|
3rd Nov.
|
3rd
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219 points
|
|
Race
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Date
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Qual
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Result
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Where
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Tues 25th Feb
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||||
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Sun 9th March
|
3rd
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6th
|
Leicestershire
|
|
|
Sat 29th March
|
16th
|
9th
|
Derby
|
|
|
Sun 13th April
|
1st
|
1st
|
Kent
|
|
|
Sat 26th April
|
3rd
|
1st
|
Thetford
|
|
|
Sat 26th April
|
1st
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2nd
|
Thetford
|
|
|
Sun 11th May
|
42nd
|
8th
|
Derby
|
|
|
Sat 28th June
|
5th
|
rtd
|
Louth
|
|
|
Sat 26th July
|
4th
|
3rd
|
Llanelli
|
|
|
Pembrey 2
|
Sun 27th July
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3rd
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2nd
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Llanelli
|
|
Sun 24th Aug
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1st
|
1st
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Bicester
|
|
|
Sat 6th Sept.
|
n/a
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n/a
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Chester
|
|
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Sat 28th Sept.
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4th
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3rd
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Louth
|
|
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Cadwell 2
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Sun 28th Sept.
|
1st
|
2nd
|
Louth
|
|
Sun 19th Oct.
|
1st
|
DNF
|
Leicestershire
|
A tricky one this. Considering how last year ended (Cadwell / Oulton) more than one race victory must be the target. Hard but not impossible.
The purpose of doing all the races is for the Championship. Victory in this will be very hard, but we'll try our best.
Mike
First run of the car this year. This time it was finished by 11pm the night before, and did not require two all nighters to complete. Borrowed a transit camper van for the occasion which was a great help, allowing more comfortable travel, although had to leave at the most uncomfortable time of 7am. (and it broke down on the way home, but we managed to fix it before the RAC man arrived)
Managed plenty of laps in six 20 minute sessions in glorious weather. I was able to lap consistently in the mid 52's and overall we were happy with the result, although still need to find some more time. I got on okay with the track although found the main corner, Gerards, slightly frustrating. You turn in after a dab on the brakes and then floor it for the rest of the corner - my Vee hasn't enough power (and I hope no one's has) to induce massive wheelspin - so you just sit there sliding but not accelerating until, 180 degrees later, getting onto the straight, where you eventually start picking up speed again. The wet may be a different matter of course!
Since none of the top runners were at Mallory (with working cars), and it's my first visit it's hard to assess how all the winter mods have worked - But looking forward to the race in 10 days!
Disappointing….. or maybe not.
First race of the season took place at a sunny(ish) Mallory Park - the weather being fine except for a strong wind. Luckily the loan of a transit camper van (thanks Simon) made life much more comfortable.
Scrutineered without hitch and I remembered to go to the 'first time at the circuit' drivers briefing. Managed to get near the front of the queue for qualifying, although a few got past whilst I was warming up. 2 laps in and the session was red flagged. Someone had suspension failure, luckily at the slow hairpin. So set off again, few laps to warm-up and then started to go for it. Handling was okay although sliding too much around Gerards. Lap times however were slightly disappointing. I was going no faster than in testing, and the 0.5 seconds I was hoping to gain was not happening. Qualifying also highlighted that we had not sorted our gear selection problems so only managed 6 decent laps. Still, when the results came out I had managed a career best 3rd on the grid, 0.5s off the pole time of Guy Bellingham.
So to the race. Nice to have a clear view of the first corner from my position between 1st and 2nd, and was heading between them until a slow change to second, lost momentum. Not exactly clear of where or who I was fighting for the next couple of laps, but Jez Clark got by very easily out of Gerards on about lap 3, and then the first missed gear change going into the hairpin. Lost a lot of time trying to find second, and someone else got by dropping me to 7th. Managed to get them back diving to the inside at Gerards, however the missed gearshift problem continued to hamper my progress. The top 5 were having a massive battle (would put Melbourne GP to shame) and I would close the gap until missing a gear would again drop another couple of seconds. Remained in sixth although the last few laps had no problems and crossed the finish line only 4.5 seconds behind the leader, and 1 second behind fifth.
Initially I was disappointed with sixth, but becoming more and more satisfied. Hopefully we can sort the gear change problems, and will definitely replace the knackered rear shock absorber we found after qualifying. Roll on Donnington.
Many thanks to Phil and Tom for helping out and Happy Birthday Nats!
Donnington Park March 29th 2003
Whoops - where did they come from.
5am start was required to get packed up and set off for Donnington. I've not been there before so needed to go to the first time drivers briefing, for the last time since I've raced before at the rest of the circuits.
Major mods since Mallory. Replaced the rear shock absorbers, and fitted softer springs. Got rid of the tyres that were causing a problem at Mallory and fitted new ones. Gearbox rebuilt to solve the gear selection problems and moved the gearshift and steering wheel (not too far) to improve my control.
