Silverstone - so this is it...?

Silverstone circuit appears twice on our 2011 race calendar and book-ends our season.  Earlier in the year we’d used the full GP circuit and I had managed to claim a good qualifying position but suffered from some over-enthusiasm in the first race.  On this occasion, there were a few differences – not least that we were using the International South circuit, the configuration usually reserved for experience days.  In fact, we were the first ever users of this configuration and with an Historic event using the National circuit, Silverstone was making the most of things!

An additional consequence of using this circuit was that we would be using the new pits – the Silverstone Wing.  Formula One and GT Racing had used them before but never a club event.  The facilities were built amid mounting pressure on the circuit owners to improve the facilities or face losing the F1 GP.  There has been some criticism of the view of the pits but the new complex is amazing – loads of space, clean and well built.  In fact the only problem was access from the main gate is lengthy…

Friday, 21^st October was set aside as a Track Day run by Book-a-Track.  This format allows passengers but no timing (Test Days don’t allow passengers but do allow timing).  From next year, Book-a-Track hopes to run ‘Trest’ Days (basically a bundling of the rules for both).  This new word was coined on the Friday morning briefing – if the OUP come looking for the first published use of the word, I’d appreciate a mention…

The sessioned day ran like any other – we had been on much of the circuit before but cut across from Abbey to the top of the Hanger Straight.  In reality, this meant that only one of the corners was new…  But the day was well-spent learning it (as it runs onto the longest straight, the exit is vital), and changing a few things on the car.  Jon again leant me his Green Anti-roll Bar and I found it the best set-up.

As timing wasn’t allowed, it was difficult to get an idea of relative pace.  I spent some time driving near other cars (notably Pete Bassage – a session where I learnt a huge amount) but this still wasn’t a gauge of competitiveness.

Therefore, come Qualifying on Saturday morning (22^nd October), and with two races later in the day, I had little idea of how I’d go.  Previously, I’d been able to make good progress at the track – I’m brave round the faster corners – so I felt confident.  I put on fresh tyres (they’d been scrubbed in but were pretty new) and set out for 20 minutes Qualifying.  Myself and Jon again decided to work together and after a few laps of getting heat in the tyres (amazing the difference new rubber makes), the brakes warm (essential for being able to stop reliably) and getting space for myself (overtaking or slowing as appropriate), I popped my first decent lap in.

At under 1m20sec, it gave me some confidence of a good starting position but we still had plenty of time left.  I saw Jon in my mirrors and over the next lap slowed enough for him to catch me.  As he got near, I made sure I kept ahead of him and after a lap or two, waved him past.  The next lap was spent in his tow and as I crossed the line, I found I’d gone even quicker than before.  The last few laps were frustrating as we caught some slower cars but on returning to the pits, I found my time was good enough for third on the grid!  My best ever qualifying position.  Clearly, the plan with Jon had worked – he ended up in pole position…

As a result of this being my last race, I had some stickers made acknowledging the people who had done the most to help me through the year – on three panels around the car, I had mentions for people including my family, friends and some of the other competitors.  It also included mentions for a few of the companies that have helped me on my way, photographers who have documented my racing and even my boss.

With everything in a day, again, there was little time to do anything with the newly liveried car.  It was a bit odd coming round to line up on the grid for the start and seemed to be waiting for an age before the lights came on.  Perhaps too long.  I spent too long thinking about how best to get off the line and as the lights went out, I suffered from perhaps my worst start of the year.  The wheels were spinning and once I got going, I think I was perhaps down towards 10^th…  The first corner’s very quick and I lined up calmly in the order – as I’d been reminded before the start (by Wes Fox), I was quick and could make my way up the order in the event of a poor start.  At the first real braking point of the track, I stayed on the normal line while other cars tried to cover one another.  I ended up going round the outside of some cars and up behind Ross.  On the run towards the top of Hanger, I went to tuck in behind him hoping to get a tow down the straight.  At the last second, I felt confident enough to pass him and swept up his inside and ahead down the straight – following Kurt and catching him.  I’d made my way back up to 7^th and thought that keeping close to Kurt would help make the appropriate progress back towards the front.

As we came to Vale, I lined up to challenge Kurt but a yellow flag and safety car board was put out by the marshalls.  I held station behind him and slowed – clearly there had been a serious incident at the start.  Despite the flags, I was overtaken into Club by John Toshack – he clearly hadn’t seen the flags.  I opened the gap to him as I slowed but coming on to the start straight, he slammed his brakes on as he realised what was happening.  I didn’t have time to slow and swerved to go round him but as I did, the wayward Adam White hit the back of my car (I’d glimpsed him in my mirror off the circuit and sideways out of club).  This sent me into a slide and I hit the wall backwards, coming to a rest in almost the exact same place as I’d started the race just a lap before.

The consequenses hit me instantly and I burst into tears.  I was out of the race, and wasn’t going to have a car capable of even entering the second race later in the day.

Marshalls pushed the car off the track and that was it.  Over.

