I am sure most of you know, but earlier this year, I spat the dummy, and
sold Stevens kart as he was being a wee sh'#e .
Well, after 2 months of not talking about karting at all, he asked me last
month if he could do the NKRA finals, which is a national championship he
was in ,and was still leading the regional points in.
He has sorted his self out ,and is now just an pest instead of the bloody
nightmare he was ( only kidding ) so I agreed, on the condition I can see a
halo above his head all the time.

So, last month, he won the regional heats, and was (2nd in the race )at
Larkhall and is now the Scottish NKRA champion.

Today, he got his first win at Larkhall, in the wet, so I am well chuffed.
We have won many heats ,and have been so close to a victory many times
there, but it just hasn't happend,its a hard track.

He also beat his old kart as well, so quite a sweet win.

So,2 weeks time we have the Scottish open, up in Banff. Not been up there
this year, so don't think we have a chance,but you never know. Then 6 weeks
to the NKRA finals at Larkhall,again,one of the older boys has entered for
the finals, so its going to be tough to win on the day, but he has a huge
point advantage so hope we can still pull off a national championship.

[size=4][u][b]FRIDAY[/b][/u][/size]

I pack the car and set off north later than I'd intended. I'm starting to
feel nervous about what lies ahead. Cruising past Grantown-on-Spey I hear a
sharp noise and look down to see a large, radial crack has appeared in the
windscreen. Must have been a stone. Bu**er. Not a good start to the
weekend :'( but at least it's out of sight-lines.

Find where we're staying in Burghead and meet the others. We enjoy some
beers, food and good craic. But I struggle to fall asleep as my mind is
full of thoughts about tomorrow.

[size=4][u][b]SATURDAY[/b][/u][/size]

Beep, beep, beep, beep. Woken by the alarm at 0645! We have to be at
Lossie for 8am. This is it, the day of my first sprint has arrived and the
nerves are jangling a little. Probably jangling a bit more than for my
first TD. But then nerves are a good thing - it means it matters to me
It's damp outside as we eat a full breakfast (damn those un-penned baked
beans running free ).

Paul (my support crew and calming consultant - though he seems to think
calming means winding-up at every opportunity ) and I drive to RAF
Lossiemouth in the Tomato. “K series cars are very civilised,” he comments
as I drive using torques, my mind preoccupied with what lies ahead. I
respond by dropping into 3rd and giving it some beans, which (a) usefully
distracts my nerves and (b) makes him retract his comment

At the gates we are given passes and drive in escorted convoy to the
paddock, which is total chaos compared to what I've witnessed at Doune.
Normally cars park in their class orders but not this weekend. Time to prep
the car - doors off, boot emptied, timing strut fitted, taped crosses off
numbers.

Scrutineering goes a little less comfortably than I'd hoped. The fact the
dates on my harness straps' dates mismatched was raised, but more worryingly
I got the distinct impression my bike helmet was not going to be passed
(despite having the correct BS markings). As Paul witnessed, there was an
awful moment when it looked like my weekend was going to end before it had
started. But I pointed out it was the correct BS standard, and conformed
with the regs and I got my sticker eventually. Phew. I then went to
sign-on. No backing out now!

After signing-on and the drivers' briefing we walked the track. The track
at Lossiemouth has a selection of different surfacing - some runway tarmac,
some high-friction taxiway tarmac, some concrete aprons - and a few
interesting crown lines. So, lots to think about in addition to simply
considering the correct lines to take

[u][b]Practice[/b][/u]

Unsurprisingly I take a 'comfort break' (this would become routine!) before
my first run of the day. Nervous? Me? Of course. Going to the toilets is
a good distraction though, as you find yourself in a hangar full of
Tornados. Cool!

We watch the earlier classes queue for their runs, and at the appropriate
time we jump in our cars - all I have to do is follow Iain as I run
immediately after him. Once sat in the queue, my nerves are really taking
hold. Deep breaths settles things and I start to rehearse the lap in my
head. Try to remember the track from the earlier walk. Before I know it
Iain is accelerating hard away from the start and I'm called forward by the
start marshals. Stop, car in neutral, steering straight, hands and feet off
controls. The marshals shuffle me into the correct position and I sit there
staring at the track ahead and the red light. Deep breaths, as I try to
relax my body.

The wait seems forever.

Then the green light comes on. This is it. I close my visor and select
1st. Take one more breath, focus on the section of track ahead. and GO!

Immediately I'm feathering the throttle as I struggle for traction on the
damp surface, but the nerves instantly vanish. Before I know it I'm
negotiating both chicanes smoothly and feeling my way, balancing the
throttle, wheels spinning all too easily on the damp track. I'm already
learning things I didn't know. The car is handling nicely, this first time
I've driven on track in the damp/wet, but I'm being cautious it being my
first time etc.

I enter the quick left hander onto the runway and spin in 3rd - Tsk,
schoolboy error. It feels greasier on the runway as the back end starts to
come round. I apply opposite lock as quickly as I can react but it's too
late; the car is round. I'm not unduly unnerved by this; the car spinning
is kind of familiar through autotesting (spot the autotesting plug ), and
there's nothing to hit on an 80yds wide runway J-turn back round to face
the right way and accelerate back up to speed. However, it's fair to say I
exit the runway more cautiously! This corner (the second last) is tricky to
judge. You are exiting a hugely wide straight onto a far narrower taxiway
and there are few obvious reference points for when to turn-in. I drive
through the final corner and cross the finish. Fantastic! I've done it.
I've popped my sprinting cherry

We go in search of Nikki who's been noting our times - 76.84s
I collect my thoughts, and we wander off to watch the other classes running
over the first half of the course till our 2nd practice run approaches.
This is a good chance to digest data, and to see I'm not the only one to
spin on the runway.

Time for our 2nd practice run and the procedure is already becoming familiar
now. The mystery of when to get in the car, when to join the queue, what
happens at the startline, etc is gone.

We've had some more rain, so the track is wetter for this run but I get
better start traction this time (I'm learning ). However, I'm running
more cautiously this time as there's less (apparent) grip. Things are going
well on first half of the course (I hit the limiter for a second or so
before both chicanes but elect to stay in the same gears as 1st run to keep
things familiar). I'm extremely cautious onto runway this time. “Hmmm, too
cautious,” I think to myself as I drive onto the runway, but I want a clean
run to settle myself down and stay on the improvement curve. For the last 2
corners (runway exit) I'm much more committed and drive a much better line
through the last corner and cross line as hit limiter in 3rd. Time - 69.57s
and 8mph faster across the finish (there's a speed trap there!).
[u][b]Lunch[/b][/u]

I'm not at all hungry at lunchtime. Or maybe I'm so preoccupied that I
don't want to eat. Some of us take the chance to walk the course again, and
I get some line pointers from Lawrence.

[u][b]Timed runs[/b][/u]

This is it. These next 2 runs are the ones that matter! And my mindset is
definitely different to this morning as we queue-up. I use the info
collected in practice and from the lunchtime walk and push. Much more
committed this time. I change up to 4th before both chicanes now and enter
the runway with much more confidence. Change up to 4th on the runway, but
drop down to 3rd for the exit (hmmm, the downchange and higher revs are
unsettling car but I want to keep this corner 'familiar'). I drive a good
last corner line and exit onto the finish straight - YES! A clean run
I'm pretty satisfied with myself. 64.20s so we're still heading in the
right direction

We have a break again, and watch the later classes (incl the awesome single
seaters) for a while before returning to our cars for the 2nd timed run
(after another comfort break of course ). This run goes even better. The
gear change points are all coming sooner so I know this is quicker - 61.25s
So pleased to get 2 timed runs in that I can be reasonably satisfied with.