Set off for qualifying in fine weather. 4 laps to warm everything up and bed the tyres in and then started building it up. Unfortunately someone spun on my next lap which brought out waved yellow flags. Visited the pits whilst the flags were out, for a quick check over, and then back out again. Came out in front of a few quick people, who got by before I managed to get up to speed. Had an excellent race style battle with another competitor, but unfortunately never got free to get a good lap in.
Results surprised me! My lowest qualifying since Brands Hatch early last year, and only made the final, without racing in the heat, by one place. I was starting 16th!
So to the race! Right in the middle of the pack. Thought I was making a reasonable start until the guy behind flew by before I'd really started moving, managed to get to the inside for the first corner and then round the outside of a few down the Craner curves. Massive lock up into the chicane for the first time but avoided everyone. According to the pits was in 12th after the 1st lap, then 8th and then 4th by the end of the third lap. Continued having a big battle for 4th, 5th & 6th for the next 3 laps, until missing 2nd gear out of the chicane. By the time I had found it again 5 people had got by. Where the hell did they come from! Set about trying to get past them again but on the next lap the chequered flag was shown for the end of the race. So 9th it was!
On the plus side it was a lot of fun battling with a big pack, and I feel without the missed gear change I would have got by, and been able to set lap times not too far off the leaders.
Can't wait for Brands Hatch which will be the first track this year I've raced at before. Hope to see you there.
A clean sweep at Brands Indy Circuit
An overnight stay in the camper van meant an early start to the day. Well, woke up at 2am freezing, 4am freezing, 5 and 6. Surprisingly felt good when I finally got up at 8. Scrutineered at 10 in the pits, with my qualifying session at 11.10. Liv and I had walked / scooted the track the night before and highlighted one major point of interest regarding the curbs, which was…….very useful.
Third out onto the track for qualifying. Got past one and started building up speed behind Patrick Sherrington (currently 2nd in Championship). First sign that things were good was when Pat slide wide, whilst I was still going quite gently and keeping up. He later sorted his set-up woes and qualified third. Once ahead managed 7 / 8 free laps with no traffic and the car felt excellent. An accident at Clearways brought out the red flag, so into the pits and had time to alter the shock absorber settings to try and improve turn-in. Reeled off another 5 laps with the car handling even better. Clare had timed me at 52.56, which was very quick (lap record 52.46) but we were not sure how the others had gone. Bumped into Patrick as we went to collect the results, who promptly congratulated me on my first pole position. Whoopee!
Pole position at Brands is off camber uphill and notorious for being a hard place to start from. Practice start on the green flag lap was excellent although very slow due to cold tyres. Used more throttle for the actual start and immediately the back end stepped out toward the pit wall. This allowed Jez Clark to get the jump into Paddock and I wasn't too surprised when Pat followed him past. Settled into third although the leaders seemed to be pulling away. Couple of laps in and Bill Burnett got by into Paddock bend dropping me to fourth. Think I got Bill back into Paddock and managed to close up the small gap to Pat and Jez. Got by Patrick on the inside into Paddock and was right behind Jez. Managed to get a good run on him onto the main straight. He held the inside into Paddock but a very wide line in meant I managed to drive past on the inside up to Druids. Think, I made a slight break from the rest until running wide out of Druids Hairpin. Jez managed to get just far enough ahead that I had to back off onto the next corner - back into second position. Similar move to before at Paddock put me back into the lead, and again I managed to make a small break. Until…. The last lap and there were yellow flags on the main straight which meant I had to wait behind a back marker (no overtaking under yellows). By the time I got past him, after the green flag, and into Paddock they had caught me up again. One slight hitch lapping a back marker on the 2nd to last corner with inches to spare but managed to hold onto the lead to take the chequered flag.
Unbelievable. Pole, race win, fastest lap of 52.42s (a new record), first live interview……what a day. Thanks to all those who came to support, and no, of course that wasn't a tear you saw in my eye.
Can't wait for Snetterton in 2 weeks time.
Another lap record and what a race (x2)
Arrived at Snetterton on Friday night - had to leap over a river to get to the pits, and generally soaked within 10 mins of arriving. Still Saturday morning looked slightly better. The track was still very wet but it wasn't raining, and the river had subsided. Friday night had been sent fitting an on-loan datalogger - we had some problems getting it to work, but I will try and publish any interesting results.
I was in the second session for qualifying, and we didn't rush to get to the front of the queue, since with the long straight overtaking from the slipstream on the back straight can improve your lap time. Set-off onto a very damp track. Snetterton is very fast, with some fast corners, and it was definitely time for caution. All was going well, with the track getting drier and faster, until braking a little to late into the first corner Riches. The brakes locked, so I turned in early to try and scrub off speed. Unfortunately was still going too fast and the rear tyres got off the dry line and instantly I spun. Kept it on the tarmac though and continued as before (lesson learnt!). Final lap was the quickest, and even after being held up slightly at the Bomb hole I had managed the second quickest time overall (0.1 behind pole).
