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Donington Race 29th April |
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After Snetterton both Mike and I knew we needed to work on the setup of the car for changeable conditions and that is what we did during the official test on the Thursday. With the forecast for the weekend again being inclement we wanted to maximize our chances for victory on what is a very good track for us. As it happened we were 1st and 2nd quickest throughout the day and were fine-tuning a minor change on the setup when disaster struck.
As I went past the end of the pit wall I heard a ominous boom and a sheet of flame shot up the outside of the screen. I hit the fire button, cut the engine and tried to remember where the nearest fire marshall's post was - not something that always springs to mind! With their assistance we doused the flames and the drama was over. However it left us without an engine - good job it was only Thursday!!! The guys at the factory did a great turn-around job and by Saturday morning my charge was back ready to "rock and roll". We were both fairly confident that we could give the Viper some competition for pole after our performance in the test. The weather was not going to be our friend though and as the track dried it would only leave a few laps at the end of the session where slicks were appropriate. Mike put us number two and I was very happy to be on the front row. The afternoon session was likewise treated to a pre-session downpour and I held the number one slot until the last lap when the TVR popped a lap in at the end. The times were not relevant however as the first session was the quicker one.
The forecast for race day was once again changeable but the dark gloomy clouds seemed to be by-passing us. As race time approached it looked as though we really were going to have a dry run........As I rolled out on to the formation lap I actually felt pretty good. The conditions in qualifying meant I only had GTO cars behind me so did not have to worry about my "behind". I could concentrate on the Viper. An "anticipation of the lights changing colour" would be a kind way describing Rob's take-off in the American muscle car................I followed him into Redgate. I would watch for a few laps to see where he was strong and where he was weak......that was the theory at least. Coming through Redgate on lap three I slid wide and surmised that oil was down but there were no flags as we dropped down the Craners......
As I applied the throttle through the Old Hairpin the car went straight on and my attempts to right it ended with a spin. Apparently one of the Porsches had deposited its engine coolant right on the racing line. My attempts to get back on the track will seem rather amusing to the on-board camera as the wet grass allowed for precious little traction.....eventually I managed to "find" the track again and went on my way. I was not a happy bunny at this point even though it was an external factor that had caused my problem. I was absolutely determined to make amends. I set off in pursuit from 17th place. Although I was cautious for the next few laps through the Old Hairpin I was "on it" elsewhere and motored back up the order. I could see I was catching the lead Viper as I carved through the traffic posting the fastest lap of the stint. I was determined to give Mike as much of a chance as possible after my misdemeanor. I had made it back up to 5th place by the time I was called in but the Viper was leaving the pits as I came in - that put us about 15 seconds down. Mike disappeared in hot pursuit. The two leaders matched each other for the next 10 laps or so but then Mike started to genuinely make a move and the gap narrowed inexorably. With 3 laps to go the Viper was in sight and I knew we had a chance. Mike left his move to the last lap though and took over the lead before the Craners and we took victory by 2 seconds. A fabulous drive by my partner - I owe him one for that! Also to the guys for the engine and of course to Michelin..............
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