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Croft Race 23 July |
| We made our decision to run at the official test on the Friday for a number of reasons not the least of which my new partner Richard Dean required some seat time in a different race car! I also had to dispel my ghosts from my previous disaster at the North East track...... Whilst we were not the quickest during the test it was obvious that Richard was beginning to like the car. We have never managed to find the ideal setting for Croft because it is very bumpy in parts and we have never wanted to compromise with the car's handling in the faster parts of the circuit. Suffice it to say we were both fairly happy although it was immediately obvious that our difference in size would make the pit stop the most difficult yet.......
The rest of the country was apparently bathed in glorious sunshine but Croft remained chilly for qualifying. It was the GTO's who were out first this time and Richard and I decided to split the remaining twenty minutes of the session in case it rained in the afternoon. Richard's time was good enough for 3rd on the grid and I was not far behind having posted my fastest time around Croft despite having to overtake the Camaro and TVR Six on my lap. The times would not be bettered in the afternoon although Richard came close before a red lag delayed the session.
We therefore lined up 3rd behind the NCK Marcos and the Lotus. Race day was also dull and overcast.......as long as it didn't rain like it did at Donington!!!! I would start the race and I was determined not to fluff my start again. I held onto 3rd through Clervaux and was content short term to see the two in front squabble for position. I say short term because it became apparent that the Viper wanted my place.....
And then the Lotus just disappeared! It just went straight on into the cornfield......That left me behind the Marcos but defending from the Viper. As I concentrated on the latter the former edged away. As I approached Tower for the ninth time the Viper dived down my inside and stole my place. I consoled myself with the thought that we could both then hunt down the Marcos.......
We were both then caught in the yellow flags behind back markers which was irritating but this then fell back to us as the Camaro's departure (which had caused these flags) then necessitated the arrival of the Safety Car. The field then bunched up and after one more tour I had the message from Daniel to pit. I double checked this and sure enough as we came round again the two in front dived towards the pit entrance. I followed suit and strained my eyes to locate the crew.... Ironically we beat the Marcos out but not the Viper..... The race was on again one lap later and Richard set about the Viper. He had the Marcos and the Larbre Porsche on his tail though. An incident with a kerb put paid to the Viper's chances however which left us in the lead which we never lost. A great drive by my partner who seemed to really enjoy himself.....
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