Oulton Proves Frustrating
After a successful winter testing program we were very much up for the new challenge of the club championship this season, which would see us no longer in a single model class but up against an array of Porsches. However, a fraught opening weekend has put us on the back foot.
QualifyingWith testing having gone well on the Friday, we were hopeful of a good showing in qualifying, the only unknown quantity was that of Neil Harvey's 911 that we had been unable to clock. The session proved disappointing with me not able to match the previous day's time and not only did we find ourselves behind Neil but Dave Roberts had also managed to pip us by a few tenths as well.
Race 1
Qualifying is one thing but racing is something else! With our first chance to go head to head with the 911s it was time for action! An average start saw me tuck in behind Dave's 944. I followed him for the first lap but at the start of lap two he left a gap going into Old Hall that proved to inviting to turn down! With him despatched I set off after the fast moving 911 of Neil Harvey. Try as I might though, there was to be no catching him, so I set about consolidating my second place. Neil took a deserved Class win, while we were left to ponder how we could get closer to him in Race 2.
Race 2
Determined to make a better fight of it this time, a good start saw me take Neil's 911 into the first corner. However an over ambitious defence of my position resulted in him muscling passed me into Foulstons later in the lap. This time though I was not prepared to see him disappear up the road as he had done earlier in the day. But three laps into the race, disaster struck. On exciting Cascades, a big clang from the engine was swiftly followed by a huge plume of white smoke as it let go. I could do nothing more than pull the car onto the grass and watch the rest of the race from the marshal's post.
Reflection
Obviously we left the meeting feeling frustrated but we don't give up easily! We may have a busy week ahead but we'll be back for the next round at Snetterton this weekend determined to set the record straight.