We take a look at the provisional results - wahay, I'm 3rd in class after Fd
and Iain. My grin can be seen from the moon probably ;D The suit helps the
aliens spot me

[u][b]3rd timed run - 'just for fun'[/b][/u]

The Clerk of the Course (CoC) gives us the opportunity to have a 3rd timed
run. As we already knew, this run's time won't count, so just for fun and
track learning in preparation for tomorrow. It's been dry for a while now
and the track is drier than a Martini. Good. I should be able to set a
faster time.

Interestingly, knowing this run doesn't count changes my mindset. I relax a
little, and drive better for it. This lap feels good. Smooth, committed,
good drive out of corners, and I cross line totally buzzing. As I return to
the paddock my arms are pumping with adrenalin. I enjoyed that run

57.11s .so that'll be a 20s improvement over the day then!

Start to pack up and this is time to 'switch off'. As soon as I do, I
realize I am totally knackered from the day's intensity. You simply don't
switch off from the moment you arrive at the track till your last drive of
the day.

We leave the Se7ens in the paddock overnight and return to the hotel in
Fergus and Lawrence's tow cars. We enjoy an evening of good food and
excellent banter. then cr*p wine and more excellent banter ;D That night I
fall into bed and I'm asleep almost instantly - dreaming about the 'perfect'
lap

[size=4][u][b]SUNDAY[/b][/u][/size]

Beep, beep, beep, beep. And I'm awake again. Or at least I think I'm
awake, because I'm still knackered from Saturday. I open the curtains and
see it's dry outside. Good. Faster times lie ahead I hope.

We arrive at track and set to sorting our cars ready for the first run. For
me, this involves removing the roof and doors, replacing the steering wheel,
and adding some fuel. After signing-on and the briefing we can walk the
track again. This time I'm with Lawrence and Iain and I download as much
info as possible in our line discussions on the way round. It's a good
opportunity to re-examine my bogey corner so far (the runway exit) and
realize how slow I've been entering it (“stay in 4th this time, Jason,” I
tell myself).

[u][b]Practice[/b][/u]

Having not driven the car here this morning the gearbox and diff will be
cold for first run. I decide to leave a safety margin for likely downchange
stiffness. Apart from understeer into the 1st chicane, I drive well within
the grip window as it happens, but commit to 4th gear through runway exit
corner. It works - so much quicker here than yesterday, and the car much
more settled. Cool. I'm still learning

On crossing the line, I know this has been a very 'safe' run and know
there's a lot more time to come from me - 57.71s and my fastest finish line
speed at 82mph. If it stays dry I'm thinking I can push down into the 55s
zone, which would be very pleasing.

It doesn't stay dry.

The rain comes again before our 2nd practice run, so the grip levels are
unknown again. I drive the second run overcautiously again and afterward I
realise I've still a lot to learn when it comes to correctly predicting the
level of grip the track can give in different conditions. I also, of
course, simply need to build on my confidence in myself and the car - 60.13s

[u][b]Lunch[/b][/u]

Yep, you guessed it. another walk of the course, but in sunshine this time!
The track is bone dry, but we can see a storm cloud coming straight toward
us. Typical. Just as we return to the paddock winter arrives in the form
of a horizontal hailstorm. Jock7s retreats under Eazi-ups and into covered
trailers in fits of delirious laughter at the madness of the weather. It's
July!?!

I take a look at the sky and immediately E and W of RAF Lossiemouth it is
still summer. We conclude that the hangars are so large they must be
breaking the weather. It seems the only logical explanation. As quickly as
the hail/rain arrives it departs and sets its sights on Aviemore. I think
of the shorts-clad tourists on top of Cairngorm

The paddock is now mirror-like with standing water. Of course, this means
the track will be the same. We then have a long delay as the CoC inspects
the course and sets a few classes of cars out for drying/inspection laps.
Another briefing is called for safety reasons and we're invited to drive a
slow inspection lap to see where the standing water is. The runway entry
and exit have a lot of ponding. Hmmm, should be 'interesting'.

[u][b]Timed runs[/b][/u]

With the sun trying to push through the clouds we head to the start,
'knowing' the track is drying (sunshine, wind and previous cars). Queuing
in class order seems a little messed up this time, such that Iain and I are
several cars back from where we'd normally be - but that's fine by us; the
track is drying after all. “No, I insist, after you!”

We are so far back from our usual slot that Lawrence has time to run over
and report on the conditions after his run: the standing water is already
clearing, don't worry about it. Welcome 'insider' info

I start my run with a good balance of traction from the line (albeit with
what feels like a bit of axle tramp :-/ ) and commit to getting a good entry
to the first proper corner (wide open hairpin entry, exiting onto first,
short straight). and I spin on turn-in : Numpty! I'd just been too
aggressive - it was greasier than I'd judged. Cursing my error, I set off
again and the rest of the run goes quite well. This at least restores my
confidence for the 2nd run, but, of course, I'm disappointed with my spin.
65.43s and 4th in class. I hope it doesn't rain again or I'll stay 4th
I'm annoyed with myself for not getting a 'banker' but looking at the skies
I realize that the 2nd runs will be drier so I just put the disappointment
out my mind.

The second, and final, run approaches. This matters. This REALLY matters.
I want that 3rd place! In the week building up to Lossie I'd continuously
told myself and others that I was primarily going to have fun and experience
my first speed event - but now I was here, the fact that I was behind
someone I thought I could beat was really bugging me. I *had* to get that
3rd place!

This time Iain and I make sure we get our correct places in the start queue;
after all, it's dry now but could rain again, and we want our runs ASAP. I
pull forward. Green light, visor down, select first, deep calming/focusing
breath and GO!

I get good start traction and I'm happy with the first hairpin. The
gearchange on the first straight comes much sooner so I know I'm heading in
the right direction. Arriving at the first chicane, I brake too late -
having not compensated for the faster arrival speed - and the world stands
still as I wait what feels like eons for the front end to come back to me as
I miss the first apex by a good metre or so. Bu**er it. Understeer seems
to warp the time dimension. Trains have been less late than this.

However, I get a good exit with plenty traction and upchange way earlier
than ever before on the way toward the second chicane. I try the wider
entry to the second chicane - as observed by LH and Iain in our walks - and
it opens up the tyre gap nicely. However, I know I'm still driving way
within what I and the car can do here. The tyre walls here still temper my
driving, still distract my commitment, still tweak my sphincter a little.
the learning curve and balls development still have a long way to go

I drive a good line onto the runway and am pulling more revs as I settle the
car with a little brakes dab for the runway exit. Like the first chicane, I
run a bit wide again with understeer. It's still a bit greasy here, and it
compromises my entry speed into the final corner. Over the finish and back
into the paddock. The mistakes lessen the satisfaction a little, and leave
me frustrated, wishing for a chance to put things right on another run.

Off to get the times from Nikki. 57.68s and 3rd in class again - I can't be
unhappy with the placing, but I am unhappy at 'incomplete business'; ie. my
driving today was a bit scrappy and know I could have posted a faster time.

