendence!
We all lined up and took it in turns to have our go - having been split into two groups.
The weather played its part, too. With some trips round in the wet, it proved 'entertaining'.
We all lined up and took it in turns to have our go - having been split into two groups.
The weather played its part, too. With some trips round in the wet, it proved 'entertaining'.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Aintree - steeped in history and novices...
Aintree is one of the most famous 'race' facilities in the UK and for more variations of 'horse-power' than you may think. Quite aside from the Grand National, Aintree is a very special Motorsport venue. It is the UK's only purpose-built motor racing circuit and played host to the British Grand Prix five times between 1955 and 1962. Stirling Moss took his first victory at Aintee in 1955 which was also the first time a British driver won a British GP.
So it was with a great deal of pride that on Saturday, 24th April 2010, my first competitive event in the Caterham Academy took place on three-quarters of the Club Circuit section of the famous track.
In the first 5 seconds after being called to the collection area, a few things cross your mind. Firstly, 'THIS IS IT!' Secondly, 'BLIMEY, THIS IS IT...!' Then comes, 'It takes ages to get in the car' (there are 8 straps to untangle). Following that comes, 'I should have been ready for this ages ago...' Frankly, I wasn't as ready as I should have been so by the time I'd got to the start line for my first practice run, I wasn't in a good frame of mind.
Despite this, I was overjoyed to find myself with the second quickest time in our group. Having learnt the lessons of rushing to get ready for the last run, I jumped in the car early to get to the second. In my haste, I broke my video camera... The back luck didn't end there with me finding myself on the grass at the exit of the first turn. Not to worry, just a practice...
For the timed runs, however, I found myself braking early (a legacy of not being sure how to attack after my 'incident' in my second practice run). Ultimately, as a result, I ended the day in 6th place. Not bad but still disappointing given my promising start.
I had a great day with my Mum & Dad turning up with my Brother Thomas & Louise (his wife). We parked up alongside Wes and his family as well as Mike and his significant other. Between us, we spent the day helping each other out. You'll notice I'm car number 146 for this event - this was allocated by the organizers.
For future events, I need to work on my starts - each car is timed over the first 64 feet - and I'm among the slowest off the line. In fact, had I matched the starts of the winning cars, I'd have been in the top three...
FULL RESULTS
The video below is a collage of my runs - note I've deleted the 15 minutes sitting in the car waiting for each run... The first picture was taken by my Dad and the second picture is credited to Rick Wilson - the official photographer for the Caterham Academy.
So it was with a great deal of pride that on Saturday, 24th April 2010, my first competitive event in the Caterham Academy took place on three-quarters of the Club Circuit section of the famous track.
Arriving the night before the main event, I could dump the 'big rig' (car on a trailer towed by our SAAB). Claire (my wife) picked me up and we met up with Wes (and his family) as well as Mike Linzey and his good-lady. As an aside at this point, it's worth pointing out that Travelodge let us down badly and at the time of writing, I can't think I'll ever visit one of their hotels again. The one we booked was closed for a gas-leak (fair enough) but I still don't have my money back and trying to get hold of them is terrible - they don't even look at e-mails correctly.
Suitably fed and rested, we arrived early for signing-on and a walk of the course. This entertaining stroll was enough to show that despite being only three corners, there was enough to be thinking about - not least the huge (and significantly permanent and solid) jumps usually reserved for the race that usually takes place at Aintree...
Sprinting is a branch of Motorsport in it's own right and there are some people who make a success of it. It attracts a wide variety of cars (Caterhams, saloons, old F1 cars...). Essentially, you start at one point on the circuit and finish at another with the time taken to get between them your only opposition. At Aintree, we had two practice runs (both timed) followed by three official runs - the best of which is compared to everyone elses' best time. We also got an extra 'run for fun'...
Despite this, I was overjoyed to find myself with the second quickest time in our group. Having learnt the lessons of rushing to get ready for the last run, I jumped in the car early to get to the second. In my haste, I broke my video camera... The back luck didn't end there with me finding myself on the grass at the exit of the first turn. Not to worry, just a practice...
For the timed runs, however, I found myself braking early (a legacy of not being sure how to attack after my 'incident' in my second practice run). Ultimately, as a result, I ended the day in 6th place. Not bad but still disappointing given my promising start.
I had a great day with my Mum & Dad turning up with my Brother Thomas & Louise (his wife). We parked up alongside Wes and his family as well as Mike and his significant other. Between us, we spent the day helping each other out. You'll notice I'm car number 146 for this event - this was allocated by the organizers.
For future events, I need to work on my starts - each car is timed over the first 64 feet - and I'm among the slowest off the line. In fact, had I matched the starts of the winning cars, I'd have been in the top three...
