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Silverstone Race 5th May |
| We decided against running in both the FIA and British races in the end but the contrast in the two grids certainly was in favour of the former !! With no Stealths or Marcoses it would be a three way fight and after the time set by the Saleen in Qualifying it would be just down to an hour race against the TVR.....
We were actually quickest at the official test for the weekend but the Saleen was having a few problems . Even so we were all a bit surprised at how fast it was during the main qualifying session on Saturday. It was clear that we would certainly have our work cut out for the race. Even when I saw it being pushed off the grid as we lined up on Sunday I suspected it would not be the last I saw of it......A fuel problem meant it would start from the pit lane but with such a small grid and such a huge power differential over the GTO cars I was in no doubt I would encounter Junior during my stint!!
The start was obviously now easy but I was not good onto the Hangar Straight and the TVR overtook into Stowe. I was not unduly concerned however as this had happened at both the previous races and I had made the position back up again. What I was concerned about however was how the engine was struggling to pick up through all the slow corners and this was definitely slowing me down. Still I put my head down and started to bring the gap down. Unquestionably the TVR was quicker down the straights but not as good under braking and I was making good progress all the time aware that the headlights in my mirror were closing...(Mmmmm....wonder who that could be??)
On the lap before LP called me in I was on the TVR's tail but I wanted to be in the lead.......I came out of Luffield well and thought I had sufficient momentum for a move at Copse. I went to the inside which was far from clean and turned into Copse but the rear of my Lister was not having it on the slippery surface. I gyrated in a cloud of tyre smoke but managed to avoid the gravel...just! I set off again furious with myself and proceeded to the pits where Mike was waiting. The stop went ok and he was on his way in pursuit. After his first lap he radioed in saying that the tyres were not at their "optimum" following my spin.....(Sorry Mike!) He still made good progress in catching the TVR aided by a spin by them (also at Copse) but we would have to settle for third. Not a race to remember by any means but still some points and still leading the Championship. Hopefully there will be some more cars and no rain at Knockhill.... |
