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Silverstone Race 3rd June |
Back to Silverstone for the next round and I was hopeful that we would be able to climb on to the top step of the podium again. I had not made things easy for my driving partner over the last couple of races but we were still in second and within breathing distance of the leading Saleen. We had not run in anger on the International circuit for a while but we were both unhappy with the initial set up on the car. The main team was in Jarama for the next round of the FIA championship so we were slightly undermanned. Nevertheless after deliberating on compounds and springs we found a comfortable compromise and Mike put us on the front row. I was still struggling carrying speed into two corners but was reasonably happy with the balance.
We were elevated to pole position (our first of the year) following a technical infringement by the Stealth and that's where we lined up on the Sunday. Fortunately the rain had stopped so we were in for a dry race but I was surprised that most teams had nominated their lead drivers to start.. I was determined to hand over the Lister without to my partner WITHOUT any mishaps this week! I was looking to run 1.22's in the race but could only manage 1.23's so I slipped back from the main group but I could still see them down the back straight so they presumably eased off from their opening pace. I received the call to pit once the window opened and I made my way down the pit lane to hand over the car. We made a reasonable stop and Mike was on his way - the TVR and Saleen were the only cars ahead after the stops and my partner was hunting them down. He was running consistently quicker than the other pair and was challenging the big Speed 12 when things went wrong. An apparent brake problem pitched the TVR sideways through Becketts and Mike was unable to take evasive action. The damage was bad but he carried on, losing the bonnet in the process. Fortunately we weren't black-flagged and fortunately Mike managed to "peak" through the smashed windscreen..... We may have caught the Saleen but we didn't....... Still second and now off to Le Mans! |
