Dear Santa,
I think i've been a good boy this year.
I started the year with a trophy at Mallory for 2nd in class. That's good isn't it? Well, I know there were only 3 runners in the class, but I still beat someone fair and square.
And Brands was pretty good, I thought. If club racing is about close battles then Austen and I are ambassadors for the sport! Oh and my cheeky move on Colin at Graham Hill bend was an uncharacteristic stroke of genius. Yes, yes. I know he got me back later but it felt good at the time.
If it was anything to do with you, Santa, thank you for my new Phoenix in May. Such a shame that I went and broke it first time out. I promise to treat my toys with more care in future.
It was a relief to be able to fix it by July for Snetterton again. That was good fun. I thought I was doing well there for a while, running 3rd in class for most of the race, but blew it all away at the end and ended up 5th. Must try harder.
Anyway, if proof were needed that I've been a good boy this year, look at Silverstone. What a race that was in the wet. An awesome battle with Matt Green no less! Ended up 9th on the track and 4th in class. Just short of another trophy, but the best present of all was my Driver of the Day award. There you go. Proof!
Pembrey was quite interesting in the wet as well. Plenty of sideways fun, although at the same time, terrifying!
I'm afraid I broke my toy again though. Damn that clutch.
It wasn't a whole lot better by Cadwell, but the TGM elves managed to fix it with a little help from Austen.
I did manage another 4th in class in the wet. Oh, and an overtaking move on Tim Pell over the mountain that will stick in my memory, not to mention another close battle with Austen.
So there you go, Santa. Proof that I've been a good boy.
Now, there's a good chap and sort me out with some more talent for next year would you? I promise to use it wisely. If you can't manage that, maybe just some brave pills.
And can you hurry up. I can't wait for the start of the season.
Yours, eagerly
James.
Friday 23 December 2011
Friday 14 October 2011
Cadwell Park, 8th/9th October 11
Another long trip up to the depths of North Lincolnshire, but oh boy is it worth it. Only my second trip to Cadwell but it is now definitely my all time favourite circuit, even if the weather didn't impress.
A busy weekend. I'd entered the Allcomers as well as the two RGB races, so I had two practice sessions and two races on the Saturday. At least I was supposed to. Sadly it didn;t quite work out like that.
Out in first practice for the allcomers. It wasn't raining but the track was wet. I was getting some clear laps as I'd been at the front of the queue, but started to get some clutch slip rather like I did at Pembrey. Anyway, I came in after 8 laps before the clutch packed in completely.
I managed a best lap of 1.41s which put me 4th on the allcomers grid, behind the bikesports cars, but first of the other RGB boys. The rest of the grid were MR2s, Saxos and the like, so much slower cars, but nevertheless I was pleased with that, especially since it was done with a slipping clutch. It is good fun racing with slower cars on the track (much like the Birkett) as it reminds you just how stonkingly quick these RGB cars are.
Anyway, the TGM boys burst into action and changed the clutch plates and got me out for the RGB qualifying.
This session was much dryer, especially after a few laps although still a bit damp in places. Sadly though the clutch was still slipping so I'm not convinced I got my fastest time at 1.39.3. Mind you, that is still quicker than I ever did in the Westy, although I still don't really have a true like for like comparison in the same conditions. The Phoenix is definitely quicker though.
So another mad effort by Tim and Andy to change the clutch again. Clearly there was something more wrong than just worn plates and it took a bit more time that we thought. Unfortunately I missed the Allcomers race as a result which was a shame. It was won by a bikesports car, but Colin Chapman came second. Another 'might-have-got-a-podium' for me there!
So we made it to the RGB race with new(ish) clutch plates.
It was very wet. Another 'can't even see the track never mind where the hell the next corner is' first lap. Still - managed to keep right up with Tim H who span out after half a lap and suddenly I'm running in the top ten. Then the race is red flagged due to an off by Tim Pell at the hairpin, and we all start again back in our original positions. Sadly I didn;t get quite such a good start this time and got behind Dan and Colin. It took me a couple of laps to get past (close one there Colin!) and then I was chasing down Tim H who I could still see up ahead. To my surprise I was catching him, but the race was just not long enough and I settled in behind him. That put me 9th on the track which was very pleasing, and 4th in class.
I was also a good 1.5s quicker than Tim H in those wet conditions so I'm very pleased with that. I'm starting to enjoy this wet racing despite the moments of terror that it brings with it!
Anyway, despite the creditable result, the clutch still wasn't right.
We'd run out of spares now and I had to go begging. Thanks to Austen for the loan of a new clutch.
The TGM boys spent a rainy evening changing it again. I helped by passing the beer!
Sunday's race then.
