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Discussion
Hi All,
All of you that were at Oulton will appreciate that it was a bit of a hectic day and coupled with trying to be in decent positions to get shots of the cars and attending two meetings (one with JR and GP to agree the media and PR for next year) I didnt get much chance to speak to everyone and get their reports of the spins, superb overtaking manouvers breakdowns and excuses etc, as I would normally.
I have the race report to write for Sprint and the TVRCC website so could you give me some information on the races from your viewpoint.
Either on here or via the private Yahoo group will be fine and I need to get the report to the Editor by the weekend.
Cheers guys, counting down the days to next season.
All of you that were at Oulton will appreciate that it was a bit of a hectic day and coupled with trying to be in decent positions to get shots of the cars and attending two meetings (one with JR and GP to agree the media and PR for next year) I didnt get much chance to speak to everyone and get their reports of the spins, superb overtaking manouvers breakdowns and excuses etc, as I would normally.
I have the race report to write for Sprint and the TVRCC website so could you give me some information on the races from your viewpoint.
Either on here or via the private Yahoo group will be fine and I need to get the report to the Editor by the weekend.
Cheers guys, counting down the days to next season.
Hi Mal - You are right it was a busy weekend.
Here's my view of the proceedings. Practice was a little bit scary. Very slippery and although the sun was getting to some patches the remaining damp was to be treated with caution. I was a little bit conservative but at least I didn't throw it at the scenery. Race 1 caught me completely by surprise. There was a great big area of damp on my grid box. I was going to light up the tyres for the warm up lap to give me some grip and then I realised we were going straight into a start. I think I had changed up to third gear before the car left the grid box!!! The start was dreadful and I lost so much time that I was never going to get up with the front runners. I concentrated on running as quickly as I could and had a lot of traffic to deal with so 5th was not bad and I was catching Dean until I tripped over a couple of class C cars. Race 2 saw a better but not a good start but at least I could get with the front boys and I latched on to the back of Dean lapping at almost identical times. An early scrummage between Dean and Darren Smith on the pit straight brought me a little closer and Darren pulled up with a broken gearbox. Shortly after that I saw Deans brake lights flicker into Lodge and saw he was having prolems braking. I started to catch Dean and I would have been right with him given another lap. I enjoyed the chase in both races and was reasonably pleased with my times. I had too much front brake bias and wasn't using the rears at all so I felt there was more time to be gainned in the braking zones. I will have to wait till next year to find out if I am right!
The end of term party was great. Many thanks to Linda for her organisation and to Geoff for his MC duties.
Hui
Here's my view of the proceedings. Practice was a little bit scary. Very slippery and although the sun was getting to some patches the remaining damp was to be treated with caution. I was a little bit conservative but at least I didn't throw it at the scenery. Race 1 caught me completely by surprise. There was a great big area of damp on my grid box. I was going to light up the tyres for the warm up lap to give me some grip and then I realised we were going straight into a start. I think I had changed up to third gear before the car left the grid box!!! The start was dreadful and I lost so much time that I was never going to get up with the front runners. I concentrated on running as quickly as I could and had a lot of traffic to deal with so 5th was not bad and I was catching Dean until I tripped over a couple of class C cars. Race 2 saw a better but not a good start but at least I could get with the front boys and I latched on to the back of Dean lapping at almost identical times. An early scrummage between Dean and Darren Smith on the pit straight brought me a little closer and Darren pulled up with a broken gearbox. Shortly after that I saw Deans brake lights flicker into Lodge and saw he was having prolems braking. I started to catch Dean and I would have been right with him given another lap. I enjoyed the chase in both races and was reasonably pleased with my times. I had too much front brake bias and wasn't using the rears at all so I felt there was more time to be gainned in the braking zones. I will have to wait till next year to find out if I am right!
The end of term party was great. Many thanks to Linda for her organisation and to Geoff for his MC duties.
Hui
Was a very early and hectic start, with qualifying at 8:30, that also clashed with drivers briefing, so I arranged for this to be move to an earlier time.
Have to agree with everyone was very slippery for qualifying, plus was suffering with misted up windows for the 1st few laps. I've not done this track before so was still learning then track also, and as soon as I was ready to try and put in a fast lap time was up, with a lap over 2 minutes your not going to get many.
1st Race I was court out as was a lot of the others, on if we was having a green lap or not, but as soon as I saw the lights I knew it was all go, and managed to get past Peter on the start, and get on the back of my nearest competitor (Richard) he was having a good battle with Billy, and got past quite easy, so now I needed to get past Billy to then attack Richard again, but Billy was not happy with being stuck in the middle so was doing his best to retake Richard, Billy made an optimistic lunge at Lodge, and put Richard into a spin, he trying to correct but this caused Billy to plough into him, and they both went off, I backed of to not to make it a 3 car crash, I thought I was then safe in finishing in-front of Richard, but I think the crash forced him to really got for it, as a few laps later he was right behind me, I tried to hold him off but, went off line a bit though clay hill, and then had no grip due to my tires getting wet, as the track only really had one dry line still, so Richard got past, I tried to re-take him later, but was not able to safly, but we both put in our fastest laps.
