Monday 19th May 2014

Caterham Academy: Blyton Sprint

Matt reports back from round two of the 2014 Academy (now with video)

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Alright, confession time. I had been at Blyton Park before yesterday's sprint in a Toyota GT86; however, it should be stressed this was before I knew about this year's Academy. Very important point that, before any cries of unfair play are heard.

Outbraking not caught on camera. Phew.

But of course it's amazing the difference a bit of knowledge and confidence can make to a track situation, isn't it? Yesterday's layout was slightly different to that used back in August but a bit of familiarity was very welcome, especially given how much longer Blyton and more techical is compared to Aintree.

So all was therefore going fairly well on the first practice run, right up until outbraking myself at the start of the second lap. Damn. Still, that's what practice is for, right? The second practice kept all four wheels pointing (largely) where they were meant to and the timed runs were soon underway.

Areas of the track missed on the morning's track walk were covered at lunch. A right I was taking in third could have been done in fourth apparently, just before the left where I outbraked myself early on. You can guess what happened on the first timed run, can't you?

No problems with the straight bits...

This time it was merely a slow, scrappy and skiddy way through but frustrating nonetheless. Finally, on the second timed run that felt alright. There were areas for improvement (aren't there always?) but the majority of the lap wasn't too bad.

Funnily enough that time was good enough for third, the next time round a hundredth of a second slower and the final run dropping half a second thanks to some overly ambitious late braking at the Wiggler chicane.

Anyway, third is an excellent result, one I'm hugely chuffed with. David and Paul in first and second respectively were further ahead than I'd care to admit, but that goes to show what even further ability and confidence can do. Track days are being booked imminently. Plus the stiffer anti-roll bar. And the competition pads. What was that about not taking this too seriously?

Don't expect to see this again. Really

Caterham were filming a promo film for the Academy yesterday. After a fabulously awkward interview, Ben and Joe on the cameras asked if I'd been prepped on what to say. I genuinely hadn't, the Academy has already generated some great friendships off the track and there's a real sense of community amongst the guys. Everyone involved loves cars which makes it so easy to get along with your fellow competitors. Of course there are dreams of motorsport superstardom throughout the paddock, but a real sense of helping your fellow competitor too.

The races start next month with a nice and easy introduction at Oulton Park (!). Whether I'll be quite as cheery about the Academy experience after a scrap in the midfield at a circuit I've not driven before remains to be seen. And don't worry, that horrid blue tape is going soon!

Video here. This was the first timed run with a few mistakes so I know it's not great. The actual third place time was more than two seconds quicker which conveniently didn't record!

 

 

[Pics: SnappyRacers.com]

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Caterham Academy 2014 - Game on!
Caterham Academy 2014 - Handling day
Caterham Academy 2014 - Test day
Caterham Academy 2014 - Aintree Sprint

[LB14]

Well done on the 3rd place finish ..... look forward to watching you at Oulton.

Its my local track and also my favourite - watch out at Druids if its wet!!

[renaultgeek]

fair play to you.

Does the car not have to be kept standard?

[framerateuk]

I didn't realise you were allowed to use competition brake pads in the Academy! They might make every difference... (though will no doubt have an effect on fluid and tyre temps!).

[Z3MCJez]

framerateuk said:

I didn't realise you were allowed to use competition brake pads in the Academy! They might make every difference... (though will no doubt have an effect on fluid and tyre temps!).

Academy competition pads were Mintex 1144s front only (standard rears). The red ARB will make more difference. But the car is basically the car, unless they've changed the rules since I did it.

Jez

[BobW13]

Hi, PH Newb here! Just signed up for 2015 Caterham Academy - gulp!

Great video and blog, useful info for next year!

Any other 2015 Academists around? Not familiarised myself with the forums yet, so any guidance greatly appreciated!

What have I let myself in for...???