Due to the earlier weather delay there's no 3rd (non-counting) run this
time. Knowing how my last run went I really wanted to set a faster time.
I'll just have to come back next time

Time now to pack up, and change out of the glo-suit. As I'm packing I'm
still grinning - feeling so satisfied and excited about how the weekend's
gone. So chuffed to get that 3rd place and see Jock7s 1st, 2nd, 3rd in A5
both days Changed and packed we wander over to see the results.

.eh, last in class?! Makes no sense :-/ I scan across the times and see a
blank space where my 2nd run time should be. Eh? Indignation and confusion
set in, as I ask who I should speak to. I run-off to catch the timekeeper
(who is packing away the equipment) and ask him to check why I have no time
recorded:

“What's your number?” he asks me.
“31,” I reply.
“Hmmm. let's see,” as he examines the ticker tape. “57.68,” he confirms
and turns to his computer. “Let's see if that affects things,” he thinks
out loud.
“It affects things a LOT, so far as I'm concerned,” I think to myself.
“Bu**er, it affects things a lot! Can you ask the CoC to come and see me
ASAP please?” he asks me.

Phew!

The amended results go up with my 3rd place properly recorded. Pleased and
relieved that was easily sorted I give the thumbs-up, whilst everyone else
ribs me for delaying the prize-giving

..and as we return to the cars to leave for home, it starts raining again.

[u][b]Post weekend observations[/b][/u]

[list]
[*]This is definitely not my last sprint. I enjoyed the driving, the
competing and the banter (actually, the banter was fantastic).
[*]There's still LOTS of improvement to be found in the driver.
[*]Although I wanted the 3rd places, if they had been out of my reach I
would have accepted that I think. My main opponent was myself. So long as
I felt I drove better than a previous run I was content - the placing was a
side effect if you like. And I guess this is what left me slightly unhappy
with Sunday's performance.
[*]I'm competitive (confirming what friends/family have told me for years -
even if playing snakes'n'ladders with a nephew I struggle if I lose ). I
went to have fun and experience my first event; but once there and settled I
wanted to beat people on the same tyres.
[*]It is knackering; physically and mentally, totally knackering. Driving 5
timed 'laps' in a day just does not compare to driving 5 laps at a TD. It's
closer to how it would be if driving at a TD continuously all day long. You
just never switch off.
[*]I probably learned more about myself and how the car behaves, and how
that behaviour can be adjusted, in those 9 runs than I have in a year of
TDs.
[/list]

Many thanks again to those who know who you are and why thanks is due, as
noted in my earlier post

Set off on Thursday, about 2.30 with the RLC primed and on a new wheel
bearing. Other luxuries like new under tray bolts had been added also!

Trying to combine work with racing has been hard, and I ended up having a
meeting with Sharp at a service station on the M6 on the way south!

Got down about 9pm, my mate had lent me his house for the weekend so sorted.

Friday - headed for the trackday - what a load of gash! 5 f***ing sessions,
meant 12 mins per hour. Anyway, this, as it turned out was invaluable, and I
was in good company with some of the Class A crew in attendance. That
ensured we had a good laugh anyway.

Spent the morning loving the dry. Its really quick, a quality circuit for
the Ape. The avo proved more tricky, but I kept my dry settings and spent a
lot of time keeping Tom entertained as I got increasingly sideways! Love
that aspect of trackdays!

Had one session chasing Gav and was working really hard to keep up in the
wet. He was keeping it very clean and tidy, whereas I wasn't! I'd close then
go wide or sideways and drop back. I did make for an entertaining session
though.

That was that. No racing till Sunday. Unfortunately I'd managed to kill a
one of the exhaust pipes leading to the back box, meaning when the gallant
Sir Iddon rode in on his Toyota steed on Saturday we were straight to work
trying to fix it.

We got a Halfrauds botch it kit, and set about fashioning the repair. Robin
is in his element when given this sort of challenge, although the phrase
“primo botch job” was getting branded about a bit too readily for my liking!

Looking at the weather forecast, Robin decided to disconnect the anti-roll
bar to try and help with turn it. Since we'd increased the front camber, the
RLC has been a mare at the front end in the wet. We softened the suspension
another 3 clicks front and rear and left it at that, off to the pub for a
beer and some scran.

Sunday, up at 6.15 (the joys of racing!) and off the Castle Combe. Arrived
in time for the briefing and sign on, and ordered a set of tyres from Adam
and Page. Passed scrutineering (left Jamie the keys - cheers mate!) and was
good to go.

Unfortunately tyres weren't though - f***.

Off to qually, and way at the back. Stupid me! Really struggled to have a
good lap, and although knowing RLC stood a good chance of the class A pole,
only had 1, nearly 2 good laps. Was pissed off with myself for being late to
get to assembly. Qualified 3rd in class, and 14th overall. Right in amongst
the class B & C cars, with Martin (2nd in class A) and Hans (3rd in class A)
beside me. Result! Gav had a blinding qually lap, and put in 2-3 seconds
clear in 6th overall - an outstanding result.

New tyres on for the race so off to scrub them on the local roads I went.
Motors TV put an in car camera in for the race. Here's hoping I'm not about
to make an arse of it on film (that I can't edit!).

On to the grid we go. I'm mega nervous being in amongst all the B&C cars
with the track starting to dry (I'm still on wet settings). As we line up
the grid is really tight. There is next to no room for error and no space on
the grid. That's helping my nerves...not. Fortunately Kell and Scuffham are
on the row in front of me, and Jamie directly in front of them.

We line up for the GP style lights to start. The light come on sequentially,
and then go out...nail it. Awesome start and I'm between Kell and Scuffers
and running out of space as Jamie is still there, and then he moves! Pedal
stays down and we roar of towards Tower. Next few corners are a blur, but
the RLC is holding its own, and I can see Gav is one car ahead - that car is
Jamies!
Come through the esses to see Walshy and Randy in the corn! (apparently they
had a coming together in to the chicane) Although Walshy was claiming he
didn't think there were sheep in there I'm not so sure, although if there
had been I doubt he'd have been so eager to get back on track!

Watching Walshy, possibly in a bit of a red mist (possibly with a fleecy
pax!), come by in a drift is an epic sight, and number 6 explodes back up
the order. Good going sir!
After I think 3 or 4 laps the safety car is out as one of the VX220's (not
Thorney) has buried itself in the tyres at Tower, and that sees us do about
6-7 SC laps. I'm thinking about how best to keep my second place, and
willing Jamie to get past Gav to allow me to move up behind him. I can see
that I have the edge on him pace wise, although getting past is another
issue. Gav is making his Exige appear about as wide as a barge!
SC pulls off circuit and we are off again. Malcolms SC Honda nips by on the
approach to Tower, and up behind the Jamie and Gav scrap - Jamie gets by in
a pretty stunning move, and I'm then behind Malcolm, hoping he'll get by Gav
and not having the pace on the straights to stay close enough to pass.
Thorney comes through, great to see the Green VX back and devouring the
straights.

Malcolm gets by Gav through the last turn and I'm right behind him, I pull
along side down the straight and nose slightly in front, and we exchange
thumbs up! F***ing chequered flag was already out - haha! Almost Gav!!

Delighted to have finished second - and what a race - awesome fun and a
great place to be. Really nice to be that high up the grid also and watch
some of the other boys racing!

Result; get weighed at 761.5 after waiting ages in the scrutineering bay and
admiring the 10kg of grass Walshy has collected.

Turns out the class A results were Gav, me and then Mick.

Ages till the next race though. We put the car back to dry settings as the
track conditions have changed hugely in the last 3 hours.