This put me third on the grid. Third????? Because the first session had been much slower (as they dried the track for us) it was decided to mix the grid in a fairer way, so I ended up, very happy, third on the grid. At this stage we were reminded that as a team we are not yet perfect. We carry the nose cones to the races, one inside each other, separated by a large curtain to prevent scratching. Removal of the nose cone after qualifying revealed that I had been carrying the curtain around with me for the session. Have re-read the rules, but there is no mention of curtains being illegal (open or closed).
Bit of a tardy start, but entered the chicane at the end of the first lap in 3rd behind the fast starting Patrick Sherrington and Bill Burnett. On the way out of the chicane Bill spun right in front of me, quick decision to take to the grass avoided the accident and rejoined still in second after bucking and jumping across curbs and grass. By the end of the pit straight Guy Bellingham had got by, although a good run onto the main straight got me back into second. This is how it remained, with Guy just behind, until about lap 5 when Jez Clarke appeared in my mirrors (from 14th! after a problematic qualifying). He got past me and we both then proceeded to pull away from Guy and catch Pat. From about lap 8 it was a huge battle between Jez, Pat and myself. I hung back in third until with about 3 laps to go I got a huge tow down the straight and got into the lead. Still leading at the start of the final lap, when I saw the oil flags out. Okay, but cautious, round the first corner but locked up the left tyres into the second corner. This flung me into the corner where the rear then slid out on more oil. Just managed to hold it but expected Jez and Pat to slipstream past me down the straight. They didn't but nearing the braking point (120mph ish) two backmarkers were fighting each other and blocking the path. Managed to squeeze by with two wheels on the grass and remain in the lead. Then exiting the second to last corner (Coram) the pressure of leading finally got to me, and I put two wheels on the grass (very scary for those who have done it). Managed to collect it and get into the chicane. A smooth drive out kept me ahead and past the chequered flag.
What a race. Managed to keep my calm for the interview and was informed I had broken the lap record. Pushing the car into parc ferme with Clare I then managed to push the car over my own foot, which bloody hurt!
The grid for the second race was decided by the lap times from the first. This put me on pole, although with another slow start I had converted this to third (Pat and Jez, again!) within about 100yrds. The three of us made a break and thereon enschued a race long battle, which was then joined by Guy Bellingham by lap 5. Decided to make my move and after sleamstreaming the two leaders down the back straight I was on the inside for the Esses and braked latest although arrived sideways and hopping over curbs. Decided to go for second gear and put it straight into fourth. Back to third in a flash. Entering the first corner for the last time Jez braked early (Jez?), this held up Patrick although he quickly shut the door on my run down the inside (I would have done the same!). Not close enough down the back straight, but was following closely when Jez shut off Pats run down the inside of the Bomb hole. This delayed Pat just enough for me to sneak by into Coram. Carefully through the chicane, and had a good run on Jez, pulled out of his slipstream with about 300 yards to go, and, and, and didn't quite make it. The timing sheets shown I'd missed out on the win by 0.04s with Pat another 0.26s behind!
What a day. The racing was closer (and fairer) than I thought was possible and I had managed to prove that the Brands Hatch win was not a fluke. Still limping though.
And back down to Earth!
Early start at Donnington, and in reasonably confident mood. Only change since Donnington was to raise the engine slightly in a bid to reduce rear camber (and my tyre bill!). Confidence shattered though when, whilst warming to car up before qualifying, the engine started making a horrible noise and came to an abrupt stop. Tried turning it over but no, it was definitely seized up. I ran up to race control to confirm it would be possible to get in the race, whilst Dad started the analysis. Seized in spark plug in cylinder 2 narrowed it down slightly, and the valve seat sitting in the intake port confirmed the worst! Turns out the valve seat had parted company with the head, causing the loud rattle. The bits had then damaged the piston causing the seizure. (this is kind of a hint for all Vee racers who read this to check next time the engines apart - or do you already??????).
Many thanks to the Team, Ian Jordan and Co, GAC, Alan Harding and John Bowles for their help in getting me going again.
The engine was back and running with 20mins to spare before my date with last place on the grid for the heat.
Start was okay although irrelevant since an accident at the start, thankfully on the other side of the track and without injury brought out the red flags. Second start not so good although had made it to 11th by the end of the first lap (from 25th?). Managed to get by all but the first 3 cars that had pulled out a bit of a gap. I was finding it hard to catch them, and suffering from a self-imposed low rev limit, I decided this was good enough. Became slightly better after John Bowles spun towards the end of the race, although for a second or so I thought avoidance was going to be impossible!
All this meant 12th on the grid for the final. Numerous changes to the car, in the break, to try and improve the front end and a quick check of the engine and ready to go.