The safety car had been brought out because of a prang at the start – in fact, one chap hurt his ribs.  I accompanied him to the medical centre (a request that I went came from the marshalls) but we both returned to the pits after a quick check.  On my return, Caterham had confirmed what I already knew – the car was beyond fixing at the track.  For the second time this year, Adam had run into me and done significant damage to the car...  By the way, Adam contributes nothing to the repairs, loss of entry fees or significant insurance excess...

My last race.  My best Qualifying position.  Barely a lap completed.

I was well supported at this event – my Mum and Dad, my Brother John and his family all came to see me.  My wife’s Dad and Uncle were also there.  ‘The Other’ Claire and Ian were joined by Andrew Kettle.  I had Simon Cox and his significant other come to watch the racing.  Of course, my Wife, Claire was on hand to offer sympathy and support (and more than a choice swear-word or two regarding how I ended up out of the race!) – I love her very much for helping make everything feel OK.

For the few days after going out so disappointingly, I did a lot of crying but ultimately I was fine even though the car wasn’t.  There were some high-profile people in Motorsport who didn’t fare so well immediately before the weekend and during it.  I’m amazingly thankful for that.

Anglesey - beside the sea

Anglesey was the replacement for our cancelled weekend at Donington Park.  It's a long way from home but I knew it was a popular destination - there are good reviews of the circuit on forums and in the press.  The circuit was re-built a few years ago and while the facilities are very basic (no pits and a portakabin for Race Control), the circuit is excellent.  We were warned of two corners in advance of venturing out for the first time on the test day: Rocket is a blind left-hander which follows the fastest section of the circuit and Peel opens to reveal the most spectacular view in Motorsport.  Such was the shock of seeing miles of Welsh coastline as I turned the corner for the first time, I literally took an extra breath - then remembered there's a tricky corner coming and had to break sharply...!

Testing saw us out for four sessions and while the track was dry, the wind was very keen.  My wife, Claire, braved the day to join me on the Friday before our race weekend - and spent her day trying to shelter from the worst the weather had to offer!

The circuit is quite technical with elevation changes, off-camber corners and corners requiring a brave commitment.  The advice we received suggesting we'd struggle to get the most from our time seemed true - it was very difficult to work out the best lines through the corners.  I changed a few settings during the day and settled on anti-roll bar and tyre choices.

The next morning (Saturday, 24th September) and the weather had changed: no wind but wet.  Come qualifying, the rain had stopped but the track was still damp.  Venturing out, it was clear the the track would be slippy but as there was no more rain, it was likely to dry.  Early on, I gained confidence and cut time from my lap - I eventually started to run close to Spencer Horgan which I thought might help get me a slipstream.  When I returned to parc ferme after the chequered flag came out, I was the first to arrive - I'd been the first to take the flag and missed one lap compared to everyone else.  I end up with 14th fastest time - I knew I was quicker than the time suggested so I knew I was likely to have an exciting race.

Later that day and the rain was gone along with the damp surface.  Less treaded tyres were put on and I lined up on the grid for Race One.  The plan was to buck my trend for poor starts and keep out the way of those struggling to get round the first corner - a fast left-hander.  Amazingly, the plan kind of worked - I get a reasonable start and got to the second corner in one piece.  Unfortunately, I didn't make much progress up the order.

As the race progressed, I had a good battle with three or four cars and had to avoid a few spinning cars (at one point, I narrowly missed Ross).  In the end, I had some space for myself and set about tracking down the 8th place Ian Davis.  I caught him but on the second to last corner of the race, I made a slight mistake and allowed him some space.  We cross the line near one-another and I get 9th place - making five places in the race is a good result.

The next day for Race Two, and the weather had changed - again.  No rain but the wind was up.  I start 9th on the grid and start in a similar way to the first race - a couple of laps in and I'm free of the chasing pack and make my way past Ian Davis - up to 7th.  I keep an eye on my mirrors and see there are some battles going on behind.  As the last lap approaches, Jim Needham has made some good progress after a problem in race one, and gets in my tow down the long straight.  I try to keep him behind me but I lose sight of him.  It's only once we're on the fastest part of the circuit and I realise he's alongside me on the grass.  He takes his chance at Rocket but runs a little wide on exit so I pass him back.  He follows me through the rest of the lap and a yellow flag on the last corner stops his progress allowing me to run untroubled across the line in 7th place.

Having finished 7th from a starting position of 14th after Qualifying, I'm happy with the way things turned out.  A massive thank you to my wife, Claire, for coming along and putting up with the weather for three days!  I love you so very much.  Additionally, thanks to my Mum, Dad and Brother John for trekking all the way to Anglesey.  Thank you to Mum and Dad for footing the bill for the excellent B&B.

All pictures from Rachel Horgan.

Qualifying and two races in a day at Oulton Park

Oulton Park in Cheshire has a great deal to offer - it's a great challenge through some great countryside, it has some good facilities (as all Motorsport Vision circuits do) and spectators are able to see a great deal of the best parts of the circuit.  British Touring Cars visit as well and a variety of other high-profile series.