Watch some other races, wonder about, try to put people off while they are
being interviewed, and then Jamie, Robin and I head off to meet Kelvin and
visit camp SELOC.
Jamie and I head off to watch some racing, but one of the support races has
had a big shunt, and knackered one of the barriers.
The nice things about doing the LOTRDC races is how much appreciation I now
have for other racers, regardless of what they drive. We watch some of the
races, the start of the Caterham Academy and head back to get ready. End up
watching the Sportcar championship which was quite entertaining. We are on
at 6pm.

Grid is confused as they have scrapped the normal handicap format. We are
running from the morning's grid spots in a scratch race, with the handicaps
to be applied retrospectively.

Unfortunately they aren't aware of this in the assembly which the marshals
do exceptionally well to correct. Top job!

It's teaming down, I'm on dry settings and I'm surrounded by B & C cars
again, with Hans and Martin.

Light go - wheels spin, back off, engine goes to bog down rev again, still
spinning - a start I could have bettered blind folded. FFS - get away and
have cars skipping all over the place - visibility is shocking on the
approach to tower. Martin has got ahead, a few cars ahead, and they are all
B& C cars. Possibly one or two A's which I get by.

The Exige I'm behind is looking very wide! Can't get by him - nuts.

One the final bend (approx lap 8 ) over do it under braking (frustration at
not getting past!), and slide wide, on to the grass - this is going to smart
a bit....manage to guide it towards the tarmac strip we entered the grid
from and nail the brakes, then turn back towards the track - can't believe
this ribbon of tarmac has saved my ass!

Mick goes by chasing down and Exige as I get back to pace. Back on his tail
within a few corners and he's right up the Exiges tail. The Exige loses it
out of the second chicane, and fishtails one way then the next before
spearing off in to the corn, collecting Mick and leaving me to charge off on
the left and in to a clear track.

Have a chat with myself after some more sideways action, and then Walshy and
Randy appear in my mirrors. Walshy rips by and then, through the last
corner, there's the chequered flag.
Get sent off on another lap by the Marshals, not sure why but Walshy and I
are having some fun out of the slippy tighter bends! This is what it must be
like to win the overall Scratch race - we are then sent on another lap. I'm
starting to feel embarrassed about being out on the track - almost like
they've confused me with a winner!
No idea where I am - apparently 3rd in class behind Gav (another huge
effort) and Martin (likewise - and he started like a whippet! J).

Get back to the paddock and Skegsy and Mark come up to congratulate me on
managing to miss the wall! Should be on the Motors TV camera that one also!

In a strange twist, big Mark comes over in the paddock about 10minutes
later, as Robin and I are packing and tells me I've won overall! I'm
stunned. It's actually quite high on the number 1 spot on the podium, and I
like it!

My normal chattiness is reduced hugely when I'm interviewed as I'm still
shocked, and not feeling I drove the best race of those competing, but I did
have the best save, and I was giving the car death once again!

Off home - back at 1am - still in a coma and feeling almost hung-over today.

A massive thank you to Robin. What a top mate! I simply would not have done
so well if it were not for his help. He travelled all the way there and back
on his own to come and support me in the race, prep the car, and continue in
his role as Team Director. These little plastic cars do help you meet some
awesome people!

Was awesome to catch up with everyone again, and I look forward to seeing
some of you on FF6 and the rest at Donington. EPIC weekend and a 2 trophy
TSE haul.

Loving it - all of a sudden the 1000mile round trip doesn't seem so long

Everyone I talked to after the race had been in their own little battles and
had had a great time. Had an amazing weekend bring on the next one.

Jamie

So, the weekend started for me at 6am on Friday morning. I was heading to
the airport, having just finished a 12 hour nightshift. not my best idea.
:wall Walshy drove my car to the circuit, so it would get there before ze
Germans closed the paddock. Robin picked me up, and we arrived later, very
tired, but looking forward to the weekend. Qually was ok, but I had issues
with a wheel bearing (again) and my poor maintenance meant I had no front
pads and no rear tyres :wall never mind, I was only 2 or 3 tenths behind
skeggsy, and 11th on the grid, so was looking forward to a re run of Oulton
Park once we had sorted the car. Hit the beers at lunch time, and after
about 3/4 of a pint, I was falling about the place and slurring my words.
ended up having 3 pints and falling asleep on my pax seat in the corner.
Awoke later when some barsteward poured cold water over me. still don't
know who it was

Sat morning was better. I had almost caught up on sleep, and was feeling
ready to go. Had a pretty lousy start, and lost a place or two, but my view
of the incident was hindered from starting on the 4th row. Regardless, I
could see the commotion, and made the decision not to lift, for fear of
causing a pile up from behind. Managed to sneak through a gap on the way
into paddock, and another on the way into druids, then past a couple more on
the exit at druids, and found myself in 6th overall as we lined up behind
the safety car. At this point I still didn't know who had went off or what
had happened as I just concentrated on the gaps and not rubbernecking. I
felt a bit sick as we went past the start again and saw it was skeggsy and
Steve, two of my good friends on the grid and also 2 of my fiercest
competitors. Bit of a reality check as to the dangers of motorsport, but
just so glad they were both ok. Lost count of the laps behind the safety
car, but as we lined up for the restart, I was raring to go. Almost crashed
into the back of Chris Pearson, and Tony doe almost hit me, as the chain
seemed to speed up then slow. wasn't expecting that, as we were warned
against it in the briefing, but I suppose that's racing :rolleyes:

Got a good restart and managed to dive up the inside of Chris Pearson,
between exit of paddock and entry to druids, to take 1st place in class B,
it was just a case of hanging on to the finish now. Except I wasn't
finished yet I spotted Russ slowing down rapidly in front of me, and I
almost drove off the circuit in sympathy :lol rooky error 101.
Unfortunately I think Tony Doe went off trying to avoid what he thought was
me spinning, but that's just the way my car seems to corner :yes After that
it was a case of keeping Mr Kell behind me. he obviously has a big power
advantage, and mullered me down the main straight, but I could peg the gap
over the rest of the lap. Next time round I see Malcolm's car parked in the
gravel at the bottom of paddock, and the next time over the finish line the
red flag was out. As we drove into the pits we were waved the chequered
flag, and that was it, 1st in class and 4th overall. I joked with Walshy
that he could have had the decency to break down again, and let me get onto
the main podium Had the LOTRDC prize giving in our own paddock later
and was well chuffed to get a big cheer, that's what its all about racing
with friends. Was a bit gutted to get the win at the expense of Steve and
skeggsy, and that played on my mind for the rest of the day, but I wasn't
about to hand the trophy back, Steve has enough of these already :p

That night, had a few beers in the pool and relaxed, and a curry to
celebrate.

Sunday, was feeling much better after another good nights sleep. We arrived
at the circuit at midday for our bad boys briefing from clerk of the course.
MSA and DTM obviously expected better behaviour. We all took the warning
collectively and promised to behave from now on :saint

Watched the DTM race, made it to lap 15 before me, brain and graham
disappeared off for an ice cream. was very dull, with no overtaking, and
very much like modern F1. I'm sure they're technically brilliant, but it
just isn't a great spectacle to watch.