Whole race a bit of a blur but an excellent start, for once, got around the outside of a few into the first corner. From here it took many laps of intense, and fun, battling, overtaking, been overtaken, until eventually I got up to third. 100 yards later and I was back to fifth, suffering out of the chicane. On the last lap I was side by side with Paul Mitson in the GAC car, battling for 3rd (again), down the back straight. I knew I was better on the brakes, but damn, if he didn't brake much later than previously. He had a poor run through the chicane. I managed to get up the inside on the way out, floored it, started to slide, but if I could just…….hit the gravel on the track and spin. Had to watch as all the people I had spent the race getting by go past. Managed to get going quite quickly and crossed the line in 8th. Or as I explained to Ian (who loaned me a cylinder head) I decided to let him past to say thanks!!! Hummm.
Not the day I expected but again superb racing in a very friendly series. Can't wait till the next race at Cadwell Park on the 28th of June. If only I had more power!
Another engine problem (see Silverstone 2002)
9 hours after leaving work on Friday evening arrived at Cadwell. Quite a mission! Slept overnight in the Van and up and ready to go at 8am. It had rained heavily the previous evening but the track was dry. I have raced at Cadwell twice before but this time we were using the short circuit which replaced one of the most challenging sections of track in the country with a very tight hairpin.
After 7 weeks of waiting to race the ten minute delay, whist strapped in the car, before we went out did nothing to help, although I was definitely ready to go by the time we set off. Did 3 slow laps to run-in some new engine bits and starting building it up. On about lap 8 exiting Park corner I had a half spin that ended with me driving over some grass to get back onto the track. After this I never got another clean lap. I thought I was leaking oil onto my own tyres, although later found out that it was oil all round the track (and not mine) that was causing the problems.
Quite confident about the result. The car felt really good, and the first 4 quick laps I had done felt good. A little disappointed with 5th on the grid, but we fixed an engine issue and made some cunning mods to the car in preparation for the race. Oh and removed approximately 3 bales of grass from the cooling ducts.
Start of the race and once again a, dare I say it, tardy start. Lost one place into the first corner and followed the pack of five swarming all over each other down the back straight. Passed Ken Elliot, bouncing across the grass, at the fourth corner (he later explained that he overtook Patrick on the brakes into Park corner, but Patrick was braking!). Took me a couple of laps to catch up with Guy Bellingham and Ian Buxton, and following them having a major battle round the back of the circuit managed to sneak by Guy out of the Gooseneck and into Mansfield. 1 Lap later and managed to get a superb run out of Charlie's corner and draft past Ian on the back straight. This left only Jez and Patrick ahead. They had about a 3-second advantage but with the post practice mods working beautifully I was confident I could catch them up. Until…. just after changing up to fourth BANG pop, pop, pop, pop and a loss of power (see Silverstone 2002). Eventually pulled off at Charlie's corner and after a quick bolocking by the marshals for trying to check over the car took my place on the spectator's bank.
Consolation was watching Jez and Patrick side by side through Charlie's, awesome, and hearing the marshals saying we were all a bunch of nutters was somehow satisfying. Still the 3.5-hour journey home gave us plenty of time to plan how to win the next race at Pembury, just got to make it happen now.
Pembury (Dry!!) - July26th & 27th 2003
One Hellava weekend.
Weekend started 5am Thursday morning. Completed the trip up to Shropshire (where the car is kept) and started work on the Transit brakes. Wouldn't improve my Pembury lap times, but would help get me there to set some. New engine underwent bench testing at Midday. The bench comprised of two pieces of wood a simple metal frame, a small bottle of petrol suspended from the ceiling and a control panel built into a small item of Tupperware (such a flexible product). To the delight of all present all looked good, so out with the trusty GAC unit and in with our new engine. Bolted everything together and started preparing to set off for Pembury at 9 in the evening when…… a quick check of the clutch revealed excessive (read total) drag. Off with the exhausts, intake and oil filter housing pulled the engine forward and unbolted the clutch. Becomes a bit of a blur, but after several re-installations / removals of the engine some panic machining we rebuilt the car with slightly less drag than before but still major problems.
So to bed at 2am Friday and up, cruising to Pembury for a test day, by 5am. Over a nights sleep Dad had worked out our problem was one of assembly, only concern now was that our panic machining would render the correctly assembled system useless. Transit got us there fine, although a ferry would have been equally effective. Apparently Pembury had witnessed record rainfall early Friday morning. I shudder at the thought!
Upon arrival, and once the gazebo was erected, it was back off with the exhausts, intake, oil filter, pulled the engine forward sorted the problem and then back together in time for the 2nd of 4 half hour sessions. Managed 10 laps, and all seemed well, except for my race suit which was soaked. Although it didn't rain for the rest of the day the hairpin was a 10 cm deep lake for all sessions so allowed no proper lap times to be set. Next session and started to push a little harder, and then.. the clutch started to slip. So back off with the exhausts, intakes, etc. Managed to obtain a thick clutch plate, although of unknown history, and put all back together for the final session. Completed a further 10 laps, and despite slight clutch slip we decided to stick with the new engine for qualifying on Saturday morning.