Historically, it has attracted star drivers to the big races held at the demanding circuit.

One of the drawbacks to having the circuit set in the countryside is that there are strict planning restrictions relating to noise coming from the track.  Therefore, we were forced to have Qualifying and two races crammed into one day.

Having tested the previous day, I was as ready as I could be for the day.

Qualifying started early in the day and just before our 20 minute stint, I spoke with Jon Mortimer.  We would try and work together in order to make the most of our time on circuit.  Our plan was to try and drag each other round, getting a slipstream when appropriate.  What we hadn't bargained for was Peter Bassage being just ahead of us and we regularly catch him.  In the end, this may have offered us some help as Jon got himself into 2nd position and I found myself in 8th.

Race one soon came along and I lined up on the left of the track.  Sadly, a poor start and I lost a few places off the line.  Keeping out of trouble at the start and I felt a lot quicker than those ahead - in fact, the cars immediately in front of me were holding me up.  I continued in this position for a few laps but eventually I made a mistake and dropped off the back of the pack.  For some reason after this point, I seemed to struggle to get back on terms - the car seemed to change its feel and ultimately I finished a disappointing 11th.

No time to question the performance as Race Two soon came round.  Just as we were about to head out on to the circuit to take the start, the rain started - gently at first...

Off the line, I continue my poor form and lose a couple of places.  The rain continues and I get into a rhythm.  As the surface gets wetter, cars ahead start to struggle.  I make an effort to drive smoothly (something I'm generally OK at!) as others start to slide off the track!  After a drag race with James Needham up the hill at the back of the circuit, I'm up to 5th position.  The damp conditions are suiting me and I'm feeling confident.

A few corners later and Aaron Head (easily the best in the wet) come past me.  He'd been involved in an earlier incident and was recovering well.  I make it difficult for him and his compromised line through a corner has me right on his tail...  In my over-enthusiasm to keep close, I'm just too early on the throttle and the back of the car slips wide.  I save the spin but end up on the inside of the track watching several of the cars I'd passed going away from me.  I'm really angry with myself - in fact I punch the steering wheel - but try to close the gap in front.

Trouble at the first corner where as the track starts to dry, I mis-judge the grip available, run wide and spin on to the grass.  My tyres are soaked and cold after this and it takes a while to get back up to speed.  This has knocked my confidence and in the last corner of the last lap, I lose another place to Spencer Horgan putting back to 13th.

A really disappointing day results-wise but a really enjoyable day all the same.

An added bonus was that I had perhaps the biggest following of support I've had so far - my ever-present wife and parents were joined by my Brother John and his family.  Additionally, Ian (my D.O.P.E) made the long return trip with Holly (sadly, 'The Other' Claire couldn't join him - she was looking after June...), Claire's Dad and Uncle came along and a good friend from work, Rhys popped in with a friend of his.

I'm really thankful for the support and the effort people have made to help me.

Next up - Anglesey on the 23rd, 24th and 25th September.  All pics from Rachel Horgan.

Oulton Park - Been on a trackday, now a test day

Oulton Park stood in for a cancelled Silverstone trackday earlier in the year and I really enjoyed the circuit.  Experience showed that in the wet, it's a very tricky place so it was great to see that the Friday test day (on the 2nd September) prior to racing was dry.

Just about everyone was present and I shared a garage with Wes Fox - while our wives went shopping at Cheshire Oaks...

The first session of the day and with knowledge of the circuit and a renewed trust in the front of the car resulting from the Green anti-roll bar inherited from Jon Mortimer, I felt confident.  That confidence lasted one corner.  Understeer - with a bit more understeer.

The Green ARB wasn't working for me and I was missing corner apex after corner apex.  The only way to make it was to slow the car more than I felt necessary.  On coming back to the pits, I advised John it wasn't working and we both decided to stay with the middle (Red) ARB.

Our sessions were spread throughout the day and ultimately I ended with a reasonable time compared with some of the other drivers - but still over a second off the best pace.

The day stayed dry, it would be nice if the race day was the same...

Zandvoort - The Historic Dutch Circuit - sort of...

Zandvoort Circuit hosted races for more than thirty years before finishing as a top level Formula One track over twenty years ago.  The current configuration is newer than the one that hosted races in the past but many of the best corners are the same.  In fact, having now driven it, I can easily say it is an excellent and challenging circuit.  Fast, flowing corners as well as undulations and hairpins for a lap of just over two minutes.

The weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 9th and 10th July hosted almost every Caterham series in the UK including the Graduates.  The packed Caterham schedule had Qualifying and Race One on Saturday with a warm-up and Race Two on Sunday.  All pictures from Rachel Horgan.