This was another wet one, although it did start to dry towrds the end. I managed a reasonable start this time, managing to get past Paul Rickers. I was also really chuffed to get past Tim Pell in the class A Genesis. We went airborne over the mountain together and I got him on the inside into the next right hander. Right in front of all the spectators. Hair raising moment that. Nothing - absolutely nothing - beats that feeling.
So having got past Tim P, I was chasing down Austen who was tucked in behing David Wale. I quickly caught up and the rest of the race was a three way battle. Obviously I can't hear it in the car but I gather the commentator was getting quite excited as we went almost three abreast at one point. Really exciting stuff.
On the last lap it turned into a 4 car battle as Paul Rickers caught us all up. Half a lap to go and David goes onto the grass but comes back on to block Austen's pass, who had sensibly backed off to avoid an obvious collision, and that was the last chance he got. We crossed the line with all 4 of us just 2 seconds apart, and Paul was 1 tenth of a second behind me. Far enough though!
Another 4th in class. 11th on the track this time.
A busy weekend. I'd entered the Allcomers as well as the two RGB races, so I had two practice sessions and two races on the Saturday. At least I was supposed to. Sadly it didn;t quite work out like that.
Out in first practice for the allcomers. It wasn't raining but the track was wet. I was getting some clear laps as I'd been at the front of the queue, but started to get some clutch slip rather like I did at Pembrey. Anyway, I came in after 8 laps before the clutch packed in completely.
I managed a best lap of 1.41s which put me 4th on the allcomers grid, behind the bikesports cars, but first of the other RGB boys. The rest of the grid were MR2s, Saxos and the like, so much slower cars, but nevertheless I was pleased with that, especially since it was done with a slipping clutch. It is good fun racing with slower cars on the track (much like the Birkett) as it reminds you just how stonkingly quick these RGB cars are.
Anyway, the TGM boys burst into action and changed the clutch plates and got me out for the RGB qualifying.
This session was much dryer, especially after a few laps although still a bit damp in places. Sadly though the clutch was still slipping so I'm not convinced I got my fastest time at 1.39.3. Mind you, that is still quicker than I ever did in the Westy, although I still don't really have a true like for like comparison in the same conditions. The Phoenix is definitely quicker though.
So another mad effort by Tim and Andy to change the clutch again. Clearly there was something more wrong than just worn plates and it took a bit more time that we thought. Unfortunately I missed the Allcomers race as a result which was a shame. It was won by a bikesports car, but Colin Chapman came second. Another 'might-have-got-a-podium' for me there!
So we made it to the RGB race with new(ish) clutch plates.
It was very wet. Another 'can't even see the track never mind where the hell the next corner is' first lap. Still - managed to keep right up with Tim H who span out after half a lap and suddenly I'm running in the top ten. Then the race is red flagged due to an off by Tim Pell at the hairpin, and we all start again back in our original positions. Sadly I didn;t get quite such a good start this time and got behind Dan and Colin. It took me a couple of laps to get past (close one there Colin!) and then I was chasing down Tim H who I could still see up ahead. To my surprise I was catching him, but the race was just not long enough and I settled in behind him. That put me 9th on the track which was very pleasing, and 4th in class.
I was also a good 1.5s quicker than Tim H in those wet conditions so I'm very pleased with that. I'm starting to enjoy this wet racing despite the moments of terror that it brings with it!
Anyway, despite the creditable result, the clutch still wasn't right.
We'd run out of spares now and I had to go begging. Thanks to Austen for the loan of a new clutch.
The TGM boys spent a rainy evening changing it again. I helped by passing the beer!
Sunday's race then.
This was another wet one, although it did start to dry towrds the end. I managed a reasonable start this time, managing to get past Paul Rickers. I was also really chuffed to get past Tim Pell in the class A Genesis. We went airborne over the mountain together and I got him on the inside into the next right hander. Right in front of all the spectators. Hair raising moment that. Nothing - absolutely nothing - beats that feeling.
So having got past Tim P, I was chasing down Austen who was tucked in behing David Wale. I quickly caught up and the rest of the race was a three way battle. Obviously I can't hear it in the car but I gather the commentator was getting quite excited as we went almost three abreast at one point. Really exciting stuff.
On the last lap it turned into a 4 car battle as Paul Rickers caught us all up. Half a lap to go and David goes onto the grass but comes back on to block Austen's pass, who had sensibly backed off to avoid an obvious collision, and that was the last chance he got. We crossed the line with all 4 of us just 2 seconds apart, and Paul was 1 tenth of a second behind me. Far enough though!
Another 4th in class. 11th on the track this time.
I must note that Tim Gray was the star of the weekend in the Sabre. He beat everyone by at least 20 seconds in both RGB races. Unbelievable. I am not worthy!!
So that's it. Season over.
I'll do a review of my year shortly but for now I'll just say, I already can't wait for next season. I'm aiming for trophies next year!
