brandsindl01

Brands Hatch Race 16th September

Having come so close to winning the GT Championship last year I approached the race at Brands with more than a little trepidation. The race was going to take place on the Indy circuit with a full grid of cars. That meant that we would be lapping back markers constantly over the hour long race and we could easily end up like last year being caught out in someone else’s problem.

Then there is always the gremlin factor and this manifested itself during the Friday test. A mysterious engine glitch sidelined us after the morning session and the decision was taken to run last year’s FIA car instead. Although this was running with the FIA restrictors, it was deemed the sensible route to go. The guys set about preparing the car ready for Saturday’s qualifying.

It was our turn to take the first 10 minutes and Mike put us in the P1 slot. This was unfortunately only temporary as the Viper then marginally improved on our time. The TVR was likewise only a fraction behind. It was always going to be close round this circuit and whilst it is always preferable to have pole, Mike and I were clear in our minds as to what was required from the weekend.

I popped in three mid 46’s but echoed Mike’s view that there was a strange vibration in the car. Was this paranoia setting in? The crew then set about changing everything in sight to hopefully find the problem.

It seemed to do the trick because the car felt good doing the warm-up on Sunday morning. We were second quickest but were running on old rubber. As I said before we knew what we needed to do. This was no time for heroics and I agreed with Michael Caine to let him through on the start. Both the TVR and the Viper needed to win and I would let them squabble it out.

I did not want a repeat of Thruxton but it was absolutely impossible to get any temperature in the tyres around such a short lap. This coupled with my last experience of Paddock probably made me more cautious than usual. Sure enough as the lights changed I slotted into 3rd and climbed up the hill to Druids. What I hadn’t counted on was the GTO TVR going around my outside followed by the leading Porsche. That was not in the script but I didn’t want to become embroiled in their battle.

It took about 5 laps before my tyres were up to temperature and then I moved from 6^th to 5^th (3^rd in class) and settled down to my stint. The car felt good although the vibration was back …or was it paranoia!?

The pit lane window coincided with a safety car period and LP called me in. The guys performed another good stop and Mike was on his way. We thought initially that we were at the front of the pack but a swift wave by the SC sent us round to join the back!

On the restart the Viper moved ahead of a punctured Speed 12 and we were up to 2^nd in class. It would be all about staying out of trouble now and the reliability of the car. Despite a spinning Marcos, which Mike managed to miss, and a clock that seemed to slow down(!), we went over the line in second place. The Championship was ours.

A fantastic result for the team for all the work and dedication they have put in, for the Factory who have had their share of bad luck in the FIA Championship and for Michelin who had already sewn up the GTO title. My thanks to all of those and of course to Mike who has driven like a star all year!