Our race on the other hand was fantastic I was lined up in 8th due to
skeggsy and Steve starting at the back. I expected to see Steve behind me
on about lap 5 tho :lol My other competition, Sean B, had a failure on the
warm up lap, so had a bit of breathing space off the line. I had another
bad start, too much wheelspin, and followed Chris Pearson again into
paddock. Also lost a place to the very quick class C Audi of Tony Doe.
Over the next few laps I pulled out a huge gap over the people behind, but
was just losing 0.5 of a second a lap to Chris, Tony and David Harvey. Then
I started to gain some ground again as they fought each other. I was just
back up behind them and looking to join in the scrap as the safety car came
back out due to Thorney's off in the VX220 on the exit of clearways. I was
cursing this as it let Christian and Steve Williams catch right up in the
other class B cars. I had made a good restart in the first race, so was
hoping for more of the same, as I didn't want to get jumped and lose my 2nd
place. Confusion with the safety car didn't help, but as we went green
again, I managed to get another run on Chris and get up the inside into
druids, same as the first race. Was well chuffed, and was back in 1st in
class, but Chris was hot on my heels, so I tried to get past Tony and put a
car between us. Put the move of my motorsport career (so far) on Tony.
Dummy'd a late brake round the outside of druids as he defended the inside
line early. He locked a tyre on the way and ran wide as I had hoped. I
turned the car round and dived for the inside on the exit, but he spotted it
and moved over to block. I kept my foot in and swerved round to go the long
way, missed him by millimetres, but was alongside on the exit kerb on the
run to graham hill bend. Unfortunately, in all the excitement, I forgot to
change to 4th gear, and hit the limiter in 3rd. I was side by side halfway
down the straight. If I had changed to 4th he would have disappeared, so I
started to squeeze over to take my line. It worked, and I braked later into
the left hander. I lost the rear end a bit on the apex, but the resulting
power slide didn't cost me much time, and infact probably made Tony lift as
I think he thought I might spin. Made it to the end with no more incidents
and crossed the line to another class win and 6th overall.

Was absolutely ecstatic, 2 class wins, and 2 good drives, but drove home
knowing I didn't win on pace. I think what served me well was keeping my
head, listening to pauls advice of not wining the race on the first corner,
and just taking opportunities when I could.

No doubt Silverstone will return to normal once Steve and skeggsy are
sorted.

Race 1
qualified p2 on the grid alongside Mike Nisbet (white 911) and got a great start. Led pretty much from then on until the rain began to pick up and grip deteriorated. (didn't realise how much rain there was as RainX made it difficult to gauge) Lap 7 ran wide on exit of chicane and had all 4wheels off the track , managed to keep it straight and get back on the black stuff, but Adam (Red 911) overtook me by Clarks. Fortunately I had the better line going into Clarks and higher exit speed (and my car having the legs on Adams) meant that I took back 1st posn by the hairpin. Up the straight on the penultimate lap I noticed Mike Nisbets Porsche passing Adam in my rearview mirror.... This was the first time I had seen mikes car since the start line as apparently Mike had spun off earlier and had then worked his way up from the back of the grid. By McIntyre's he had caught up and I tried to cover the inside, but a gutsy move on Mike's part meant he was alongside by the apex so I couldn't shut him off. In the end I had to settle for 2nd.
Race 2
- weather conditions had improved... quite sunny. Second race starts from a reversed grid posn, so I was in 14th. First corner
is always interesting in a reversed grid start, however we all managed it safely round and by a couple of laps was into 3rd following Adam and Willie Toye (TR8 3.5 V8 ). Spent most of race watching the two of them battling it out. The two of them eventually made contact while braking for the hairpin, this sent Willie oversteering into the inside of the corner at the apex, he kept his foot on the throttle spraying up a torrent of stones and dirt onto the track and directly over the front of my car. I had no choice but to drive straight thru. Cue horrible crunching and cracking sound as both headlamps smashed, bumper+bonnet chipped to hell and windscreen cracked oops!!!!
Upon exiting the hairpin I was faced with Adams car pretty much side on oversteering across the track, managed to avoid him, but had lost speed which allowed Mike to overtake me up the straight. A few laps on I managed to overtake Mike who was being held up by the back markers, but my time in 2nd was to be short lived as he was soon catching me and again up the straight I made an attempt at blocking his overtaking but didn't want to put him on the grass. Its quite an experience hoofing it up the main straight trying to block someone overtaking, with him 2foot to your right, and the leader 15foot ahead also trying to block him... what a buzz In the end it was Mike 1st, Adam 2nd and myself 3rd.

I should probably mention that as Mike's car has a 3.6 engine (post '89) so it falls foul of the classic class regulations (pre '79 with engine being a production part when car was manufactured). This resulted in his car having 100hp more than mine and Adam's cars.

Next race is June24th and will probably see the return of Stan Bernard (911) and Al Flemming (Lotus Elan), so I'll have my work cut out for me then. Hopefully ill have the old girl patched up by then and will make it out...
cant wait!!!

Some more pics available here: clicky ]]> Live reports http://www.team-scottish-elises.co.uk/index.php?itemid=182 Wed, 30 May 2007 01:29:04 +0100 http://www.team-scottish-elises.co.uk/index.php?itemid=181 THURSDAY

The trip started with me dropping Nicola at AndyG's Gaff and picking up his
spare stuff. Fair swap I thought We had an uneventful run down
the A702 then the M6. Pretty well behaved, keeping the pace below 90 tuts,
in a last ditch attempt to save my wheel bearings. Turns out it didn't help
.
Arrived at the vom-otel after last orders, couple of beers and then off to
bed. The pub didn't want to serve us, and I was in no mood to argue, as I
had a cough/cold coming on. Went to bed hoping it wouldn't amount to anything.

FRIDAY

Test day. Me and Andy arrived at the circuit in plenty of time, had a blether with everyone, and unpacked the cars. Aim for the day was to
learn track in morning, then tweak car in afternoon. I had driven Oulton
Park once before, on the trip where the vom-otel was first named . A
consequence of that was that I was massively hung over, and I broke Robin's
shed, so my experience of OP was approx 45 mins, whilst still under the
influence. So, new track to learn then
First session went ok, got used to the track and got back into the correct
overtaking mentality. This is harder than you think after years of
trackdays, and I am still far too polite, but at least there is room for
improvement. Had a variable brake pedal going from left to right handers,
and the car was massively oversteery, so I knew I had a lot to work on.
As luck would have it, Robin and Tom arrived as we pulled into the paddock,
and they sprang into life with hardly any chance to say hello. Front wheel
bearing was diagnosed as buggered, so hub was off, bearing was offered from
Russ Treasure (thanks again dude) and we were stood in the OP garage in no
time, pressing out the old bearing and the new one back in. I joked that my
next session was starting now, as Robin and I walked back to the car, But he
and Tom took the bait and threw my car back together. I started my engine
and roared off out the paddock, only to be sent back by the marshall as the
next group were already forming. Arse. Never mind, good work by the pit
crew and I am as grateful as always.

The 2 afternoon sessions went better. I had a real problem with the back
end, most probably due to me changing the spring rates and not revalving the
damper to save time. I struggled with rear grip, and after a few lairy
moments, I struggled with confidence too. I think my best time in testing
was a 1.57, with consistent 1.58's. I had no idea if that was going to be
enough, so didn't worry about it.

SATURDAY

Awoke at 6.30am feeling crap. Coughed a lung up in the shower, which didn't
really help much. Loaded myself up with cough/cold medicine and went to
meet Team Scottish Elises in the bus for the short drive to the circuit.
The morning passed quite quickly. Drivers briefing first, then sign on,
then scrutineering, then get changed then head to assembly area. I seem to
be quite good at controlling the nerves, but I still do the usual racer
thing of going for about 4 pee breaks an hour
Anyway, after what seems like an hour, we get the instruction to get into
the cars and start engines for Qually. Off I head, with a slightly less
oversteery car due to chief engineer Robin's help yesterday. I still don't
have much confidence in the rear end, and the tyres do seem to overheat
before my 20 minutes are up, but I head out with a slightly more positive
outlook than the day before.

