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Donington Race 22nd September 2002 |
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"Donington Park has always been a ‘favourite’ track for the Lister." My quote was from the last race before we managed my win number 8 around the Derbyshire circuit. Mike and I may not have retained the title this year but we were both determined to go out with a win!! Ironically this, plus the fact that I have never been beaten in a Lister here put a bit more pressure on me than I originally thought....... I was pleased therefore to go under the track record with a 1m 32.7 during free practice on the Friday. That's the fastest I've ever been around the GP circuit although I did not fancy running at this speed for the race itself!!
We were again part of the TOCA weekend so our timetable was once more bordering on the ridiculous. Nevertheless my partner pulled out the stops for qualifying, putting us once again on the front row and that's where we eventually lined up - last race of the day at 6 o' clock on the Sunday evening. The sun was out but it was cold and we were taken straight to the grid without the opportunity to "eke" some heat into the tyres. I weaved hard on the pace lap to get some temperature but I knew it was not enough and I did not want to jeopardize our chances by being too aggressive until I had some grip. Thus I dropped to third as we went down the Craners for the first time. As I approached the Old Hairpin I saw the Saleen behind me pull out as if to pass. I thought he had overcooked and was half expecting to be hit so I went wide to avoid an impact. He did spin but fortunately missed me. The front two had however already scampered up the hill to Mcleans and I found myself 8 seconds down after the first lap...... After the tyres were in I was all but matching the front two - the trouble was I had a very persistent Ultima on my tail.
He too was matching the lead pair posting a 1.335 on his quickest tour..... Unfortunately I missed a gear ( I promise) coming on to the start straight and he went by. I thought I could get by again after he locked up at the end of the straight but he lost control mid-corner and nearly punted me off. He apologised afterwards but it cost me 4 valuable seconds. The stop was excellent and Mike was on his way after the TVR and lead Saleen. After the stops the gap between the three was small and Mike edged away from the Saleen initially and reeled in the big Speed 12. He passed the latter into Redgate and continued to hold his advantage to the Saleen all the way to the line. A magnificent drive by my partner to win the race and end the season on a high.
As I say we may not have won the title again but it was great to win my last race in the British Championship and to keep my record of 9 straight wins at Donington intact!! My thanks to my teammate and of course to the Lister team who also triumphed in Enna at the weekend.
Next stop is the penultimate round of the FIA Championship at Donington.......
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