Thanks to Dan 'The Squirrel' for the pics:
Thanks to Dan 'The Squirrel' for the pics:
Saturday 1 October 2011
Pembrey 24th & 25th September 11. Do you want the good news or the bad?
So Pembrey then. It's a very long way, and my record here is not exactly great having broken the Westy in first practice last year. So I was hoping for better things this year with the Phoenix.
The forecast was for rain, and it so it proved for the Saturday, despite the rest of the country being bathed in sunshine (as my wife took delight in pointing out by text at regular intervals!).
Qualy was a bit of a disappointment. It was very wet and I kept dropping back to find some space out of the spray but it wasn't working. I tucked in behind Dan for a bit and was keeping pace with him but never really got a proper strung together lap. Ended up close to the back with a time in the 1:16s when the leading class F cars were in the 1:13s.
The race was very wet. I think it was probably as wet as I've ever experienced it. Certainly comparable to the Birkett. Still, I managed to get ahead of a few cars at the start as Ben turned right 200yards too soon. I then got passed Austen as he missed a gear, and was in the chase to keep up with Lee. I was keeping pace, but the spray was unbelievable (see the video from Austen's car - although even that doesn't show it as bad as it looked for me!). I was effectively blind turning into the right kink which is about 90mph in the wet. The only way I knew where to turn was to follow the rain light of the car in front which was about 50 yards away so not that close! If you get it wrong there, well..I won't dwell on that!
This racing lark is a fine line between sheer exhilaration and sheer terror sometimes. I think I crossed that line a few times in that race.
Anyway, much to my dismay, Austen, who was much closer behind me than I thought, hadn't failed to notice that I was braking about a hundred yards too soon for the first corner which is a slow corner after a long straight. This was because I couldn't see where the road was (not a wholly unreasonable course of action, I thought!). Anyway, after a couple of laps of that, Austen made a brave move up the inside and got past me.
Despite trying to get him straight back, I just wasn't brave enough and settled for the 6th in class. (Austen went on to get past Lee as well for a well deserved 4th in class).
I must say, given the conditions, there were no crashes or damage of any sort to anyone in that race which is testament to everyone's skillful driving and a great relief.
So my best lap time in the race, in wetter conditions than qualifying, was 1:15.0.
I can put that improvement from qualy down to both the change of set up that Tim did (removed the anti-roll bars), my learning the track as I went on, and the fact that I was chasing a faster car. I must say, to blow my own trumpet just a little - not my style I know, but humour me! - Tim Gray, in the Pulsar, which is quite comparable to the Phoenix, and has more power than me, managed a best time just 6 tenths quicker. Mind you, even he only managed 3rd in class with that, and Lee and Austen and I were only 1.5 tenths apart. So it was all very close indeed. They do say the rain is a great leveler - and so it proved. And I was delighted to be up there in the fight.
Sunday's race was a bit of a let down, sadly. Despite the promise of a dry race, I suffered from a slipping clutch after the first lap and was forced to retire. Ironically, the dry race saw far more attrition than the wet race with various retirements including Derek and JC and Lee. I can't help thinking that, had I maintained my relative pace to Lee in the dry that I did in the wet, I could have ended up 3rd in class as Austen admitted that he was struggling with a misfire in the last few laps. Also since Tim was not racing for points, that would have been a 2nd in class. Oh well, life's full of might-have-beens, eh! and it works both ways over a season.
So, the good news was a great race in the wet, the bad a retirement on Sunday, but all in all a pretty good weekend.
I'm off to Cadwell on October 8th/9th for the season finale. My favourite circuit. Hope it's dry.
Austen's video here (I'm no 15 - I appear at about 40s in. Oh and watch out at about 5-6mins - it gets very slidey!!).
The forecast was for rain, and it so it proved for the Saturday, despite the rest of the country being bathed in sunshine (as my wife took delight in pointing out by text at regular intervals!).
Qualy was a bit of a disappointment. It was very wet and I kept dropping back to find some space out of the spray but it wasn't working. I tucked in behind Dan for a bit and was keeping pace with him but never really got a proper strung together lap. Ended up close to the back with a time in the 1:16s when the leading class F cars were in the 1:13s.
The race was very wet. I think it was probably as wet as I've ever experienced it. Certainly comparable to the Birkett. Still, I managed to get ahead of a few cars at the start as Ben turned right 200yards too soon. I then got passed Austen as he missed a gear, and was in the chase to keep up with Lee. I was keeping pace, but the spray was unbelievable (see the video from Austen's car - although even that doesn't show it as bad as it looked for me!). I was effectively blind turning into the right kink which is about 90mph in the wet. The only way I knew where to turn was to follow the rain light of the car in front which was about 50 yards away so not that close! If you get it wrong there, well..I won't dwell on that!
This racing lark is a fine line between sheer exhilaration and sheer terror sometimes. I think I crossed that line a few times in that race.