Saturday morning was, unsurprisingly, wet. With all the engine problems we had not done any set-up work on Friday, so a quick guess and off for qualifying. Took it very easy to begin to ensure I completed the necessary 3 laps to qualify, and then started to go for it. Getting better and better until someone trailed oil all around the circuit. Came in to change some settings but by the time I rejoined the track the oil was too copious to learn anything.
Still when the results came through I was delighted with 4th. For the second time in a row it was Patrick on pole, with Ken and then Jez 2nd and 3rd. Made a GOOD start and entered the hairpin in third. Then on the second lap Jez spun out of the lead exiting the Paddock crossing. This left Patrick leading myself with Ken some distance behind. But to my utter disappointment Patrick started pulling away and Ken started catching, then got past me on about lap 5. Nearly pushing me onto the grass in the process. Fairly quiet from then on. Managed to remain about 1 second behind Ken, but never with quite enough pace to challenge. Passed the chequared flag like this in 3rd place, gently changed down into 2nd gear to round the hairpin and bang! Rolled for 200 yards and pulled over with no drive.
Upon removal of the engine it became apparent that either the clutch or the release bearing had failed and destroyed the other in the process. We had decided to change to the old engine anyway so after installation of a new release bearing, a check of the gearbox we took the new engine out and went back to the old engine. Finished working at 9.30pm just in time to grab a beer and some delicious food from the Vee BBQ (thanks to those who arranged, it was just the ticket) Managed a decent nights sleep and woke feeling rested on Sunday.
Lap times from Saturday's race decided the grid for Sunday's race. 3rd this time with Jez and Ken ahead and Patrick in fourth. Another good start and approached the hairpin in second, until Pat flew by and went round me and almost around Jez also. Then into the last corner on the first lap Pat got into the lead. Next few laps are jumbled, but one of the GAC cars got past me briefly and I made slight contact with Bill Burnet out of the hairpin before settling into fourth (Ken had got by into 3rd). Remained in fourth with the odd foray into 3rd past Ken up until the last lap. With Jez slightly ahead Ken, Pat and myself crossed the line for the penultimate time 3 abreast. Ken was bravest into the hairpin but locked up and ran wide, Patrick got up the inside of Ken out of the hairpin and when they entered the next right hander side by side I knew there may be an opportunity! They rounded the right hander together but into the next left Ken pushed wide forcing Pat wide also. I had a clear run behind the two of them and I managed to stay tight out the left hander passing Pat but paralleling Ken into the proceeding long left. Kept the inside and so up to second. Heading into the last corner, Honda, I knew Pat was much faster. I tracked to the inside, and sure enough the yellow car flashed up on the outside as I braked. We rounded the whole corner with our front wheels inches (well about 1) apart but I managed to keep it together to cross the line second to Jez with Patrick a smidgen behind. Ken had gone straight on at the last corner and eventually finished 10th (ish).
Wow, what a race!
After a slightly disappointing 3rd on Saturday I was delighted by the 2nd place, and sure that I need a more relaxing build up for the next race at Silverstone.
Silverstone - August 25th 2003
The most satisfying result yet.
My build up to Silverstone didn't bode well. A super weekend at the V music festival, followed by a week on the beach BBQ'ing and drinking wine. Dragged myself (and Clare) away from the beach on Friday evening. A few mods to the car on Saturday morning and off we set for Silverstone.
Due to the large number of entries scrutineering / qualifying had been moved to Saturday afternoon with the race on Sunday afternoon. I wasn't too confident of Silverstone, believing we lacked a few horsepower compared to the other top runners, and absence of Dad (left on the beach drinking wine) increased the pressure slightly. Apprehension was not helped by the van requiring a wheel bearing rebuild 15 minutes into the 2 hour journey.
Still arrived in plenty of time, to find all the Vee allocated spaces taken or filled with road cars - not a problem until we only had 30mins to go until qualifying and had still not been scrutineered. (they had a fair job on their hands with 54 entries). Realising we were too well hidden we moved all we could down to the pits and prepared the car whilst queuing to be scrutineered. Car passed no problems, I leapt in and off to the assembly area. Delay meant I did not get a preferred place near the front of the pack, but with the long straights of Silverstone club circuit I was not so concerned about getting past slower runners.
So off I set. Engine felt flat and the rear seemed to have no grip. Session was spent trying to keep it smooth and desperate late braking to try and get past others before the twiddley sections linking the long straights. Then towards the end of the session just after Copse I noticed I was emitting copious amounts of oil smoke. Oil pressure okay but pulled over half way down the back straight, and awaited a tow back to the pits (the team had moved all our equipment into a recently vacated pit, meaning there were 3 cars sharing vs. the pits next door where 16 cars were sharing). Whilst waiting for a tow had a quick look in the engine bay which revealed a split oil pipe. Phew!
Took me a while to understand the excited ramblings of the team. Quickest in your session / 0.2 off Patrick / is the car dead / have you got the cigarettes / etc. But Pat finally cleared all up. I was on pole! 0.2 quicker than Pat with Jez down in an uncharacteristic 5th. Incredible - well would be if we could fix the car.
