Back on Track at Combe
With two indifferent displays at the previous rounds, Castle Combe presented the chance for us to get our season back on track. The guys at EMC had been busy beavering away back at the workshop and it was time to repay their efforts with a good showing out on the track.
Qualifying
The session was short and sweet at only fifteen minutes, which was long enough to remind us of just how bumpy the circuit is and to establish the car was back up to speed. Having had a few clear laps we were able to set a semi respectable lap time which saw us qualify sixth in class. We were probably still being a little tentative during the session, so some bravery pills would be needed before the race in order to do ourselves justice.
Race 1
A clean start saw us thrust right into the mix. We took to the outside through the first corner, Quarry, and were able to capitalise on some of the squabbling taking place on the inside. However, our hard work was to be undone two corners later when a slightly wayward Class 1 911 caused us to take avoiding action which resulted in several cars re-passing us. We got back up to speed and closed in on the 911 of class 2 rival David Burke. Despite us being quicker through the corners, he had the edge on us down the straights so, try as we might, we were unable to pass him. We finished the race sixth in class, and were pleased to pick up some much needed points.
Race 2
After a well-behaved race 1, it all seemed to go wrong in race 2! We got baulked off the line by the slow starting 968 of Adrian Grieves, but despite much cursing, it proved to be a bit of a God send. By the time we reached Quarry corner we had dropped numerous places, but on exiting, a bout of argy-bargy further up resulted in cars spinning in all directions, and we were fortunate not to be involved. The race was red-flagged and we were held on the line for the track to be cleared. On the restart we faired much better and made up some places. Yet more contact saw one of our rivals disappear to the infield at speed. We soon found ourselves in a similar situation to race 1, staring at the back end of David Burke's blue 911. Determined not to get hampered behind him again, a late lunge into Tower saw us outbrake him and set off after Tim Bates in third position. We were closing him down when the car developed a bit of a gremlin. An intermittent spluttering saw our progress hampered and indeed dropped us back into the clutches of Richard Ellis' 911. A top scrap ensued for the remainder of the race between the pair of us, but with the car misbehaving, we weren't able to stay in front of him, so had to settle for fifth place in class.
Reflection
This meeting has put us back in the hunt. With only two rounds to go the pressure is on but we have faith and will be back in action at Silverstone on the Grand Prix circuit in three weeks time.
Qualifying
The session was short and sweet at only fifteen minutes, which was long enough to remind us of just how bumpy the circuit is and to establish the car was back up to speed. Having had a few clear laps we were able to set a semi respectable lap time which saw us qualify sixth in class. We were probably still being a little tentative during the session, so some bravery pills would be needed before the race in order to do ourselves justice.
Race 1
A clean start saw us thrust right into the mix. We took to the outside through the first corner, Quarry, and were able to capitalise on some of the squabbling taking place on the inside. However, our hard work was to be undone two corners later when a slightly wayward Class 1 911 caused us to take avoiding action which resulted in several cars re-passing us. We got back up to speed and closed in on the 911 of class 2 rival David Burke. Despite us being quicker through the corners, he had the edge on us down the straights so, try as we might, we were unable to pass him. We finished the race sixth in class, and were pleased to pick up some much needed points.
Race 2
After a well-behaved race 1, it all seemed to go wrong in race 2! We got baulked off the line by the slow starting 968 of Adrian Grieves, but despite much cursing, it proved to be a bit of a God send. By the time we reached Quarry corner we had dropped numerous places, but on exiting, a bout of argy-bargy further up resulted in cars spinning in all directions, and we were fortunate not to be involved. The race was red-flagged and we were held on the line for the track to be cleared. On the restart we faired much better and made up some places. Yet more contact saw one of our rivals disappear to the infield at speed. We soon found ourselves in a similar situation to race 1, staring at the back end of David Burke's blue 911. Determined not to get hampered behind him again, a late lunge into Tower saw us outbrake him and set off after Tim Bates in third position. We were closing him down when the car developed a bit of a gremlin. An intermittent spluttering saw our progress hampered and indeed dropped us back into the clutches of Richard Ellis' 911. A top scrap ensued for the remainder of the race between the pair of us, but with the car misbehaving, we weren't able to stay in front of him, so had to settle for fifth place in class.
Reflection
This meeting has put us back in the hunt. With only two rounds to go the pressure is on but we have faith and will be back in action at Silverstone on the Grand Prix circuit in three weeks time.