2nd Race, I got an even better start and got past Richard, and made the most of all the cars that span off at cascades, and made a ok gap, but got complacent and the battling Peter and billy court me up, and they both got past at the hair pin. this gave me a kick to get back on the pace, but on the next lap Peter span at cascades, Billy went past but then Peter span back across the track, so I was hard on the brakes, Richard went off tack to avoid everything, as soon as I worked out where Peter was going I got back on the task of catching Billy, he was doing his best at blocking me plus did not want to make a chance unless I had a clear gap, but after a few lap I got a good drive out of Lodge, and was able to out brake him into Old Hall, and was past, I could also then see Gary in a Group A Tuscan, so had a new target, plus wanted to put a gap between myself and Billy as he does not take prisoners. I was soon upto Gary with Billy quite a way back, and putting in laps 2 seconds quicker than my quickest on the 1st race, Gary was just too fast on the straights for me to get past but was nice to battle with a group A car, the 1st time for me.
Was one of the best races I've had, and a great end to the season. Still got lots to learn, but I'm improving every time out.
Have to agree with everyone was very slippery for qualifying, plus was suffering with misted up windows for the 1st few laps. I've not done this track before so was still learning then track also, and as soon as I was ready to try and put in a fast lap time was up, with a lap over 2 minutes your not going to get many.
1st Race I was court out as was a lot of the others, on if we was having a green lap or not, but as soon as I saw the lights I knew it was all go, and managed to get past Peter on the start, and get on the back of my nearest competitor (Richard) he was having a good battle with Billy, and got past quite easy, so now I needed to get past Billy to then attack Richard again, but Billy was not happy with being stuck in the middle so was doing his best to retake Richard, Billy made an optimistic lunge at Lodge, and put Richard into a spin, he trying to correct but this caused Billy to plough into him, and they both went off, I backed of to not to make it a 3 car crash, I thought I was then safe in finishing in-front of Richard, but I think the crash forced him to really got for it, as a few laps later he was right behind me, I tried to hold him off but, went off line a bit though clay hill, and then had no grip due to my tires getting wet, as the track only really had one dry line still, so Richard got past, I tried to re-take him later, but was not able to safly, but we both put in our fastest laps.
2nd Race, I got an even better start and got past Richard, and made the most of all the cars that span off at cascades, and made a ok gap, but got complacent and the battling Peter and billy court me up, and they both got past at the hair pin. this gave me a kick to get back on the pace, but on the next lap Peter span at cascades, Billy went past but then Peter span back across the track, so I was hard on the brakes, Richard went off tack to avoid everything, as soon as I worked out where Peter was going I got back on the task of catching Billy, he was doing his best at blocking me plus did not want to make a chance unless I had a clear gap, but after a few lap I got a good drive out of Lodge, and was able to out brake him into Old Hall, and was past, I could also then see Gary in a Group A Tuscan, so had a new target, plus wanted to put a gap between myself and Billy as he does not take prisoners. I was soon upto Gary with Billy quite a way back, and putting in laps 2 seconds quicker than my quickest on the 1st race, Gary was just too fast on the straights for me to get past but was nice to battle with a group A car, the 1st time for me.
Was one of the best races I've had, and a great end to the season. Still got lots to learn, but I'm improving every time out.
.....and from my point of view.
Although Saturday morning was bright and sunny, the dew point was very low and I think everybody was having trouble clearing the moisture from there windows. Even though the car had been covered all night, as soon as the cover was removed condensation appeared all over the car, inside and out! We just managed to clear it all just before going into the assembly area prior to qually.
Due to the noise regs, the car was pushed to scrutineeering early (7.00am) in readiness. When they were ready for us, it was pushed into the bay and opened up. As the scrutineer examined it I had all my fingers crossed hoping and praying that everything would be OK as there wasn't much time to rectify any problems. Nothing was amiss so as he signed my ticket I breathed a big sigh of relief.
We trundled off to the assembly area for qually and waited for the green light. I used the time to work out, for the umpteenth time, what I had to do to secure the Championship. Assuming Keith took both Class B wins and both class fastest laps I would need a minimum of a class 2nd and a class 3rd to stay in front. Above everything else I had to finish though!
The green lights came on and we were away for qually. Some of the track was drying out but the majority of it was very damp and even wet in places. I took it very slowly for the first 3 laps and then decided to pick up the pace a bit. On the fourth lap, coming through deer leap, I took a tightish line resulting in the rear end stepping out at full chat. Luckily this error was easily corrected and I carried on unscathed. It did, however, remind me that I needed the car in one piece so I complete only 2 more laps and came in.