Anyway, much to my dismay, Austen, who was much closer behind me than I thought, hadn't failed to notice that I was braking about a hundred yards too soon for the first corner which is a slow corner after a long straight. This was because I couldn't see where the road was (not a wholly unreasonable course of action, I thought!). Anyway, after a couple of laps of that, Austen made a brave move up the inside and got past me.
Despite trying to get him straight back, I just wasn't brave enough and settled for the 6th in class. (Austen went on to get past Lee as well for a well deserved 4th in class).
I must say, given the conditions, there were no crashes or damage of any sort to anyone in that race which is testament to everyone's skillful driving and a great relief.
So my best lap time in the race, in wetter conditions than qualifying, was 1:15.0.
I can put that improvement from qualy down to both the change of set up that Tim did (removed the anti-roll bars), my learning the track as I went on, and the fact that I was chasing a faster car. I must say, to blow my own trumpet just a little - not my style I know, but humour me! - Tim Gray, in the Pulsar, which is quite comparable to the Phoenix, and has more power than me, managed a best time just 6 tenths quicker. Mind you, even he only managed 3rd in class with that, and Lee and Austen and I were only 1.5 tenths apart. So it was all very close indeed. They do say the rain is a great leveler - and so it proved. And I was delighted to be up there in the fight.
Sunday's race was a bit of a let down, sadly. Despite the promise of a dry race, I suffered from a slipping clutch after the first lap and was forced to retire. Ironically, the dry race saw far more attrition than the wet race with various retirements including Derek and JC and Lee. I can't help thinking that, had I maintained my relative pace to Lee in the dry that I did in the wet, I could have ended up 3rd in class as Austen admitted that he was struggling with a misfire in the last few laps. Also since Tim was not racing for points, that would have been a 2nd in class. Oh well, life's full of might-have-beens, eh! and it works both ways over a season.
So, the good news was a great race in the wet, the bad a retirement on Sunday, but all in all a pretty good weekend.
I'm off to Cadwell on October 8th/9th for the season finale. My favourite circuit. Hope it's dry.
Austen's video here (I'm no 15 - I appear at about 40s in. Oh and watch out at about 5-6mins - it gets very slidey!!).
Sunday 28 August 2011
Silverstone 2011 - wet again!
Well what a weekend's racing that was. Undoubtedly my best performance in the wet, ever.
First time in the wet with the Phoenix and I smashed my previous personal best time in the Westfield, 4th in class F and 9th on the track. And to cap it all I got Driver of the Day.
I really am very proud of that. My wife is bored with hearing about it already and it's only Sunday now!
I don't normally bore you with a blow by blow account but you'll forgive me for expanding on the commentary a little this time.
The weekend started well. Got there Friday evening in time to have a drink with Paul and Della Rogers who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary -by going racing - what a marriage that must be. I hope my wife lets me do that when we get that far! (We're only half way to that milestone)
Friday had been really wet for those that had been testing and it wasn't looking good for Saturday, but the morning did bring sunshine, although the track was still wet.
We were on quite early so the rack was still damp in places. I enjoyed it though and found myself pacing against Tim H which was encouraging.
Turns out I did a best lap of 1:06.9 which I was pleased with and put me 13th on the grid within 5 tenths of Tim and 9 tenths off Andy Grant's pace. I thought at the time that my best previous time in the Westy was about 1.09 but actually, now I've looked it up, I did a 1:06.97 last year in the Westfield, but that was on a bone dry track. To beat that time on a damp track was pretty encouraging.
So the day was looking good as the sun continued to shine, but would you believe it, with minutes to go before our race was called, the skies darkened and a torrential rain storm ensued.
The TGM team burst into action and took the anti-roll bars off, softened the dampers and took the pressures down a bit, gave me a brolly whilst I sat in assembly, and then off we went.
It had stopped actually raining by the time we set off, but the track was soaking with standing water all over the place. We had a green flag lap to give us a chance to see the conditions which were predictably awfull, but at least I could (kind of) practice a start.
So the start proper was pretty good. I was past quite a few cars off the line and ended up on the inside tucked in behind Matt Green (Spire, class R). We all seemed to get round the first corner ok but Becketts was treacherous with lots of sideways action through there, I managed to hold it together despite a huge slide and managed to stay with Matt. My race was then a very close battle with Matt. I couldn't believe that I was keeping pace with him, but somehow I was finding grip where he wasn't and, whilst he was pulling out on the straights, I was right back with him especially around Becketts and Luffield. I actually got a nose ahead a couple of times when Matt had some very sideways moments ony to be thwarted on the straights again. It must have been great to watch.
With a couple of laps to go I was getting to the point where I was concentrating so hard on trying to keep the car on the track that my head was hurting and I was starting to hope to see the chequered flag but I was desperately looking for an opportunity to nick the place from Matt. We both came upon Paul Rickers who had spun and in having to get past him, Matt pulled out a few lengths and I didn't really have a chance after that.