The weather for the weekend was expected to be changeable and Qualifying started in the wet.  Over our twenty minutes of track-time, the track started to dry but there were still several patches of very slippy surface.  As I came round each time, I felt I could have gone more quickly so would always try to improve each lap.  Sadly, I missed the best the circuit had to offer and found myself in 8th on the grid.  Not bad but I felt I could have gone more quickly.

Race One began in dry and bright conditions.  The grid was set up slightly differently to normal in that we lined up similarly to a Formula One race - a fully staggered grid.  Normally, we line up in rows of two.  This meant we would have a little more room off the line but it also meant the grid spread further up the track.

Off the start, I made progress towards the back of the car that had hit me at Brands Hatch and had to move across the circuit to avoid him pushing me towards the wall.  Thankfully, I was able to make it past him and I spent some laps following the battle for 4th - 8th places.  Eventually, the flag came out and I crossed the line in 7th place.

My biggest problem seemed to be with the second to last corner.  From this point, it's full throttle all along the start/finish straight so if the exit to this corner is wrong, you suffer along the straight.  At the time, I felt my car was under-powered so next morning, I arranged with Matt Whate to follow him for a couple of laps to see if I could stay close enough to gain from a slipstream.  It was clear that I'd been entering the corner too quickly and lifting on the exit - compromising my speed along the fastest part of the circuit.

After chatting with DPR and Wes Fox, I tried the stiffest anti-roll bar (ARB) for the warm-up.  Thanks to Jon Mortimer for lending it to me.  The difference was that the car seemed to be steadier on turn-in to a corner and have a little less movement in the corner.  The slight downside was a small increase in understeer.  I think the bar helped me (particularly with the second to last corner) so chose to run it in the race.

We were lucky again for Race Two.  The sun shone on the circuit as we went through the now familiar procedure at the start of the race.  As a result of my seventh in Race One, I line up on the opposite side to before and as the race gets underway, everyone seems to move to the right of the track.  This means I'm unhindered to the first corner and I make it on my way in one piece.  For the first couple of laps, I try to pick off one or two cars and make it to fifth with some good overtakes into a quick corner at the top of the circuit.

The car feels more comfortable in this race and I regret not being closer to the leaders as I feel I could have matched them.  Halfway through the race, Jon Mortimer comes past after he'd started at the back of the grid and we dice for a while - swapping positions over a couple of laps.

Just behind me is Chris Bingham and we have our own three-way battle for 5th place.  We stay close together as the last lap board comes out.  I try in vain to get a move past Jon and make sure of not making a mistake at the second to last corner.  Sadly, this means I lose a bit of speed through the corner and Chris behind me has a better exit.  Onto the straight, I try to keep him behind me but his tow from my car is too good.  He passes me on the to take sixth place leaving me where I started in seventh.  The margin is less than 0.05 seconds and I put my head in my hands as I realise what's happening over the line.

The gap may be bigger than when Jon beat me to the line at Brands in the Academy last year but I'm even more disappointed with the result.

Two seventh places aren't as good as I'd have hoped for but the car felt excellent after its recent work and with some new confidence with the new ARB, I'm looking forward to our next race.  We have a long wait as a result of Donington Park being cancelled so it'll be Oulton Park at the beginning of September.





Having come all the way to Zandvoort with me, I'm over the moon that my Mum and Dad could join me - in fact my Dad celebrated his 60th birthday on the Monday after the race so we bought him a cruise...  from the Hook of Holland to Harwich!

Finally, I love the fact that my wife comes along to support and help with my racing. xxxxxx

Zandvoort Test Day

Next round for the Caterham Roadsport Championship and we had an overseas trip to Holland.  Only 20 minutes from Amsterdam - and just by the sea - is Zandvoort.
The famous Dutch Circuit was to host a 'Caterham Eurofest' featuring Roadsport, Supersport and R300.  In addition, the Caterham Graduates' series joined us and the Dutch series had their own races (they were part of our races at Brands Hatch).

The Thursday and Friday before the race were designated Track days but I wasn't able to be there on the Thursday.  Instead, my wife, Claire, and my Mum and Dad travelled across with me from Harwich to the Hook of Holland on the Thursday day-ferry.  The 6-and-a-half hour crossing passed quickly enough - an added irony being that we lined up on the car deck behind the chap that hit me at Brands Hatch.  He barely mentioned the incident.....

On Friday morning, we were all given a briefing which suggested the Thursday had been a bit 'interesting'.  Basically, we were warned to keep it on the circuit or we'd be asked to leave...  Additionally, no instructors were permitted to take to the circuit with us.  So the instruction I'd booked took place with the instructor driving me round in a hired Opel Meriva...

The circuit is fabulous.  Undulations (in Holland!), blind crests, fast corners, slow corners - it had a bit of everything.  It also had a long straight meaning the second to last corner (the last time you'd need to brake on a lap) would be vital.  The morning was dry and having learnt the circuit in the first session, I started to feel more comfortable as I completed more laps.

In the afternoon, the rain came - in a massive downpour.  The whole circuit suffered but the last few corners were the worst.  It was so bad that I couldn't see anything.  At all.