Qually flies by. Manage 8 laps, none of them were clear. I had dropped the
pace in the middle to let the tyres come back to me, and also to find some
space. Managed to find Andy on track whilst doing my slow lap, and just
before he tripped up on me I gunned it to go again. Last lap of the session
and I finally got it all right. I still had traffic, but better than
before, so was quite chuffed. Turns out I helped Andy too, as he followed
me through a couple of quick corners before I disappeared, and got his best
time too. I didn't think I had bettered my testing time from the previous
day, but on getting the timing sheet, I had posted a 1.55.9, a whole 1
second quicker than the day before. Chuffed with that, and also chuffed I
was 3rd in class, behind the SC Honda of Scott Fitzgerald, and the Duratec
of Steve Williams. Set myself a target of 3rd again in the 1st race, as I
was too far off the front 2 to really make an impact. I would still try
though.

There is a break of hours before the First race. I have a total low point
again from cold/cough, so just sit about chatting to people, trying to save
energy.

Race 1 is after lunch. Get back into the assembly area, need another pee.
Head out onto the circuit for a warm up lap, then form on the grid, then do
the green flag lap. Its all quite boring to be honest, as its such a long
lap round OP. Line up on the grid, light go red, then out, and were off. I
get a good start. up a couple of places as we brake for the first corner.
I go to cover the inside, as I lost out at Snett by trying the outside. I
brake with everyone else, and watch skeggsy just drive round the outside of
me. Arse. Have to defend into the next 2 corners, but after that, have
made enough of a gap to start hassling skeggsy. The next 20 minutes are a
bit of a blur, but the highlights, from what I can remember are, fending off
David Harvey in his 340R and nick kaye in his SC Honda, whilst still
battling with skeggsy for 3rd place. He did a phenomenal job of keeping me
behind, and I really couldn't see a way past, as he could out drag me
comfortably in a straight line. I could see he was struggling with his
brakes, as was I, but he seemed to be having a harder time of it, so when I
got a run on him up and over hilltop, he defended the inside line into
knickerbrook chicane. I moved to the outside, braked later, but didn't get
clear in front, and as I glanced across, I saw skeggsy struggling to slow
down and on a collision course with me. Decided that this manoeuvre would
be better done later in the day, as I didn't want to go home yet, so made my
exit up the escape road. Made sure I dropped back as I didn't want to be
seen to gain an advantage, so I dropped back behind skeggsy and the 340R,
just in front of Nick. A lap later, I was at the back on the 4 car train,
and had a good view of Nick tapping Skeggsy whilst trying a similar move. A
lap after that, I was a good bit back from skeggsy on the run to the same
chicane, but this time, he obviously thought I was too far back, so moved to
take his line, and I just stuffed it up the inside. Job done, move stuck,
and just got my head down for the rest of the race. It finished 1 lap
later, and I practically fell out of the car in parc ferme. I was choked
with the cold, and had just done the hardest workout I had done for a long
time. Went and shook skeggsy's hand, he congratulated me, and I thanked him
for such a fair race. It just seems so much nicer that were all friendly on
the grid, and you can have a good bit of banter about it afterwards. My
best lap time was within 0.1 of a second of my qually time, as I had spent
so long battling with skeggsy that we didn't get a chance to set any clear
times.

Race 2 is the handicap race. I looked to have a favourable starting
position, and all I had to do was beat Christian in the other Honda into the
first corner, then set about making up the 40 second gap to the leaders. I
got a better start, but just about binned it straight away, as I went to
change down to 4th gear, realised I was already in 4th gear, lifted clutch,
and went sideways. arse. The rest of the race was a bit boring to be
honest. I caught the class A cars, scuffham caught me. I tried to fend off
nick kaye but he was able to just out drag me in a straight line. After
that I was just wishing the chequered flag to come up. I was feeling
exhausted and just wanted to go and cough up a lung. Finally the flag came
out, I was ecstatic, and was punching the air. Seems a bit over the top
reaction now, but at the time, I was just caught up in the moment. Best lap
time improved by 1.1 seconds to 1.54.7 and I was well chuffed. Had managed
to get the car handling better, and as I was on my own for most of the race,
I was able to stick in lots of fast laps, and not have to battle anybody for
too long.

The drive home was nice. 250 miles, with the roof off, and the walkman on,
able to think over how the weekend had gone. Gave me plenty of time to
think about all the thanks I owe:

Russ T for the wheel bearing
Paul for organising the whole event so well
All the SE crew for turning up to cheer me and Andy on
everyone else who offered good luck or congratulations

And mainly Robin (and Tom) who helped keep my shed on the track, and left me
to concentrate on the driving bit. Really cant thank you guys enough

Was sitting in work on Thursday when I got a call from Mckean asking if I
minded taking Nicola down to Oulton, as he had no pax seat belt, so we met
back at mine.

Inspired move as Neil proceeded to remind me of everything I needed, and
after me running about for 45 minutes we set off heading south. Reasonably
sane run down, using earphones for the RLC is no quite smooth revving
sweetheart, when not a full chat.

After an uneventful run down the road, with Neil claiming an EVO shot, we
arrived at the vom-hotel, and managed to persuade the now shutting pub to
give us a few beers for the hotel.

Bit of chat and off to bed.

Woke up early, slightly nervy and ready for my first days testing. Worked
for a bit, and then headed off for the circuit.
Met up with the LOTRDC crowd, a great bunch of guys, and got ready to go out
and learn the track. After chatting to the guys, and hearing Walshy's car
woes, I realised that my Nitrons where still on full soft, so hurriedly set
about changing them. We then got called for the testing session.

Out on the track, and what a facility this place is, things were quite
pacey, because we had some Carrera Cup cars on track with us, and some even
higher modified racing porkers, which were awesomely pacey! These guys also
knew the track!

The track its self is a great test, needs commitment in places, and taking
some the blind crests flat out is somewhat daunting initially, but magic
fun. Lap 3 though cascade was a corner before where it actually is and had a
slight sideways moment, but apart from that RLC was going well and passing
some of the other class A cars
The class C Elises are outrageously quick. Watching Randy and Walshy rip
past me was awesome, had me wondering if my brakes were on or if the engine
had died due to the difference in pace, but awesome to see, and chase as I
tried valiantly to keep up with Walshy and take some of his lines.

We stickered the car up with help from Jez and Tom found stickering skills
neither of us knew he had!
Sessions through the rest of the day were great fun, it was massively
helpful being able to chat to Mckean about braking points and corners, and
also Walshy about braking in general, and the RLC seemed to be getting
pretty squirrelly under hard braking.

Tom started timing my laps, and I think the best I posted on Friday (the
sessions go past in a blur) was about 2.03.

We headed off from the circuit, back to the hotel for a shower and a beer
and then off to meet the rest of the LOTRDC crew at another hotel for dinner
and to watch the Snetterton race.

It was a good laugh, with a lot of teasing, but the LOTRDC guys are a great
crew and good fun.

Headed off from that back to the hotel, another drink and off to sleep.
Tucked up by 10.30!