I finished 9th on the track and 4th in class (behind Derek, Al and Austen) so I was really chuffed with that.
The car felt so controllable in the wet compared to the Westy and I'm sure I can go quicker still bearing in mind that was my first time in the Phoenix in the wet and only my 3rd race at all in that car.
My best time was a 1:18.88. My previous best wet time in the Westy was a 1:22 so I totally smashed that!
So I was very pleased with myself anyway. To get the recognition of my peers by winning the DOTD award was really incredible. I really am very proud of that. It must have been a good show!
This is going to sound like to cheesy speech at the Oscars or something, but I really must thank Tim Gray and his team for his superb service (no...I'm not on commission..but it really is worth every penny!)...and my wife for paying for it. I'm filling up now...
I'm not doing Oulton but I'll be at Pembrey and Cadwell so see you there.
First time in the wet with the Phoenix and I smashed my previous personal best time in the Westfield, 4th in class F and 9th on the track. And to cap it all I got Driver of the Day.
I don't normally bore you with a blow by blow account but you'll forgive me for expanding on the commentary a little this time.
The weekend started well. Got there Friday evening in time to have a drink with Paul and Della Rogers who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary -by going racing - what a marriage that must be. I hope my wife lets me do that when we get that far! (We're only half way to that milestone)
Friday had been really wet for those that had been testing and it wasn't looking good for Saturday, but the morning did bring sunshine, although the track was still wet.
We were on quite early so the rack was still damp in places. I enjoyed it though and found myself pacing against Tim H which was encouraging.
Turns out I did a best lap of 1:06.9 which I was pleased with and put me 13th on the grid within 5 tenths of Tim and 9 tenths off Andy Grant's pace. I thought at the time that my best previous time in the Westy was about 1.09 but actually, now I've looked it up, I did a 1:06.97 last year in the Westfield, but that was on a bone dry track. To beat that time on a damp track was pretty encouraging.
So the day was looking good as the sun continued to shine, but would you believe it, with minutes to go before our race was called, the skies darkened and a torrential rain storm ensued.
The TGM team burst into action and took the anti-roll bars off, softened the dampers and took the pressures down a bit, gave me a brolly whilst I sat in assembly, and then off we went.
It had stopped actually raining by the time we set off, but the track was soaking with standing water all over the place. We had a green flag lap to give us a chance to see the conditions which were predictably awfull, but at least I could (kind of) practice a start.
So the start proper was pretty good. I was past quite a few cars off the line and ended up on the inside tucked in behind Matt Green (Spire, class R). We all seemed to get round the first corner ok but Becketts was treacherous with lots of sideways action through there, I managed to hold it together despite a huge slide and managed to stay with Matt. My race was then a very close battle with Matt. I couldn't believe that I was keeping pace with him, but somehow I was finding grip where he wasn't and, whilst he was pulling out on the straights, I was right back with him especially around Becketts and Luffield. I actually got a nose ahead a couple of times when Matt had some very sideways moments ony to be thwarted on the straights again. It must have been great to watch.
With a couple of laps to go I was getting to the point where I was concentrating so hard on trying to keep the car on the track that my head was hurting and I was starting to hope to see the chequered flag but I was desperately looking for an opportunity to nick the place from Matt. We both came upon Paul Rickers who had spun and in having to get past him, Matt pulled out a few lengths and I didn't really have a chance after that.
I finished 9th on the track and 4th in class (behind Derek, Al and Austen) so I was really chuffed with that.
The car felt so controllable in the wet compared to the Westy and I'm sure I can go quicker still bearing in mind that was my first time in the Phoenix in the wet and only my 3rd race at all in that car.
My best time was a 1:18.88. My previous best wet time in the Westy was a 1:22 so I totally smashed that!
So I was very pleased with myself anyway. To get the recognition of my peers by winning the DOTD award was really incredible. I really am very proud of that. It must have been a good show!
This is going to sound like to cheesy speech at the Oscars or something, but I really must thank Tim Gray and his team for his superb service (no...I'm not on commission..but it really is worth every penny!)...and my wife for paying for it. I'm filling up now...
I'm not doing Oulton but I'll be at Pembrey and Cadwell so see you there.
Friday 5 August 2011
Back to Snetterton - July 11
Well as you may have gathered, dearest blog readers, I didn't do Donington. Too much racing left at the end of the money. But I was back at Snetterton last weekend. And what a beautiful weekend it was (apart from the merest hint of rain during qualifying, but it didn't last).
This is my opportunity to see what I can do in a car that is known to be a well sorted winner in Duncan's capable hands so I've a lot to live up to.