I came in and told my Dad I couldn't see but when he started to wipe the outside of the screen, I had to explain it was the INSIDE of the screen that was causing me problems!  It was worthwhile being out in the wet and later it dried again.  With changeable conditions expected over the weekend, some wet running might prove useful.

Car is repaired and ready to go!

Having the car so badly damaged after Brands Hatch, I left it in the very capable hands of DPR Motorsport in order for them to repair it before heading off to Zandvoort for the next race.  With a fairly small gap between the races, it was a challenge to get the car ready.
The car had to be stripped, and trailered to Caterham's chassis facility near Swindon.  This is where the rear basket (the frame around the fuel tank) was replaced - basically, the old one was ripped off and the new one welded in place.  They then replaced the damaged body panels.

The work was done in just a day and the car returned to DPR for them to re-assemble the fuel tank and rear suspension.  I managed to collect the car on the Monday before we left for Holland on the Wednesday.  It couldn't have been left much longer...

A massive thank you to Derrick and David at DPR Motorsport for their efforts.  Additional thanks to my insurance company, REIS, for their speedy settlement.

Total cost of the work? £8500.  Thankfully, I have race insurance and while the excess was high, it could have been worse...

Brands can't accomdate us all for the races!

Brands Hatch has two configurations: the Grand Prix and the Indy circuits.  The Indy circuit was our venue for the next rounds of the now-called Caterham Roadsport (we've dropped the 'B') Championship.  We were joined by members of the Dutch Caterham Motorsport series and this pushed the circuit up to its maximum capacity.  Saturday, 11th and Sunday 12th June 2011.

In a bid to ease this congestion, Qualifying would determine our positions for both races but would also allocate us to one of three groups.  The weekend would have three races with two groups racing in each with each group getting two races: ie. A vs B, B vs C, C vs A.

Qualifying was expected to be a bit congested with over 30 cars trying to find space on a circuit that's just over a mile long...

After a few laps trying to find space, I got the opportunity to get some clear laps and I managed to set my fastest time of the weekend.  Good enough for 10th fastest overall and into Group A.  This means I would start 8th and 7th in my races - both of which would be on the Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon, I got to watch my first Roadsport race without me in it!  It was bizarre to watch my friends battle with one another.  It was even more bizarre to see the families of the drivers watch the race - they worried every time their driver went past.  My wife, Mum and Dad were quick to point out what they go through when watching me race...!  My Brother John got some good pics by Druid's corner.

Come race day, the weather started dry and once again, I have a poor start.  For the first few corners, I run alongside the quick-starting Ross Macindoe.  I have to stay ahead and manage to keep him behind me as I join a group of myself, Pete Bassage and Adam White - all three of us Group A.

After 20 minutes of jostling, overtaking and making it up to 5th at one point, I finish the race crossing the line in 6th.  As I get to Parc Ferme, I'm steered towards the area usually reserved for the podium winners...  It appears that two of the leading drivers have been penalised and I'm promoted to 4th place.  A later investigation into Adam White, who has third on the podium, results in no change to the results.  I'm really pleased but know I was ahead at one point in the last lap and could have had a podium...

The second race started in the wet.  Given my wet running over the weekend (in the preceding track and test days), I'm happy about this.  I line up in 7th and start the race in 2nd gear.  Pete Bassage is just ahead of me and has a poor getaway.  I aim for the left of him but the way is blocked by another car.  I switch to the right and squeeze between him and the pit wall - there's JUST enough room and I continue along the wall.  As the wall ends, myself and Pete touch.  I save a possible spin but Pete starts to slide.  I see Paddock Hill Bend ahead and I'm free of the battle so assume I'm in the clear.....

Just then, I get a massive hit at the rear of the car - I find later that Adam White had hit me hard.  This sent me to the grass on the inside of the track and I'm heading at great speed to the barrier.  The impact is at the same place as I'd been hit and I spin along the barrier.  My race is over before the first corner.

As I pull off the circuit, I'm greeted by the friendly face of Rachel Horgan - whose pictures are in this blog entry.  A quick wave to my wife, Claire, Mum, Dad and Brother who saw the incident and I sit to watch the race finish.  A sore end to a great weekend.

Here's a video of the incident.  I'm twisting the usual Motorsport Vision rules about videos - you don't get to see much of the circuit...

The car is now in for repair and may have to be put through insurance.  DPR Motorsport are now responsible for getting my car back in shape ready for Zandvoort by the 7th July.

Yet another massive thank you to my wife, Mum, Dad and Brother John who came along in support and to help get the car sorted for the races.

Brands Hatch by Night and Day

It had been a while since I'd been in the car so when an opportunity to get to Brands Hatch for the evening presented itself, I took it.  Our next race was to be at the Kent circuit's Indy configuration and a Track evening the day before a test day was a good way to scrub in some new tyres.

The track evening on Thursday 9th June was an open pit-lane event and most of the other cars on track were Caterhams!

