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Le Mans 14th/15th June 2003 |
| Having had two disappointments (Le Mans last year and Sebring in March) the three of us wondered what we had to do to finish an endurance event. Robin, Piers and I were back together to try and master the 13 kilometres around La Sarthe. We had all performed well over the test in early May so arrived in France in a fairly optimistic frame of mind. Scrutineering was again on the Tuesday for us in Les Places des Jacobins in the centre of Le Mans. For anyone who has not been to the race this is essentially the start of the build up as each car and each driver undergo the administrative checks that allow it and him/her to try and qualify for the race. It takes about three hours but allows you to view the opposition.... And the opposition was fairly serious this year. Some crack US teams with some serious driver line-ups were present and on paper we were not a serious contender for the class win. Autosport had written us already but this race has a nasty habit of biting favourites. Maybe it was better to be an underdog!!!
A quiet night for the drivers on the Tuesday while the team continued with its pit preparation prior to qualifying on the Wednesday. Fortunately the "white line" controversy that created some confusion at the test was clarified - we could now use the curbs but we were not allowed over them. Striking a bollard was a definite no no. Piers was out first , followed by myself before allowing Robin time to dial in before attempting a qualifying run. Times this early on were basically irrelevant as the track , particularly in the normal road sections, was filthy. Into the second session however we saw some significant progress as Robin moved us up to 4th behind the works assisted cars. Next was my turn to qualify at night.....cue first problem. On my approach to the Dunlop chicane on my flier I was barged aside by the "flying" Bentley of Tom Krtistensen. Exit one track rod arm and I hobbled back to the pits for repairs....
The guys did a great job and turned the car around quickly enough for me to finish my laps and allow Piers to qualify. We had completed everything we needed to do on the Wednesday allowing us to fit our new race engine and box for the Thursday...we were all looking forward to this as we had noticed a distinct speed disadvantage to the top three cars down the Mulsanne.... Come Thursday there was an air of anticipation as Robin rolled out with the new equipment but a radio message heralded the next problem......2nd gear was not good and was getting worse. Indeed by the time I went out it was almost useless and I returned to the pits. The old box would have to go back in and the guys set about the task completing it just prior to the second session.
It was just going dark but I managed my fastest time around Le Mans - more importantly I thought we had a good race car if they could get the new box fixed. Time to be optimistic again. The other two concurred. Friday is a rest day but all drivers take part in the traditional parade around the streets of the City. An unbelievable amount of people turn up and the atmosphere continues to build for the race. Then early to bed....for Robin at least as he was doing the warm up to check the new box! Another parade and we were ready for the off.....4 o' clock and the two Bentleys disappeared...and Robin held on grimly to the works cars throughout his stint. Cue race problem number one - one snapped alternator belt. A "significant" pit stop ensued and we dropped down the order like a stone. Robin finished off his stint and I dived in and was off. Unfortunately it was now rather hot and I wondered why I was not experiencing the cool flow of liquid through my cool suit. It was not unfortunately functioning and I was roasting.....towards the end of the stint a Safety Car appeared and I was called in to change to Piers...I was not unhappy about this!!!!!!!! We started climbing back up the order before the next problem hit us - as Robin started the second of his stints the power steering pump failed - he endured the whole 17 laps fighting the wheel and was understandably shattered when he came in. I would now follow Piers to allow Robin time to recuperate. A great stint by Piers in the dark gave us some progress which was to be short-lived as I started lap 4 of my next sortie. As I approached 290 kph the right front tyre exploded ripping the bodywork apart with sparks flying everywhere. I fought the car to a halt and started the long journey back to the pits. The temperatures were rocketing and I was unable to contact Mike due to water in the radio. I just hoped that I was going to make it without damaging the engine.
I did make it (just!) and the guys started the rebuild which took another 20 minutes - I was then on my way again praying I would not experience any further tyre problems...Once more we started to make progress up the order. Robin took over and continued with this progress before handing over to Piers again. I tried to rest before my next stint but was called back to the pits at daybreak to go again. It actually is one of the best times to drive at Le Mans as it is cool and your body has come off its low ebb. I actually posted my fastest time ever with one lap to go! Piers was back in and did another great job. It was clear by mid morning that we too far behind the next car to catch and no one should be able to catch us....unless we had a problem. So when Robin arrived in the pits saying the engine was starting to overheat we all held our breath...We would try and circulate using only 7500 revs to make it to the end. This is actually very difficult as you need to watch the gauges continually to check temperatures and be aware of everything around you. This we all did to the end and we were rewarded with a sixth in class. My best class result yet but what might have been with a bit more luck!!
The guys in the team did a fine job and I'm convinced it won't be long before PK Sport get the breaks......maybe next year!!
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