Race Day - woke at 5.30 am and my mind started immediately turning to
thoughts of the race, the track, and where I could make up time. We were at
the circuit for 7, driver briefing for 7.15 and then sign on. Scrutineering
holds a slight concern as my helmet got scratched in the back of the Elise
but I get through
That all went pretty well, and then it was a case of checking the cars over
and getting ready for qualifying!

Mckean and I decided that we didn't want to take each other off on the
circuit, and Robin decided that the goal for the day was to get the
signatures on my license, and keep it in one piece.

Qualifying comes round were are summoned. I am nervous as a kitten, and
desperate to log a good lap time. The cars finally go out, and we are in no
order, meaning there are far quicker cars behind me, slower ones in front,
and I'm trying to work out how to get some clear track for a pacey lap. The
first 5 laps are a bit of a mess with other cars (some learning the track in
qualifying) getting in my road in braking zones, some of the group C cars
taking me off line as they pass, and its generally a bit more of a combative
track experience (as Mckean later points out I'm being a bit too
courteous!). Lap 7 though things come together. I spend the entire lap
chasing Mckean who had slowed and then let me by. This focus and clear
track, help me to my best lap of the weekend, which is a 2.02!
Delighted!

Had no idea at the time (about my lap time!), and after passing the finish
line come around a the corner to discover a MG (WTF!!!) doing 50 in to
cascade, with Mckean now on a charge again after his clam lap, appearing
quickly in my mirrors! Skip round cascade and then Mckean and I both pass Mg
chap at the same time. Neil slips by at the end of Lakeside, and I follow as
quickly at the RLC will go through Inland bend and into the Shell Hairpin.
Mckean is clearly going flat out, his car twitching through the corners, and
pulling out a gap. A group C car catches me towards the end of the lap, the
then the chequered flag appears.
In to park ferme, and then out to see the TSE crew which continues to grow
through out the day. Tom comes up and tells me he clocked me at 2.02, but
not from the start line. Fingers crossed.

Results come through and I've qualified on 4th in class. Very happy
with that. McK has qualified 3rd in class

There is then a big bit of dead time as were aren't racing till the
afternoon. There a lot of chat, Sinclaires still working furiously on
Walshy's car, and after getting changed back out of my romper suit, we head
off for the hospitality area and to chill out. Also got interviewed by Gemma
for Motor's TV so your chance to tease me will be increased greatly next
month!

The race rolls around, and I'm mega nervous. Its been drizzling and raining
on and off and Oulton is notoriously slippy in the wet. I'm wondering what
I'm doing, and Tom has set up the in car camera.

Personally, my thinking went along the lines of ; keep out of trouble for
the first 2 laps and then go for it!
We are called - off to the holding area. Standing there wondering what to
do, some of the racers I haven't met come and chat to me. Really nice crew,
and they can tell I'm nervous.

Engine start comes through and we are off being led around by the circuit
car and then put in to order on the grid. Walshy and Randy are lapping this
place in 1.49 (in qualifying to give you some idea of class C versus class
A). I'm in 19th, and as we got out for the warm up lap, I'm bloody nervy!

We reassemble, nerves are huge.....check list goes through head, select
first, watch the lights.......go! Huge amount of noise, and I'm aware Gav
Kirby has had a great start and tears past me. As we head in to turn one I'm
on the outside, and despite catching second slightly poorly, okay. Round Old
Hall corner and ........f***.....I see Jez's car spin and cars dart either
way, tyres smoke erupts in to the air, and one car comes to clip me on the
front wing, but I react swerving on to the grass, and then back on to the
circuit after a slightly nervy few seconds trying to keep it pointing
straight!

FFS- in to cascade and things are looking better! Slightly! Get the foot
down and exit flat out, skip past a car or two down the straight and up the
inside on Inland Bend.
The rest of the lap, I spend my time trying to clam down and drive more
smoothly. Start to catch Paul Harding, and work on that! 2 laps later I'm
there, arriving behind Paul and trying to work out where to dive past.
I'm much quicker through Druids, and by the time we break for lodge I now I
need to get by soon or we will be caught. We fly down the start straight,
and then I pull out to the inside on the approach to Old Hall,
sh*t........break later turn in and gun it, hold him off and manage to start
to build a gap for the next lap. Awesome....who's next.... the lap after
though and a class C car has ripped by. I try a bit too hard to follow, and
get way out of shape through Hizzp's chicane, launching it round the second
part as there is more space to recover the Teeside like action - muppet!

Paul is right behind me again , and the next 4 laps see us pass each other
5-6 times, in awesome racing (perhaps not technically, but we were both
trying our hardest!). My mirrors have folded in slightly so I can see who's
trying what. I concede a few corners for fear of crashing, and then when
Randy flies by to lap us Paul dives by with him. FFS I thought it was
another class C!
Gun it down deer's leap and across the line to see the last lap board! ARSE!
Foot is welded to the floor, and through the first part of the lap I pass
him through Island (a very fast sweeping left hander) only to be pipped at
Shell.
I realise that my best chance is going to be to get right behind him through
Druids, and then go for it under braking at lodge!

I'm inches away on the exit of Druids and pull out, but he blocks me...sh*t!
I'm off line, and need something special. Nail the brakes and turn in on a
different line. Paul is trying to defend the place so hard, he runs slightly
wide....its now a sprint to the finish.....in second, third (MOVE) and I
glance to see the nose of his car going backwards....RLC finishes!

I have no idea where I am, but find my self punching the steering wheel,
shaking with adrenalin and yelling! I feel like I've just toppled Schumacher
in his dominant days!
The cool down lap consists of waving the crowd (seriously!) and then hit
parc ferme. In to be checked weight wise.

All good and I'm off to the pits to be clapped back in by the SE crew!

Not many people realise I got back past at the finish, and it turns out I'm
4th! Delighted! (had dreamt of top 3, but RLC needs some fine tuning and it
turns out the GEO hadn't been done! Whoops).

Gutted to discover that the in board cam failed, so I can't share the
carnage and the racing with Paul with you.

Its great to see Lawrence, Katrina and Fergus, who have now turned up, and
chat the DTTB, Ryann, Mack, George (a RLC helper!) and many others.
Chat to Paul and it turns out he had a Motors TV in board cam! Should see
some footage on TV of our scrap hopefully!

Mckean gets third in class, we have the drivers awards and then 2 more hours
to chill before the handicap!

Looking at the starting order for that, I'm starting behind the guys that
beat me in Class A, and only 30 seconds ahead of Mckean. Bugger!

As we head out on the formation lap, I'm wondering how I'm going to get a
good result here!

First cars set off 10 seconds ahead. Then we are waved off - I've started
way better but Kirby forces me on to the grass (it was either that or
hitting him) and I concede, forcing me wide, and to the back of my section
(4 cars in total). I'm keeping them in sight, but can't quite match them for
pace. After that I'm pushing desperately to try and match the slower cars.
Lap 6/7 I see Mckean in my mirrors, and realise he has a great chance of
winning, as he'll be the first to get past me. Try to keep over the side
under braking for lodge and nips by, and scampers off. I chase as hard as I
can, but also realise that I'm now going to become fodder for all the
quicker cars shortly...didn't realise how true that would be!

A lap or two later and I'm pushing as hard as I can, although don't feel I'm
driving that well, as I'm effectively racing on my own.
On the run down to Cascade which is bloody tricky with an undulation that
makes the car twitch under braking (downhill) I see Steve Williams
approaching, but reckon he has to be 20yds behind. No probs will inevitably
see him skip by down the straight. Turn in and am trying to get round the
corner as well as I can, exit speed normally was 90-ish depending on line.
Get to mid corner, car is fully loaded, and..........F***, I'm going off.
Heard something and lost the back in an instant.