The next day, we had four 30-minute sessions through the day with other Roadsport cars.  Note our Championship has dropped the 'B' after Roadsport-A finished.

Some wet running gave me some hope that I'd be comfortable as the track became damp so I was pleased with my progress.  Sadly, I still had some time to find and was struggling with traction from the two most important corners (again!).

Snetterton 300 - Easter weekend of racing

Snetterton 300 is another of Jonathan Palmer's circuits so the facilities are excellent but with many restrictions.  I've regularly commented on my dismay at his attitude towards not allowing video footage to be posted on the internet.  Most circuits allow video footage to be posted as long as there's no commercial gain from them.  Jonathan Palmer doesn't allow it at all - or face a fine of £25,000.  Why he continues to restrict the likes of myself - someone who loves his racing and wants to share the experience with his family and friends - is a mystery.  I can't gain from these videos if all I want to do is show how much I'm enjoying myself.  An awful lot of money and effort goes into my racing - with a huge amount coming from family and friends - and I'd love to be able to show them what I'm doing.  With his ridiculous restrictions in place, I'm unable to do this and I hate the fact that I can't put them on here without risking a massive fine.

For all the criticism I level at him, he should be congratulated for the amount of money he continues to invest in his circuits.  Snetterton has been overhauled during the Winter and there is a new in-field section to the circuit and Coram has been extended to make it even more difficult.  Sadly, not all the improvements have been completed successfully and the edges of the circuit are very soft.  Most circuits have some extra firm ground alongside the race track in the most sensitive areas but not here.  A lot of cars suffered damaged wheels on the test day (my own problems during the test were unrelated) after they just went off the edge of the track.  In this regard, I'd suggest the circuit wasn't quite ready for us - despite telling us to remember the 'Blue Book' regulations regarding the edge of the track - as cars will always find themselves on the peripherals of a circuit.

Anyway...

We had a weekend of racing to get through and this being the Easter weekend, we'd been shifted to Sunday and Monday so the circuit could maximise it's opportunity to put races on.  Sunday offered us a 20 minute Practice (we'd never had one of these before), 20 minutes Qualifying and a 20 minute Race.  Monday would give us a 20 minute Race.

The practice was my first chance to check my repair on the crank-shaft sensor.  Thankfully, it held up fine for the weekend.  Sadly, I was still struggling with the car and circuit.  In the Practice session, the car was understeering and I still didn't think it was braking very well.  Back in the pits, I raised the back of the car slightly and took a look at the rear brake pads.  One of them was worn to the metal - all of the friction material had gone.  Suffice to say, these were changed, too...

Come qualifying, I took a chance and went out alone - hoping to get some assistance from other cars' slipstreams.  Sadly, I got caught behind some slower cars and couldn't make progress.  When I did get ahead, I didn't have anyone to help me...

The end of Qualifying had me sitting in 20th place.  I was 4th on the grid at Silverstone.  I wasn't happy... and worse was that I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong.

The race took place in the early evening with a low sun (I'm thankful for my new, tinted visor!).  I had a poor start and one of the (few) cars behind me came past.  While I was trying to work out how he'd managed to get away so well, I forgot there was a corner coming.  I got onto the slippy part of the corner and hit the grass.  Keeping my 'foot in', I got back on the circuit and aimed to make up for my poor starting position.  It was quite intense but over the course of the race, I made some progress and as I passed cars or they dropped out, I tried to get on the back of a group squabbling for the mid-field positions.  In the last lap, I made up several seconds and crossed the line just behind this group.  I'd finished 13th which considering my starting position, I was reasonably pleased with.

The second race of the weekend was just after midday on Monday.  Much warmer but with a keen breeze.  Our hosts from our B&B (Karen and Mark) as well as my Best Man and his wife (Mark and Kerry) came to offer some support so I was looking forward to the race.

At the start, I was similarly poor off the line and dropped a couple of places from 13th.  I ended up just behind Matt Rigby (from Pistonheads.com) and looked to get past him and make progress.  However, there were a lot of cars all trying to do the same thing.  The racing was brutal.  Cars were bashing into one another (in fact, I got hit in the rear at the second corner) and I ended up being stranded behind one such stricken car.  My only way out was to push the car next to me...  On another part of the circuit, I hit another car as we approached a corner, and frankly, I have no idea what happened to him!

In the melee, a car went off the circuit and the yellow flags came out.  Overtaking is prohibited under a yellow but Martin Pass came past me.  I expected him to relent but he didn't.  My frustration just rose another notch and I continued the race without making a great deal of progress.

In the end, I finished in 11th.  As I came into Parc Ferme (where cars go at the end of a race before being released by the scrutineers), I saw Martin Pass had finished quite well and I asked someone what happens if someone passes under a yellow.  Expecting to have to go to the Stewards, I approached Martin and told him what I thought had happened.  After a quick chat, I decided I wouldn't push the issue and drew a line under the incident...  In Martin's own words 'Karma caught up with him' as he was disqualified for his car being too low and my final result was 10th.

