First Win at Combe
After our good showing in Race 2 at Brands Hatch in the previous round, we were determined to go one step better and get that elusive first race win at Castle Combe.
Qualification
The car felt very well balanced over the notorious bumps at the Castle Combe circuit despite an impressive spin exiting Camp Corner mid-way through the session. This was obviously done for the crowds benefit, and was not down to poor driving skill! It also gave Kev, the team boss, the chance to gesticulate exactly what he thought of my display of drifting talent! Our reward was the second fastest time in Class 3, comfortably ahead of the other 944s, but ominously slower than Neil Harvey's 911. Some pondering in the paddock was clearly needed.
Race 1
A reasonable run off the line down to Quarry saw us follow Neil's 911 in close proximity. A good exit almost saw us pass him into the Esses, but Neil drives a very wide car! We were able to keep close during the opening laps, but Neil was able to gradually eek away. With none of the other cars in our class able to stay close, it proved to be a bit of a lonely race. With only a few minutes before the allotted time was up, the race was red flagged after Peter Erceg's Class 1 968 collided heavily with the tyre wall at Tower.
Race 2
A bit off argy-bargy off the start with Dave Roberts saw him take an agricultural line and the rest of the field streamed passed us. However, an inviting wide line through Quarry allowed us to make up the places we had lost, and as we entered the Esses, only a Class 2 car lay between us and Neil's Class leading 911. Dave stayed close behind and a forceful move through Bobbies saw him nick our second place. However, it was short lived, as a good run through Camp saw us pass him back down the Pits Straight. The pair of us were able to reel in Neil and a top scrap then ensued right up until the flag. Neil got caught up with Richard Ellis' Class 2 car, and this presented us with an opportunity exiting Camp. We ran side by side all the way to Quarry where we were able to outbrake Neil and take the Class lead. We were never to concede the position, but both Neil and Dave kept us honest right up until the chequered flag dropped, earning us our first class win of the season.
Reflection
Our first win proved to be a big lift to the entire team. I'm sure my technicians were wondering whether I would ever get the job done, so it was really pleasing to reward them for their hard efforts that go on behind the scenes. Let's home there will be a few more before the season is done!
Qualification
The car felt very well balanced over the notorious bumps at the Castle Combe circuit despite an impressive spin exiting Camp Corner mid-way through the session. This was obviously done for the crowds benefit, and was not down to poor driving skill! It also gave Kev, the team boss, the chance to gesticulate exactly what he thought of my display of drifting talent! Our reward was the second fastest time in Class 3, comfortably ahead of the other 944s, but ominously slower than Neil Harvey's 911. Some pondering in the paddock was clearly needed.
Race 1
A reasonable run off the line down to Quarry saw us follow Neil's 911 in close proximity. A good exit almost saw us pass him into the Esses, but Neil drives a very wide car! We were able to keep close during the opening laps, but Neil was able to gradually eek away. With none of the other cars in our class able to stay close, it proved to be a bit of a lonely race. With only a few minutes before the allotted time was up, the race was red flagged after Peter Erceg's Class 1 968 collided heavily with the tyre wall at Tower.
Race 2
A bit off argy-bargy off the start with Dave Roberts saw him take an agricultural line and the rest of the field streamed passed us. However, an inviting wide line through Quarry allowed us to make up the places we had lost, and as we entered the Esses, only a Class 2 car lay between us and Neil's Class leading 911. Dave stayed close behind and a forceful move through Bobbies saw him nick our second place. However, it was short lived, as a good run through Camp saw us pass him back down the Pits Straight. The pair of us were able to reel in Neil and a top scrap then ensued right up until the flag. Neil got caught up with Richard Ellis' Class 2 car, and this presented us with an opportunity exiting Camp. We ran side by side all the way to Quarry where we were able to outbrake Neil and take the Class lead. We were never to concede the position, but both Neil and Dave kept us honest right up until the chequered flag dropped, earning us our first class win of the season.
Reflection
Our first win proved to be a big lift to the entire team. I'm sure my technicians were wondering whether I would ever get the job done, so it was really pleasing to reward them for their hard efforts that go on behind the scenes. Let's home there will be a few more before the season is done!
