|
|
|
Sebring Race 15th March |
|
Getting re-acquainted with this Florida circuit took a little longer than I expected. I really had forgotten that there is very little time in which to "relax." The track is very quick and very hard on the car and driver. It became apparent quite quickly that there was also some extremely quick opposition - top quality cars with world class drivers. In the ALMS briefing the clerk of the course stated that the field was one of the best that they had ever had ( later proved to be right by the sheer absence of safety car periods.) Robin had the honour of qualifying, putting us in a respectable place on the grid whilst Piers and I dialed our way down to some very competitive lap times. Like Le Mans last year we were looking okay particularly as Robin had the bit between his teeth come race day. We progressed rapidly up the field before the first bit of bad luck struck. On one of the fast left kinks a tyre burst damaging the front corner and destroying the radiator. Robin made his way slowly back to the pits and the guys started the repair. Unfortunately more bad news was waiting. He had been radioing in that the oil temperature was creeping inexorably higher. This would seal our fate. Although Piers went out for a short time afterwards the engine was not destined to last. Game over. Next stop Le Mans.
|
