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.
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