Hit the brake (its not saveable) and concentrate on getting out of the way,
and I'm spinning towards the exit curb! Get it safely on to the grass,
restart it , and glace up to see Steve Williams off on the grass on the
other side!
Make a decision then and there just to get home and get the signature on my
license. As I head down the straight not sure all is well with the RLC and
hope there is no clam damage. BUZZING!

My hope of catching anyone is F***** now. After the next 1/2 lap speed up
again, and the RLC is performing admirably, and before long the chequered
flag is out.
Parc Ferme - Steve comes up and apologises - no issues from me ( I was
relieved that it was him hitting my rear inside wheel that caused it TBH)
and we chat about it. He's lost his front spoiler from the off.

Disappointed and didn't enjoy it as much as the first race, but very happy
to hear Mckean has made it to 3rd place! Top job mate!

Time to get de-rompered and off to pack up, prize giving and final
interview!

We leave after 7 and I'm left contemplating my day driving up the road! What
strikes me as remarkable is all the help, especially from Robin, that has
gone in to taking RLC from a pipe dream to me competing in merely 1 month!
Its a staggering achievement, and remarkable! I'm looking forward to looking
through this post just to see how much has changed from day to day.

Robin was awesome all weekend, not only in helping Neil and I with the car
set ups (and Tom ) but in also helping me think about what I needed
to do and setting goals for the race. I can't thank you enough mate!

Mckean - thanks for looking after me and keeping me sane!

The fact that we had more supporters than any of the rest of the LOTRDC was
unreal also! Thanks so much for coming down and it was great to have people
to chat to instead of getting increasingly nervous!

Dan- thanks to you and Luke for all your hard work, it was greatly
appreciated, and please give your good lady a kiss for not kicking you out
of the house yet for working too long on the RLC

It was great to see George who had helped in the RLC project, Lawrence
(corner weighting guru and engine hoist lender) and everyone else. SE is an
awesome community and I'm staggered at times how many great people I've met
through my little fibreglass car!

Shug - 4 weeks ago this seemed like a pipe dream when we set off to buy an
S1 in Wales! Thanks again for all your help!

So, Silverstone in mid-June.............anyone fancy a road trip......

Andy Gordon
Racing Driver

Well done Andy and Neil

Saturday was spent being hungover followed by working on my new trailer all
afternoon with a hangover along with giving the towcar a service with a
hangover, at the end of the day some wine seemed to solve the hangover . . .
meanwhile all the folk doing Fintray on Sat were getting some practice in .
. . this did cross my mind . . . b@stards . . .

Anyway up at 0630 . . . truck up to Fintray and promptly get stuck in the
carpark before we even get unloaded . . . frack . . . slither back down the
hill and unload the car there and then . . . finally get the big rig turned
for exit without tow assistance . . .

It's wet, it's drizzling . . . feck . . . but . . . I actually like the wet,
sorts those that can drive out from those with big engines . . . still . . .
first timer at Fintray so I have to take a supervised walk up the hill . . .
that duly done it's been drying out a little, it's now very damp but drying
. . . I'm told the top hairpin is always very slippy . . . how slippy can it
be I think . . .

So, I'm not really feeling nervous, very neutral in fact . . . weird, kinda
cant get enthused . . . anyway we're at the start line, green light,
instinct takes over and dumps some adrenaline, good start, 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
grab a little 4th but not committed enough really as this is supposed to be
a sighting run . . .brake for the right hand 'ruin' corner and heel/toe into
second, I've braked too early, but it is the first time I've driven this
hill . . . slither all the way round balancing a little oversteer on the
throttle (very satisfying and confidence inspiring - the car really looks
after you) then blend out the steering and in the throttle to full throttle
in second up to the combination corner a sharp uphill left hander and a dab
of brake . . . the car waggles it's tail as I come off the throttle very
quickly, it always does this to some extent . . . instinct deals with it
without me having to process this . . . it really helps to know your car . .
. the combination corner is far from flat and I kinda hook the front of the
car on the inside and throttle steer the car round the corner, it's a
perfect corner for it and hugely satisfying . . . again, what is this
understeer concept people talk of . . . a nice smooth blend back to full
throttle straight line, then 3rd and brake for the hairpin . . . it comes up
quickly and is a little dark so you don't really notice it coming . . . turn
in (seems to be plenty of grip, but then nothing, the rear just keeps on
turning . . . second gear and minimal throttle and the car is trying to spin
. . . anyway, deal with that and power to the line . . . lifting before the
line as the track immediately following the finish line is somewhat risky .
. . I want to see what it's like without being fully committed . . . I've
spoken to 3 people so far who have crashed on the finish straight or after
the line . . . 35ish seconds . . . lead the class . . .

Practice two is compromised by me out braking myself at the hairpin but I
take a second off the time . . .

By this time even coffee and bacon rolls have failed to spark any level of
consciousness so I kip down in the trailer for an hours kip . . . batteries
recharged I wake up to rain and the commentator saying start in 10 mins . .
. great, we're now back to full wet . . . all the learning is out of the
window . . .
First timed run has to be a banker . . . get a decent time on the board . .
. track feels very slippy at tyre warming . . . so take it easy, 36ish
seconds . . . slower than first practice but the track is definitely slower
. . . tidy enough . . . leading the class . . .

Now it's time to really try . . . the straight up to ruin is fast and neat,
the back of the car squirming on the 2nd to 3rd gear change, but just hang
on and it settles . . . brake hard and late and just perfect . . . well
planted line round the corner and nice throttle control up to combination
keeps the car settled . . . I take combination the best I've managed to
date, the car seemingly going round the corner itself, I'm just overseeing
things from the planning point of view . . . I carry a lot of speed onto
the straight to the hairpin . . . then disaster . . . both fronts stop under
braking, I unlock them but they lock immediately, and repeat again, but by
this time I've run out of room to stop the car for the corner, If I risk
trying to turn it it'll probably either run very wide into the undergrowth
or more likely spin . . . there are lots of trees waiting, rubbing their
hands, waiting to claim another car . . . but not mine, not this time . . .
I relax, abort the run, and take the escape road . . . game over, insert
coin (£60) for another game . . . my first run is the only hand I have to
play . . .

I reverse out and cross the line in 58 seconds . . . not totally
uncompetitive in some classes . . .

I'm both pissed off with myself for plain and simply screwing up - I had
planned to take of 0.5 seconds at least, and think I may have managed that
target , but also happy that I had the presence of mind not to kill myself
or the car . . . instinct . . . powerful thing . . . something you don't
really know you'll do until your CNS does it for you

I drive back to the trailer and miss the commentary about the opposition . .
. turns out none of them came anywhere close to my first run time . . . so
another whisky glass for the collection . . .

Weird kinda day . . . Doune and Forrestburn were very high adrenaline
events, this was kinda low key in my mind . . . I didn't feel the
competition was there . . . still . . . a win is a win . . .

Trucking back down south I'm falling asleep at the wheel, a number of red
bull later we get to the trailers new home and finally a 20 mile drive home
. . . I muller the Audi back to Stirling . . . it's awesome in it's own way,
relentless torque and superb drivability . . . f*ck economy tonight . . .

Glass of vino . . . write report . . . fall unconscious soon

Fergus Duncan