Many thanks to Ian who offered to bring us a new pipe in the morning, but managed to obtain the last 1.25 meters from the mobile shop, and Phil did an excellent job of replacing the split pipe (thanks), whilst we drank tea and de-briefed. Worked out that I had crossed the line on the pole lap with the engine smoking, second best lap would probably have got me on the front row. I had been lucky with 2 tows during the best lap and most of the front runners had been testing the previous day. Humm. Maybe the engine wasn't flat and the rear end grip was good.
The calm was broken on race day morning though. We had somehow picked up a low rpm misfire. Choose to ignore the misfire and relax again - until…Took up my place and the front of the assembly area with smoke pouring out the back of the car. Leapt out and after a quick inspection by myself and 3 others decided it was just the remains of the previous day's oil burning off. Set off on the green flag lap (quickly) and found myself at the end of the back straight with no one else in view - whoops perhaps I'd overdone it, or Pat was pulling a sneaky one! Arrived on the grid, stopped and the smoke started again.
After two excellent starts at Pembury this one was terrible. I was looking alternately at the lights and at the marshals on the side of the track who were peering under the car looking for dripping oil, all whilst desperately trying to avoid over revving the car or allowing it to drop into the misfire. Pat made his normal good start, but a red GAC appeared from behind also. Remained in 3rd until the second lap when Jez got by down the start finish straight. Managed to get by him again into Becketts but he got past me again into Brooklands. Then Guy got past although I quickly got him back, before the red flags appeared. Race stopped.
It was decided we would restart a 6 lap race from our current positions, so I now started in 4th - although this time there was no smoke. Good start this time, and held 4th into Copse. Got past Jez the next lap (into Becketts I think), and set off after Jake Oliveira and Pat. Good run out of Copse the next lap, Jake went to the right of Pat and I went to the left. Arrived at Becketts outside of Jake with Pat slightly behind. Down the back straight and just at the point of slipstreaming past into first noticed the yellow flags, which were to remain in place at Brooklands for the rest of the race. Noted I was faster out of Jake out of Luffield and on the next lap hassled him into Copse, he moved to the inside, I to the outside and managed to squeeze past on the exit. Held 1st to the yellows then a good run out of Luffield and crossed the line with the chequered flag waving.
What a relief - I had no idea of what lap we were on but was overjoyed to take the win, especially as Pat and Jez (top in the championship) were in 3rd and 4th.
Roll on Oulton.
P.S. Transit made it home with no problems.
Oulton Park - September 6th 2003
Hummm - where to start.
Set off to Oulton full of confidence. Patrick had been testing the day before (and Jez) but Oulton is my favourite circuit, and I was reasonably confident I would be fighting for the lead.
As ever we had an early crisis. I arrived at the assembly area with no clutch release. Quickly worked out the cable was pulling out at the pedal, so some quick adjustment and re-tightening and ready to go. I was close to the front of the pack well placed to get some good clear laps, on a wet but drying track. Changed down into second gear for the hairpin on the first lap out, and that was my last gear change all morning. Made it back to the pits out the car and started trying to solve the problem.
Gearbox was fixed and we even managed to find out why the issue had occurred and fix the cause, but there was a bigger issue.
33 cars were entered for Oulton (why bother with Silverstone when you could have gone to Oulton?) but only 30 were able to start the race. Everyone in the paddock was fixing their problems, one reserve had disappeared, so I was second reserve. This meant I would not take the first start but if the race was red flagged within 3 laps of the start, and 2 people retired then I would be able to start from the back. Hope I don't get lynched for this comment, but I was hoping for rain, to encourage some minor / race stopping / slight car damaging incidents. And it happened, although a little heavier than I wished for. The rain started about 10 minutes before the race, and by the time they lined up for the start (I was confirmed to waiting, ready in the car, in the pit lane.) it was extremely heavy rain leaving plenty of standing water on the track. In the event it took about 3 seconds for the accident to happen. I've no idea what occurred but it was quickly confirmed that there were at least 2 retirements and Bill Stenning and myself could join the back of the grid.
So started 28th and last, with only one green flag lap completed all day. Reasonable start and past 5 or so instantly, headed to the inside for the first corner. Too far in fact since ended up with 2 wheels on the grass, which worked well because no one else was on the grass and I could actually see. Once back in the pack for the run to cascades I could see nothing through the spray. The first lap was a question of trying to stay out of the spray, took to the grass a further 2 times including up Clay Hill (gulp), and getting past people at every opportunity, including a heavily misfiring Jez (championship leader).
I had my first clear air on about lap 3, which revealed that part of my problem was a misted visor, got past Paul Smith and then up to Ken Elliot, who was struggling with a 'minor' handling problem. Got past Ken into Old Hall only to hit the standing water, loose the rear and miss Ken by mm as he drove by, and then Bill Burnett drove by and then the red flags came out. One of the GAC's had crashed at Clay Hill, a very awkward spot for recovery.