I had a frustrating but enjoyable weekend and I'm as thankful as ever for my parents being with me along with my older Brother, John.  I love the fact that Claire, my wife, continues to come (and put up with me being grumpy).  Sadly, 'The Other' Claire and Ian 'DOPE' couldn't make it because Ian was poorly but I'm grateful for their continued support.

Pictures have been taken by Rachel Horgan.

Testing at the new Snetterton 300 circuit

Norfolk over a Bank Holiday weekend should be relaxing but for those of us in the Caterham Roadsport-B Championship, it would be the location of a few days worth of track-time.  Snetterton was the location for the weekend's fun and testing on Friday, 22nd April was the start.

We had been split into several groups and the four sessions in the day would see us get used to the new layout called Snetterton 300.  Last time we were here, I had to retire from third place with one lap to go when my throttle jammed open...

Sadly, my early time at the circuit was not proving positive.  The new layout was taking a lot of time to get used to and the car felt awkward around me.  I couldn't pick my line, I couldn't fell comfortable on the brakes and I couldn't get traction from the corners.  I couldn't put my finger on what the problem might be.  I just wasn't very quick - I struggled to get past cars I would normally be much quicker than and when I did get by, I'd struggle to pull away.

I tried all sorts - tyre pressures, different lines etc but still nothing.

The third session came and I felt slightly more comfortable.  I'd noticed the tyre pressures were coming in quite low so with the air in the rubber adjusted, I set out.  A dice with a Ginetta racecar gave me some confidence but as I took the new, sharp, left in the new section of the circuit, the car mis-fired...  It had never done that before and is often associated with low fuel.  I had topped the tank before heading out so this wasn't the problem.  Even worse, at the next right-hander ('Oggies'), the car cut out and slowed suddenly - the Ginetta nearly running into me.  I put my foot on the clutch and coasted to a stop by a gap in the barriers.  Despite my efforts to get the car running again, I was out and had to be towed back at the end of the session.

After a great deal of checking, fiddling and checking again, one of the race-team owners traced the problem to the Crankshaft sensor.  It's a small, plastic component that had been broken against the flywheel after it's mounting bracket had come loose.  Again a technical issue had brought my day to an end.

A quick note to say the next day, I was able to find a replacement part, 'botch' the bracket together and get the car started again.

Rachel Horgan once again with the pictures.

Straights, Slipstreams and Spins at Silverstone

Finally, after a winter of waiting for this weekend, we get to start racing again.  Silverstone welcomed some of the Caterham Motorsport ladder to its longest circuit configuration for a packed day of racing on the 27th March.  Us in Roadsport-B joined Roadsport-A and Supersports to race around the same circuit used by Formula One and Moto GP.  The long layout was a worry in advance of this event for two reasons: none of us had raced here before and the long, wide straights meant we'd spend our time slipstreaming each other.  This would result in high speeds and close driving but would also result in several cars across the circuit all trying to make their way into each corner on a different line...

Because of the busy weekend schedule at Silverstone, we had to have Qualifying and two races in a day - at many events this year, the schedule is over two days.

Having set up in one of the garages with several other Roadsport -B competitors, Qualifying came about quite quickly.  I had the car well prepped by my family who came along to support and as I trundled out towards the circuit, I found myself in amongst some cars I hadn't driven near before.  This is because the two Academy groups from 2010 are mixed together.  I didn't know how some of these cars were going to be driven so I was a little nervous.

The conditions were excellent and I soon found the car warming up on the track.  The problem with the circuit soon became apparent...  Cars were following each other along the straights and having to pass in order to make progress, the problem is that the next straight would result in the passed car being faster in the slipstream and coming past.

I spent a frustrating 20 minutes trying to find some space but never getting a clear lap with a decent tow for myself.

However, at the end of the session, I found I'd taken the 4th quickest time which put me on the second row on the grid.  I was really pleased with this as it meant I had an opportunity to stay with the leaders at the start.

The first race came along in no time and I was soon lining up on my grid position.  Sitting there, I get quite nervous and my heart-rate builds.  As the lights come on, I can hear other cars revving up and I question if I'm doing the right thing by not revving quite as much.  As the lights go off, and I make my start, I move away in a similar way to everyone else.  Round the first corner and I've dropped one position - not too worrying but I must stay with the lead group.

A few corners later and it's clear this is going to be hectic.  The lead has changed many times in the first lap alone and with a two and half minute lap, we won't get many during our 20 minute lap.  Silverstone is a long circuit and the lead changes with almost every corner.  I get myself up to third during the first lap but the lead group consists of about six or seven cars and everyone is jostling all the way round.

It stays like this for 15 minutes and just after the '5 minute' board comes out, I make a move for forth position in Becketts corner.  As I exit, I press the accelerator and the car slides - then spins...  Cars stream past me but I move away as soon as I can.  It feels like I'm in last place but I see cars behind me so concentrate on making some progress (I late find I'd dropped to 16th).  I have a lap and a half to restore some of the damage I'd done after my mistake and I press on, passing two cars down the last straight before the end of the lap.