FULL RESULTS
The video below is a collage of my runs - note I've deleted the 15 minutes sitting in the car waiting for each run... The first picture was taken by my Dad and the second picture is credited to Rick Wilson - the official photographer for the Caterham Academy.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Castle Combe Exclusive Track Day
The first time the group get to take to the track together is back at Castle Combe. The venue of our ARDS test welcomed most (as there were some absentees...) of the 2010 Pistonheads.com Caterham Academy.
A comfortable night prior to the day spent at Principal Hayley's Alexandra House - just south of Swindon - saw myself Wesley Fox and Mike Linzey join Martin ( a friend of Wes') out for a curry. Note never to ask a taxi driver for his favourite Indian - he'll take you to his mate/cousin/pen-pal's restaurant and it ain't always the best.
Parking arrangements were set in a 'unique' way in the hotel...
On arrival at the circuit, we were split into four groups. I was grouped with Wes and a chap called Mike Hart - both skillful drivers with some experience in cars and karts. Note that I was given position '10' on the list which is why I run with a number 10 on the car and not the 13 I'll be running in the races. Initially, the sessions proved frustrating - a lot of those in the Academy have never driven on track before (except for the few laps during the ARDS) and they understandably spent more time looking ahead rather than looking behind. Mike took control and flew past me (ignoring usual track-day etiquette) so I followed him...
Sadly, my first session didn't include me setting the video up - time was against me but the second session was excellent. It got lonely after I'd made a silly mistake but it was very enjoyable all the same... The video below is cropped as the last minutes of the session is just me on my own...!
Session three was equally good except I spent my time driving with Wes Fox. Sadly, I'd removed the video and not had chance to re-attach it before going out again... Equally frustrating is the fact that I spun during the session... Trying to do too much in too short a time frame...
Session four is shown below... Another drive with Wes - taking it in turns to lead...
I should point out one of the sessions during the day (again, without a video) was a greatly exciting session as I spent the entire time swapping positions with Mike Hart. It was really enjoyable 'dicing' with Mike and greatly rewarding - particularly as I felt a huge amount of trust in his driving and I hope he did in mine.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Silverstone Handling Day
On March 27th 2010, Caterham organised their first event for people in their cars and Silverstone was chosen as the venue. The Championship ahead of us was already creating much excitement amonst us participants but to have our first 'event' at the Home of British Motorsport added a further touch of racing glamour.
Until we arrived and realised it was the car-park outside the main entrance. And our 'circuit' was a set of cones in the aforementioned car-park. Oh the anti-climax.
However, this was billed as a serious event from the moment the 'Final Instructions' were sent through. As a test to our reading enthusiasm (and ability) the instructions insisted a tube of toothpaste be brought. Cue the 50% of people who brought their favourite gnasher-whitening grout lending it to the other 50% who had either forgotten/ignored/hadn't read the instructions (in my defence, I hadn't been sent them - the fact I got an apology for this but still presented a brand new tube of minty freshness, was missed by the organising team...).
First up, a Le Mans-style start that finished when you flashed you headlights... It takes a good two minutes to get into the car and entangle yourself withing the eight required straps. Having a HANs Device adds a bit to the time needed...
Then we had practice starts, mini-slaloms and mock-scutineering (where everything required for racing was checked from your overalls to the boot floor being sealed).
Then after a good (provided) lunch, we had a couple of runs at a big slalom against the clock. Rules were checked, re-verified and triple-confirmed... On my second run, I put in a competitive time (would have been good enough for second) only for it to be ruled out for not stopping between a set of cones we'd specifically been told wasn't necessary...! I'm still a bit bitter about this but what can you do...
Until we arrived and realised it was the car-park outside the main entrance. And our 'circuit' was a set of cones in the aforementioned car-park. Oh the anti-climax.
However, this was billed as a serious event from the moment the 'Final Instructions' were sent through. As a test to our reading enthusiasm (and ability) the instructions insisted a tube of toothpaste be brought. Cue the 50% of people who brought their favourite gnasher-whitening grout lending it to the other 50% who had either forgotten/ignored/hadn't read the instructions (in my defence, I hadn't been sent them - the fact I got an apology for this but still presented a brand new tube of minty freshness, was missed by the organising team...).
First up, a Le Mans-style start that finished when you flashed you headlights... It takes a good two minutes to get into the car and entangle yourself withing the eight required straps. Having a HANs Device adds a bit to the time needed...
Then we had practice starts, mini-slaloms and mock-scutineering (where everything required for racing was checked from your overalls to the boot floor being sealed).
Then after a good (provided) lunch, we had a couple of runs at a big slalom against the clock. Rules were checked, re-verified and triple-confirmed... On my second run, I put in a competitive time (would have been good enough for second) only for it to be ruled out for not stopping between a set of cones we'd specifically been told wasn't necessary...! I'm still a bit bitter about this but what can you do...
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