Much confusion as we stopped on the grid ready for the restart and were then directed into Parc Ferme. Had no idea what my position was, and when Guy Bellingham, who was 2 cars ahead (Ken was the other) claimed he was second to Patrick (who was miles ahead) I didn't believe him. But it was true. I had made it up to 4th after 5 laps!
We were told to leave the cars in Park Ferme and await further instructions. Debriefing shortly after and all my wishes were coming true. We would start a completely new 5 lap race, from the positions in which we finished the first. So 4th on the grid it was!
Not a bad start and followed Guy round the outside of Old Hall. Patrick was forced through the standing water on the inside, so I was up to second….until Cascades where I ran slightly wide and Pat got past, taking Ken through with him. Round the hairpin and down to Hissy's chicane. Guy went round, Pat straight on, Ken slightly wide and me very wide. Somehow it was even slipper than the first race. Round Knickerbrook and over Clay Hill only to find Patrick bouncing down the barrier along side me, throwing up a mass of grass and water. Then Ken went straight on at Druids which left Guy leading with me in second. But unsurprisingly the red flags came out again for Pat's accident. There was slight concern he may be hurt but thankfully, after a quick check up all was okay. (looking forward to seeing the new race suit Pat!)
And the final positions? There were none - the race was declared void since not enough laps had been completed.
So now only 3 races to catch up the championship leaders.
Cadwell Park - Sunday 28th September
No pausing for breath!
Early start (deja-vu) on Friday morning for a full day of testing on the infamous Cadwell circuit. We arrived by 8.30 and were ready for the first session at 9. 3 Sessions in the morning were used to run engine number 2 in, although started pushing in the final morning session and got into the 97's (lap record was 96.4). The afternoon session was unfortunately compromised by niggling problems although an 8 lap run in the final session and managed to get down to 97.2's.
Unfortunately one of the niggling problems turned out to be more serious. Saturday at the seaside turned out as engine removal in the paddock. The rest of the team turned up Saturday evening in time to put the engine back in, and apply some new stickers from my sponsor Eventsys.
No rush, for once, on Sunday morning and got to the assembly area near the front of the pack. Qualifying though was bad. Yellow flags early on and then oil on the circuit meant I never got a really satisfying lap, and when the results came through I was very relieved to be 4th with a time of 97.6s.
Start of the first final was again not great. Jez, Ken and Pat, made better starts and Nik Baatz flew past from 5 on the grid before the first corner. It was very close for the first 3 laps with Jez and Pat exchanging the lead, Nik got past Ken and then I got past Ken when he ran wide up the mountain. I was struggling to get past Nik until starting lap 4 (or 5) Jez got past Pat into the first corner, Cascades, this slowed Pat up and Nik slowed also. I managed to get round the outside of Nik and dive for the inside into Charlies 1 past Pat. Close! especially as I hit the curb and lost the rear, thankfully Pat gave me enough room, and I also managed to hold 2nd down the back straight, just holding off Pat from getting back past. Good run to Mansfield and confidant I was catching Jez, when the red flags came out. Race stopped.
Unfortunately the grid was lined up from the positions at the beginning of the previous lap - so back to fourth. Good start this time and held third into the first corner. The restart was 3 laps and despite massive effort I could not quite get on terms with Jez and Pat, finishing in 3rd 0.5s behind Jez in first, with Pat between us.
Some consolation though, because I had set the fastest lap in the 3 lap dash I started from pole for the second race - and held the lead into the first corner!!! Pat had gone to the outside and I just managed to hold off Jez on the inside, getting to the corner first where Pat had to lift off. Plan was to make a break, and it was kind of working until the last corner of the first lap where I was too cautious (we had been warned of oil on this corner before the start) allowing the other 2 to catch up. Down the back straight and both drafted past. I wasn't too worried thinking I had the pace to stay with them and challenge - unfortunately this didn't work. Traction problems out the two most important corners meant I was never close enough to challenge down the straights, and although their battle was slowing them down and keeping me in touch I wasn't quick enough to challenge. But kept trying, pushing as hard as possible, and was rewarded with 2nd after Pat spun on the last lap.
The pace of the race had been very fast with all 3 of us breaking the lap record, unfortunately Jez breaking it the most, a superb effort!
So, not the weekend I had hoped for, but the second race was the fastest, hardest race I've been in yet and despite being a little frustrating, it was a lot of fun.
And so too Mallory, wouldn't it be lovely to finish with a win - trouble it that's how the others will be thinking!
Ouch!
Only one engine change in preparation for Mallory. It was back in with the old engine, the new one still suffering from weak top end (under control for next year). For once we were fully prepared on arrival, the only problem for qualifying being 1 new tyre, which would require a few laps to scrub in.