There were two races this weekend. Sadly on the Saturday there was some serious damage suffered by several cars, not least Bob in his shiny new BDN. So sorry for all those guys that suffered damage and obviously thankful that noone was seriously hurt. Even more thankful that it wasn't me!
So given that I was grateful to have an incident free race (well not counting a very close shave, but I'll come on to that), I can't help but being slightly dissapointed to have been a little off the pace. Still, I had two great races.
Race 1 was a great battle with Rob Grant. I was clearly quicker than him through much of the circuit, but he was catching me every time round the new hairpin and therefore onto the straight. I led for most of the race, with some hairy side by side moments through the essess. Then with a couple of laps to go he gets past me into the essess. I then make a lunge up the inside into the first corner which almost came off ok but we went round there side by side with millimetres to spare and then I fluffed a gear change and he got ahead, as did Dan who had been patiently waiting to get past us both.
So having been running a potential 3rd in class for most of the race I end up 5th on the last lap.
I actually came in on the last lap thinking that I was overheating, but as it happens I crossed the line in the pits and I was given the 5th position.
Sunday's race was an equally close battle with Dan, although Rob ducked out having tried to adjust his dampers which had made things worse. I was even keeping pace with Andy Grant, although I was never going to catch him.
A really good fun battle and great racing all round.
I can;t help being dissapointed at my lap times though. My best was a 1:22.1.
I reckon that's at least 2 seconds off the pace. I can see where I might make that up in theory, but I felt like I was driving out of my skin so I think I need some bravery pills for next time!
So I expect to be at Silverstone. Would you believe that my fantastic wife has offered to pay for it for my birthday. What about that! See y'all there.
This is my opportunity to see what I can do in a car that is known to be a well sorted winner in Duncan's capable hands so I've a lot to live up to.
 |
| Waiting for the race - I'm not really as grumpy as I look! |
There were two races this weekend. Sadly on the Saturday there was some serious damage suffered by several cars, not least Bob in his shiny new BDN. So sorry for all those guys that suffered damage and obviously thankful that noone was seriously hurt. Even more thankful that it wasn't me!
So given that I was grateful to have an incident free race (well not counting a very close shave, but I'll come on to that), I can't help but being slightly dissapointed to have been a little off the pace. Still, I had two great races.
Race 1 was a great battle with Rob Grant. I was clearly quicker than him through much of the circuit, but he was catching me every time round the new hairpin and therefore onto the straight. I led for most of the race, with some hairy side by side moments through the essess. Then with a couple of laps to go he gets past me into the essess. I then make a lunge up the inside into the first corner which almost came off ok but we went round there side by side with millimetres to spare and then I fluffed a gear change and he got ahead, as did Dan who had been patiently waiting to get past us both.
So having been running a potential 3rd in class for most of the race I end up 5th on the last lap.
I actually came in on the last lap thinking that I was overheating, but as it happens I crossed the line in the pits and I was given the 5th position.
 |
| No wonder I'm so slow - I'm only using 3 wheels! |
A really good fun battle and great racing all round.
I can;t help being dissapointed at my lap times though. My best was a 1:22.1.
I reckon that's at least 2 seconds off the pace. I can see where I might make that up in theory, but I felt like I was driving out of my skin so I think I need some bravery pills for next time!
So I expect to be at Silverstone. Would you believe that my fantastic wife has offered to pay for it for my birthday. What about that! See y'all there.
Monday 23 May 2011
Snetterton May 11 - Oh dear! Pistn' broke
You've got to laugh haven't you. New car, new track, a test session done on the Friday to get the feel for it. Full of excitment and optimism for a great race. Then the engine destroys itself in practice and that was that.
Never has the expression pistn' broke been so appropriate!
Here's the new car being lovingly cared for (before I broke it)
It can never be too clean can it! All part of the service at TGM!
And here's a rare shot of the Phoenix actually on the move! (well done Dan for getting that one!).
So anyway - another weekend down to experience.
I have to say that watching RGB races is great isn't it. Motors TV don't know what they are missing. It's full of battles going on all down the field and some great on the limit racing. Beats BTCC any day.
The big story of the weekend for me was Paul Rickers' performance. He has really shown that he is in the top league this weekend. What a drive! He held off the acknowledged might of the Jones meister and put himself right up there in the same league. Great stuff.
It gives me some encouragement for the future. I know that my Phoenix is capable of winning because we've all seen how good Duncan was in it, but to see Paul, who I have considered a close rival for a couple of seasons now, stepping up like that makes me think that I can do that too.
So hopefully, if I can find an engine in time, I'll be there at Donington.
Hope it's as busy as Snett was. See y'all there.
(Just realised - I'm going to have to change the name of my blog aren't I. Any suggestions?)
Never has the expression pistn' broke been so appropriate!
Here's the new car being lovingly cared for (before I broke it)
It can never be too clean can it! All part of the service at TGM!