To my surprise I had qualified in 8th place which is where I definitely did not want to be! We lined up on the grid for the first race and I was surround by Tuscans. My bum fell of. The lights went out, I dropped the clutch, but the cars in front were struggling for traction. From memory I think I gained a couple of places going into the first turn due to being able to get usable power through the tyres. Not feeling comfortable where I was and mindful that I would be holding up the faster cars I backed off a little and moved over. The tuscans behind me thundered past. As soon as I spotted Billy T behind me I stuck my foot down and tried to follow the pack in front. Eventually they disappeared into the distance leaving me in the middle of nowhere. With nothing in my mirrors I settled into a steady rhythm. On the 4th or 5th lap, going into cascades, the track looked a little dryer on the outside, which is my preffered line, so I kept on the power into my usual braking zone. Mistake. A massive 4 wheel lockup resulted, smoke everywhere, car going sideways and rectum twitching. Somehow I gathered it all back up and kept it on the black stuff. The rest of the race was fairly uneventful although I do remember frantically waving by all the cars that came up to lap me. I made sure that I wasn't going to get in any ones way!
So, with race 1 over, a class win, and a fastest lap, the pressure was off a little. I just needed to finish race 2. As we lined up on the grid I was happy being sat behind the tuscans this time. When the red lights went out I got a good start and followed the pack through Old Hall. Coming into cascades I noticed Tim and Keith getting all out of shape. Not knowing where Keith was going to end up I slowed right down to make sure I could avoid him if needed. Phew......so far so good. Again I settled into a steady rhythm. I looked in my mirror and noticed Keith approaching fast following his little off. There was no way I was getting involved with Keithybaby. At first he seemed to want to sit behind me and have a play. No bleedin' way I thought, so I backed off and waved him through. I could see the mischievous grin on his chops as he went bye, cheers Keith
Nothing much happened after that except when I had a lock up going into knickerbrook. This flat spotted my tyres which made the car vibrate for the rest of the race. It was quite difficult to focus at times. The laps went by and I just wanted that chequered flag to come out. Eventually it did and I had an overwhelming urge to shout and scream whilst violently punching the air as I crossed the line. Job was done! What a feeling.
It was great to see my family and friends all excited as I entered the paddock. I felt that I owed it to them as they have followed the Challenge to every race track for the past couple of seasons. It made it all worth while!
Although Saturday morning was bright and sunny, the dew point was very low and I think everybody was having trouble clearing the moisture from there windows. Even though the car had been covered all night, as soon as the cover was removed condensation appeared all over the car, inside and out! We just managed to clear it all just before going into the assembly area prior to qually.
Due to the noise regs, the car was pushed to scrutineeering early (7.00am) in readiness. When they were ready for us, it was pushed into the bay and opened up. As the scrutineer examined it I had all my fingers crossed hoping and praying that everything would be OK as there wasn't much time to rectify any problems. Nothing was amiss so as he signed my ticket I breathed a big sigh of relief.
We trundled off to the assembly area for qually and waited for the green light. I used the time to work out, for the umpteenth time, what I had to do to secure the Championship. Assuming Keith took both Class B wins and both class fastest laps I would need a minimum of a class 2nd and a class 3rd to stay in front. Above everything else I had to finish though!
The green lights came on and we were away for qually. Some of the track was drying out but the majority of it was very damp and even wet in places. I took it very slowly for the first 3 laps and then decided to pick up the pace a bit. On the fourth lap, coming through deer leap, I took a tightish line resulting in the rear end stepping out at full chat. Luckily this error was easily corrected and I carried on unscathed. It did, however, remind me that I needed the car in one piece so I complete only 2 more laps and came in.
To my surprise I had qualified in 8th place which is where I definitely did not want to be! We lined up on the grid for the first race and I was surround by Tuscans. My bum fell of. The lights went out, I dropped the clutch, but the cars in front were struggling for traction. From memory I think I gained a couple of places going into the first turn due to being able to get usable power through the tyres. Not feeling comfortable where I was and mindful that I would be holding up the faster cars I backed off a little and moved over. The tuscans behind me thundered past. As soon as I spotted Billy T behind me I stuck my foot down and tried to follow the pack in front. Eventually they disappeared into the distance leaving me in the middle of nowhere. With nothing in my mirrors I settled into a steady rhythm. On the 4th or 5th lap, going into cascades, the track looked a little dryer on the outside, which is my preffered line, so I kept on the power into my usual braking zone. Mistake. A massive 4 wheel lockup resulted, smoke everywhere, car going sideways and rectum twitching. Somehow I gathered it all back up and kept it on the black stuff. The rest of the race was fairly uneventful although I do remember frantically waving by all the cars that came up to lap me. I made sure that I wasn't going to get in any ones way!