I finish in 12th place.

The second race will have me starting from 12th on the grid so I realise I need to make progress quickly and cleanly to have any chance of getting a decent result.  At the start, I pass a car or two and another couple along Hanger straight.  Halfway round the first lap, and I'm up to 6th.

The battle in the lead group resumes in the same way as race one but this time I decide that I really want to finish without a mistake so I take it a bit easier - I battle with several cars but by the end I finish in a very satisfying 8th position.

I wish I could have done more to capitalise on my good grid position after qualifying but over the two races, I'm pleased with the day.  It was amazingly good fun (albeit intense) and I can't wait for Snetterton at Easter.

All pictures come from Rachel Horgan - I look forward to seeing them through the year.

I was joined during the day by Get Embroidered who continue to offer me a huge amount of support and do an excellent job in producing my racewear.

Thanks to my wife and my family for their help, love and support.

A testing day at Silverstone

The season is now on us...

Silverstone welcomes the first races of the year but as a result of Britcar dictating the schedule for the weekend, we have to test on Friday, 25th March despite our races taking place on the Sunday.  We used the full Arena GP circuit - the same used by Formula One and Moto GP.  This means long straights and fast corners.

Early on a Friday morning, I arrived at the circuit and set up with some of the others I'd raced with in 2010.  The day is sessioned which means we get 30 minutes track-time before letting another group run for 60 minutes.  Once we'd signed in, I made my way to the paddock and met up with Wes Fox.  Last year's Academy Champion (one of them!) had been round the circuit before so I used a bit of time behind him to learn where it all went!  It soon became clear that the long straights would result in good opportunities to slipstream other cars - something that had become obvious we could do in 2010.

Soon into the first session, it was clear that bravery was needed to get the most from the car and circuit.  Some corners are flat-out in 5th gear (a gear I never used while racing in 2010).  At speeds of about 120mph while driving close to other cars, you need to be confident (but not too much), observant (very) and trusting of other drivers.

We were allocated just four sessions in the day and these came and went quite quickly.  It was interesting to drive alongside other cars (especially James Needham) and see the relative speeds.  The start of the racing can't come soon enough!

A blast at Bedford with 'Get Embroidered'

I'd tried to do a track-day at Bedford Autodrome in December 2010, but what with snow, frost and fog, it was cancelled.  Bedford Autodrome is operated by Motorsport Vision and concentrates on Corporate days and track-days.  They don't use the circuit for races.  EVO magazine use a section of the circuit for car testing.

On the 26th February, I had another chance but when I arrived at the circuit, the clouds and damp seemed to be suggesting I might have to be careful through the day.

And so it proved.  As we headed out for our familiarisation laps (compulsory at most track-days to see where the marshalls are and where the corners go!), the rain came.  And came...

It was soon apparent that it was getting really wet.  In fact on my first venture on the circuit, I spun at the first corner - some were so difficult, it was like being on ice.  I took some tuition in the morning which really helped and as I got to know the circuit, my confidence rose.

Perhaps this was the best time for Simon and some of his family & friends to come and see me.  Simon looks after Get Embroidered who have supplied the excellent teamwear I wear at circuits.  Simon's support has been really appreciated.

As the track began to dry, I took Simon and his troupe on a few laps each to give them a feel of what it's like in the car.  I'm told they really enjoyed it (though Simon couldn't do more than one lap for fear of being ill!!).

With just 30-40 minutes of the day left, the track was completely dry and I was able to push the car in it's Roadsport-B set-up.

Thanks to Ian 'DOPE' Davies for his help in the day.  I really can't wait for the season to begin.

Another MSV circuit exposes me to Jonathan Palmer's restriction over video viewing so I'll avoid any chance of a £25,000 fine and complain about not being able to show you instead...

Off to Oulton Park

On the 12th February, myself and my wife had a track-day at Oulton Park in Cheshire.  I've been to watch racing at Oulton many times but this was the first time I'd been round the circuit.

A trip up and overnight stay behind us, we arrive at a damp circuit and I was hoping to get some good, dry running in the car in it's newly installed Roadsport-B specification.

It became clear early on that the day wasn't going to be smooth...  The morning saw me get just a handful of laps out of the car.  Several Red flags because of people spinning in the damp conditions restricted the amount of time I could have on the circuit.  In fact, at one point I made my way back on the circuit after one Red flag and had two cars spin in front of me on the out-lap...

After lunch, I had some tuition and the conditions improved.  Oulton is an excellent circuit and I'm really looking forward to racing there later in the year.  I got many laps in and loved the new settings on the car.  It felt so much quicker with more stability because of the new tyres.

Claire was brilliant (as normal) and made the day run seamlessly.

I have some videos of my day but as this is a Motorsport Vision circuit, and their draconian rules regarding use of video footage, I can't share any of it with you...