And here's a rare shot of the Phoenix actually on the move! (well done Dan for getting that one!).
So anyway - another weekend down to experience.
I have to say that watching RGB races is great isn't it. Motors TV don't know what they are missing. It's full of battles going on all down the field and some great on the limit racing. Beats BTCC any day.
The big story of the weekend for me was Paul Rickers' performance. He has really shown that he is in the top league this weekend. What a drive! He held off the acknowledged might of the Jones meister and put himself right up there in the same league. Great stuff.
It gives me some encouragement for the future. I know that my Phoenix is capable of winning because we've all seen how good Duncan was in it, but to see Paul, who I have considered a close rival for a couple of seasons now, stepping up like that makes me think that I can do that too.
So hopefully, if I can find an engine in time, I'll be there at Donington.
Hope it's as busy as Snett was. See y'all there.
(Just realised - I'm going to have to change the name of my blog aren't I. Any suggestions?)
Saturday 23 April 2011
Post Brands News
Well, as a mentioned to a few people at Brands, I had some interest in the Westy from someone over the winter which came to nothing, but the guy called me on the Thurday before Brands and asked if my car was still for sale as he had just sold his and had cash waiting. I didn't know what I would buy instead so I said I'd have a chat with a few people to get some ideas about what might be avialable. Tim Gray had some ideas about a spare Phoenix he was building, but it wouldn't be ready for Snetterton. Then Tim thought that Duncan might still be interested in selling his Phoenix. Of course I didn't have to think about that for long.
So by Friday the deal was done. The Westy is on it's way to Devon for a life of hillclimbing and occassional road use. I am now the proud owner of Duncan's Phoenix which I sat in for the first time on Friday morning at Tim's place.
So I will be at Snetterton. New car, new circuit. New class. Hang on while I think of some excuses why I won't be as quick as Dunc. Seriously, it will be a challenge to get up to pace, but I honestly can't wait.
I'm really looking forward to the challenge of matching guys like Austen and Paul Rickers.
May do a test day before.
It feels like the end of an era for me. I've never raced anything other than the Westy. I've driven a few other things on track but never raced them, so it is quite a change. I'm no natural talent so it may take a bit of getting used to. I'm sure it's the right thing to do though. The class A is clearly withering, and whilst it has been good in a way to get a couple of 2nd in classes, it's a hollow victory when there are only 3 of you!
So I'm going to mix it with the big boys and see how we get on!
See you at Snett.
So by Friday the deal was done. The Westy is on it's way to Devon for a life of hillclimbing and occassional road use. I am now the proud owner of Duncan's Phoenix which I sat in for the first time on Friday morning at Tim's place.
So I will be at Snetterton. New car, new circuit. New class. Hang on while I think of some excuses why I won't be as quick as Dunc. Seriously, it will be a challenge to get up to pace, but I honestly can't wait.
I'm really looking forward to the challenge of matching guys like Austen and Paul Rickers.
May do a test day before.
It feels like the end of an era for me. I've never raced anything other than the Westy. I've driven a few other things on track but never raced them, so it is quite a change. I'm no natural talent so it may take a bit of getting used to. I'm sure it's the right thing to do though. The class A is clearly withering, and whilst it has been good in a way to get a couple of 2nd in classes, it's a hollow victory when there are only 3 of you!
So I'm going to mix it with the big boys and see how we get on!
See you at Snett.
Brands April 11 - Double header.
I seem to say this every time now, but that was the best weekend's racing ever. It just gets better and better.
I won't bore you with the fine detail, but the highlights for me were are superb battle in race 1 with Austen. We spent virtually the entire race practically glued to each other. The closest racing ever. I seemed to be gaining around most of the circuit but lost out in the drag down the start/finish straight. It used to be the other way round so I'm not sure what's going on there!
Austen got most of it on video - here. Keep an eye on the rear view camera!
Race 2 highlight was a great start from me and a cheeky move past Colin up the inside at Graham Hill. I couldn't quite believe I pulled that off, and Colin was even more surprised. Sadly I let him past again later in the race at Paddock, but it didn't stop it being a really exciting race.
Of course the main attention was on Tim Gray who started at the back in Richard Wise's Sabre and stormed through the field like a man possessed. He came past me drifting it round Copse on the inside of me. I did think for a split second that he was actually losing it, but no, of course not. The guy is a genius. I real pleasure to watch. I almost wish I was watching that race rather than being in it, just to see Tim's performace (almost but not quite!).
It was great to see so many newcomers this weekend. There is a genuine feeling that RGB is the place to be at the moment and it has a great atmosphere. We are getting some great right ups in Autosport as well which is encouraging.
Here's some pics:
I have some news about my future as well. I'll do another post for that.
I will be at Snetterton. See y'all there.