So, with race 1 over, a class win, and a fastest lap, the pressure was off a little. I just needed to finish race 2. As we lined up on the grid I was happy being sat behind the tuscans this time. When the red lights went out I got a good start and followed the pack through Old Hall. Coming into cascades I noticed Tim and Keith getting all out of shape. Not knowing where Keith was going to end up I slowed right down to make sure I could avoid him if needed. Phew......so far so good. Again I settled into a steady rhythm. I looked in my mirror and noticed Keith approaching fast following his little off. There was no way I was getting involved with Keithybaby. At first he seemed to want to sit behind me and have a play. No bleedin' way I thought, so I backed off and waved him through. I could see the mischievous grin on his chops as he went bye, cheers Keith
Nothing much happened after that except when I had a lock up going into knickerbrook. This flat spotted my tyres which made the car vibrate for the rest of the race. It was quite difficult to focus at times. The laps went by and I just wanted that chequered flag to come out. Eventually it did and I had an overwhelming urge to shout and scream whilst violently punching the air as I crossed the line. Job was done! What a feeling.It was great to see my family and friends all excited as I entered the paddock. I felt that I owed it to them as they have followed the Challenge to every race track for the past couple of seasons. It made it all worth while!
NTEL said:
Mal, any idea when the Photo discs will be mailed out?
Hi Dave, within the next few weeks I hope, I am waiting on a disk from George to combine both our efforts onto one set of disks.
Mal,
PS thanks to all those that have given me input into the article, it has certainly filled in a few gaps in information that you just cant get from the lap charts.
grumpy bear said:
NTEL said:
Mal, any idea when the Photo discs will be mailed out?
Hi Dave, within the next few weeks I hope, I am waiting on a disk from George to combine both our efforts onto one set of disks.
Mal,
PS thanks to all those that have given me input into the article, it has certainly filled in a few gaps in information that you just cant get from the lap charts.
Hi Mal - you got an initial reaction from me to the first race on interview, but here's my report;
"All I had to do was complete 2 races and beat Leigh in one of them to secure third place in the Championship. But after My DNF at Rockingham in Race 1 (more accurately described as a DNS) I was not feelng overly confident. All was going well in Race 1 for 15 minutes, but with Billy on my tail for 2 laps cutting and thrusting, he nudged me on entry to Lodge, causing a rear end slide which I corrected only to be hit again and ending in a "pas de deux" with his Tasmin me facing backwards down the track. Fortunately both cars recovered, but then I was 10 seconds down on Leigh who had overtaken me in the off.
I was determined to get back to Leigh and, with only 2 laps remaining, managed to take him during a lapse in his concentration (as he has described)!
Race 2 was meant to be a "walk in the park" with me tailing Peter's Tas then Billy then me in close formation, but then Peter's spin at Cascades followed by Leigh's hard braking left me nowhere to go but wide right onto the grass and several pirouettes before I recovered the black stuff. Thereafter I settled down into mere finishing mode! Job done! ! !
"All I had to do was complete 2 races and beat Leigh in one of them to secure third place in the Championship. But after My DNF at Rockingham in Race 1 (more accurately described as a DNS) I was not feelng overly confident. All was going well in Race 1 for 15 minutes, but with Billy on my tail for 2 laps cutting and thrusting, he nudged me on entry to Lodge, causing a rear end slide which I corrected only to be hit again and ending in a "pas de deux" with his Tasmin me facing backwards down the track. Fortunately both cars recovered, but then I was 10 seconds down on Leigh who had overtaken me in the off.
I was determined to get back to Leigh and, with only 2 laps remaining, managed to take him during a lapse in his concentration (as he has described)!
Race 2 was meant to be a "walk in the park" with me tailing Peter's Tas then Billy then me in close formation, but then Peter's spin at Cascades followed by Leigh's hard braking left me nowhere to go but wide right onto the grass and several pirouettes before I recovered the black stuff. Thereafter I settled down into mere finishing mode! Job done! ! !
TVRleigh_BBWR said:
I think we should do this more often, its quite interesting reading from everyone point of view, esp as sometimes don't see much due to racing.
My thoughts exactly.I want to include a driver race reports page in the website for next year so it isnt just my view of the race and it also REALLY helps with the accuracy of the overall report.
Keep them coming.
grumpy bear said:
TVRleigh_BBWR said:
I think we should do this more often, its quite interesting reading from everyone point of view, esp as sometimes don't see much due to racing.
My thoughts exactly.I want to include a driver race reports page in the website for next year so it isnt just my view of the race and it also REALLY helps with the accuracy of the overall report.
Keep them coming.
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