Set off for qualifying and within the first half lap I released something was wrong, as the engine was misfiring. Did 3 laps (required to qualify at all) pointing to the engine each time I went past the pits. If anyone has any idea how to signal 'I think one of the spark plugs is performing badly' at 110mph, I would like to know. Into the pits and after about 5 mins managed to analyse and temporally fix the problem. Back out onto the circuit and only did one full lap before the red flags came out. Whilst waiting Clare showed me the lap time had been 51.4 (against the lap record of 50.8) blimy, how did this happen! Back out and managed a further 3 laps before the end of the session.
Only had 2 hours before the race and decided to stick with the same engine, despite being concerned about some very strange noises. So nice relaxing build up to the race, interrupted by the fact I had got pole position. Excellent, though a bit surprising. Must have been the red mist!
Warm up lap and strange noises were still there coupled with a slight high rpm misfire. Still, that had nothing to do with my crap start (yes, worse than tardy), and by the time I got going John Stapleton had already pulled 10 yrds, and then he stopped. Last I saw in my mirrors was an airborne red car (later found out it was Jez the new Champion) and I arrived at Gerrards (a 100mph, quarter mile hairpin still in the lead. End of the first lap and I was in the biggest lead I've ever had. Rear of the car was very loose around Gerrards, but with the misfire I was pushing as hard as possible to stay ahead of Guy Bellingham and Jake Olivera. And the plan was working very well until, lap four. Pushing harder around Gerrards, as the new tyre got better, and with the normal oversteer occurring I got on the power earlier than previously and lost the rear. I slid completely sideways up the track and came to a halt still sideways. Was trying to find first gear when Jake and Guy appeared side by side. Guy went behind, and Jake around the front. Well nearly. I saw him struggling to turn it around the front of my car but he didn't quite make it. Bang, and I was now facing the other way. Decided I'd had enough and with what steering I had left pulled off the circuit before anyone else came round the corner. Got out the car, and was met by Jake who was okay also. And then met by loads of friends who had been watching nearby.
Quick, compulsory visit to the medical centre, and off to check the car. Luckily not too bad, although got worse over the evening as we spotted more damage.
Congratulations to Bill Burnett who won the race, and Guy who recovered from avoiding me to claim second.
So, not the end of the season I had been hoping for, but I led every lap I completed and this was only the second mistake, in this excellent year.
Year review coming soon and Happy Birthday Grandpa!.
3 wins, 2 lap records, 4 fastest laps, 3rd in the championship: Yippee
2 engine failures, 1 gearbox failure, 3 spins: Boo
Lots of hard work over the winter led to a lap time of 51.2 in the first test session at Mallory (0.4 off the lap record). Then bolted on a new set of tyres and screwed up the first two races, until we discovered that they were faulty - should have been obvious but you don't expect to loose 1 second a lap due to using another set of CONTROL tyres. (Moan over)
Then Brands, old tyres back on and no need to ever select the problematic second gear. Pole, win and the lap record.
Next race at Snetterton proved it was not a fluke with another win and another lap record (thanks for the tow Jez!). Honeymoon over and a 2nd in the next very hard race at Snetterton.
Then to Donnington and a disagreeable valve seat. Started from the back of the grid for the heat and ended up spinning out of 4th in the final - I love Donnington, but the love has yet to be returned.
Next Cadwell, a poor start, up to 3rd from 7th until a pushrod failure. By this stage, courtesy of the 2 wins, I was firmly in 3rd in the championship although the pace and consistency of Jez (Champ) and Patrick (2nd) meant that winning the championship was already looking very hard.
Pembury, the new engine! Complied with the Colin Chapman theory of if it completes the slowing down lap then its over engineered, by failing 200 yards after the finish. Still came away with a 3rd and 2nd.
Then my highlight, after a week on holiday, a failed wheel bearing on the transit and a general dislike for the circuit, pole and a win at Silverstone was a very good start to the hectic 3rd part of the season. A bit of luck with yellow flags and only taking the lead on the last lap did not detract at all.
Then a low followed by a high and another low all in one meeting. Oulton, my favorite circuit, and qualified as 3rd reserve after gearbox failure during the first lap of qualifying. After an accident at the first start joined the grid in 29th. 4th place when the race was stopped for the second time, and up to 2nd when it was stopped for the third time, and then it was abandoned!
Cadwell long circuit and the hardest races of the year, very slight handling issue (and some driver frustration) meant I was never quite on the pace of Jez and Patrick, but came away with a 3rd and a 2nd.
3rd in the Championship secure and off to the last race at Mallory. Pole position despite only managing 4 quick laps (still not matching the pace of the first test of the year!), and leading until my first unforced error of the year, spinning and then presenting myself in the widest possible position to ensure collection by one of the two following cars, which dually occurred. Still no chassis damage, maybe the bent back beam will prove effective and soon I will be able to get a pair of shoes on instead of the trainers I've been wearing for the last 2 weeks.
In summary a sorted year. The target was a couple of wins, although as with all targets it was based more on bravado then fact. Very pleasing to have over achieved, although this leaves only one target, the championship, for next year. Or is that just bravado……..
Many thanks to the whole team, especially Dad, for all your help this year and already looking forward to the next race.