I won't bore you with the fine detail, but the highlights for me were are superb battle in race 1 with Austen. We spent virtually the entire race practically glued to each other. The closest racing ever. I seemed to be gaining around most of the circuit but lost out in the drag down the start/finish straight. It used to be the other way round so I'm not sure what's going on there!
Austen got most of it on video - here. Keep an eye on the rear view camera!
Race 2 highlight was a great start from me and a cheeky move past Colin up the inside at Graham Hill. I couldn't quite believe I pulled that off, and Colin was even more surprised. Sadly I let him past again later in the race at Paddock, but it didn't stop it being a really exciting race.
Of course the main attention was on Tim Gray who started at the back in Richard Wise's Sabre and stormed through the field like a man possessed. He came past me drifting it round Copse on the inside of me. I did think for a split second that he was actually losing it, but no, of course not. The guy is a genius. I real pleasure to watch. I almost wish I was watching that race rather than being in it, just to see Tim's performace (almost but not quite!).
It was great to see so many newcomers this weekend. There is a genuine feeling that RGB is the place to be at the moment and it has a great atmosphere. We are getting some great right ups in Autosport as well which is encouraging.
Here's some pics:
I have some news about my future as well. I'll do another post for that.
I will be at Snetterton. See y'all there.
Monday 4 April 2011
Start of 2011 Season - April Showers!
Here we go again! I am. as they say, revved up and ready to go for a new season.
I'm sticking with the Westy for another season. There's not much to say about my winter off-season. To sum it up, I tried but didn't sell it. Got a new nose cone. Cleaned it. Handed it over to Tim Gray. That's it. (more on the Tim Gray experience later).
So Mallory then.
Highlights of the day for me...6th in the allcomers (18 starters), which was 5th on handicap although no one explained how that worked!), oh yes and I beat Tim Hoverd in a race following an overtake down the inside through the esses (career high that!), and 11th overall in RGB and, best ever result,...2nd in class, and in the wet! Unbelievable.
Actually it's not that unbelievable. I didn't beat any other RGB cars in the allcomers, and Tim H is still getting the set up on his car sorted. (He did then beat me in the RBG race).
The RGB race was probably my most improved drive so far. There had been a torrential downpour just before we went out so the track was very wet and there was lots of spray. Tim Gray worked his magic on the set up and the car felt really balanced and I could push it where I could not have done before without swapping ends very quickly. I got past Ben round Gerrards and, towards the end of the race even caught David Wale. That made me 2nd in class (out of 4). Even got a trophy!
Really pleased with that. My times in the wet were vastly improved from the last time out in the wet here (a 1.01 compared to a 1.05). Best dry time of the day was 51.63 in the allcomers which is only a slight improvement on my 2009 time, but I'll take anything I can get!
I'm really enjoying doing the 'gentleman driver' thing with Tim Gray. I have finally had to admit that I need help with the prep and set up of the car and having a team look after me on the day was a real luxury. Hopefully a bit of Tim's driving talent will rub off on me as well. We'll see.
So, a pretty good start to the season I reckon. See you all at Brands for the next exciting installment!
My first ever 2nd in Class cup. Don't I look proud!!
Team photo:
I'm sticking with the Westy for another season. There's not much to say about my winter off-season. To sum it up, I tried but didn't sell it. Got a new nose cone. Cleaned it. Handed it over to Tim Gray. That's it. (more on the Tim Gray experience later).
So Mallory then.
Highlights of the day for me...6th in the allcomers (18 starters), which was 5th on handicap although no one explained how that worked!), oh yes and I beat Tim Hoverd in a race following an overtake down the inside through the esses (career high that!), and 11th overall in RGB and, best ever result,...2nd in class, and in the wet! Unbelievable.
Actually it's not that unbelievable. I didn't beat any other RGB cars in the allcomers, and Tim H is still getting the set up on his car sorted. (He did then beat me in the RBG race).
The RGB race was probably my most improved drive so far. There had been a torrential downpour just before we went out so the track was very wet and there was lots of spray. Tim Gray worked his magic on the set up and the car felt really balanced and I could push it where I could not have done before without swapping ends very quickly. I got past Ben round Gerrards and, towards the end of the race even caught David Wale. That made me 2nd in class (out of 4). Even got a trophy!
Really pleased with that. My times in the wet were vastly improved from the last time out in the wet here (a 1.01 compared to a 1.05). Best dry time of the day was 51.63 in the allcomers which is only a slight improvement on my 2009 time, but I'll take anything I can get!
I'm really enjoying doing the 'gentleman driver' thing with Tim Gray. I have finally had to admit that I need help with the prep and set up of the car and having a team look after me on the day was a real luxury. Hopefully a bit of Tim's driving talent will rub off on me as well. We'll see.
So, a pretty good start to the season I reckon. See you all at Brands for the next exciting installment!
Team photo:
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