Not sure I could make these races, as real life threatened to interfere. None too worried though, as I've had nothing but bad luck so far in this series. Glad I made it though, as last night's two races turned out to be the best yet and very enjoyable.
Race 1:Skoda was the fastest of my two options here. Had a nasty tendency to break the rear end free under full power up the hill, even in 4th. Once the pendulum motions started, I would invariably spin off. Softening the rear fast bump & rebound settings helped though, and I could drive it with confidence. Like Clive in race 2, I had the pleasure of jumping a few Minis at the start. Had to brake for a wayward Mini through the first turns, and one of the jumped ones seized the opportunity to slip back in front of me.
Held Roger behind me for most of L1, but once we reached the main straight, there was little I could do against his Mini, and he streamed past. Next he ran wide at T1 though, allowing me a classic dive under to regain the position. Couple of turns later, we passed Geoffers & Ziu coming together and I was up to 4th. Roger repeated his move down the straight, and this time he held it a T1. I gave chase as hard as I could, but he built a small gap over the following laps, only to toss it all away when he took an excursion to the dunes, giving me back 4th.
Drove as concentrated and fast as I could for the remainder of the race. While the cars behind me were gaining, I was surprised they didn't do it at a faster rate, as they included Geoffers & Ziu. Maybe the threeway struggle with Roger's Mini served to slow them a little. Position held to the end, but I was lucky the race ended when it did, as they were getting close by then. Grats to the podium.
Race 2:Qualified 4th, but as usual lost a couple of places at the start - one to Clive's Skoda. Followed him closely and when his car suddenly veered out of control up the hill, I was worried there had been contact, even though I didn't feel anything. Replay seems to confirm it fortunately, as there's a fair gap between us as Clive goes off track. L1 much a repeat of L1 in the first race, with Roger's red Mini chasing me. Better armed myself this time, in another Mini, so able to stay in front.
Roger overshot a bit at T1 on L2, giving me a small breather. That allowed me to focus on chasing John, who had jumped me at the start. My 5th place became 4th, with Ziu's unfortunate disconnect. Worked my way close to John over a few laps, and could try a slipstream manoeuvre up the inside towards T1. Succeeded in getting in front, and now the pressure was on me, with John very close behind.
Went on for a fair few laps, and then late in the race, I noticed Bob's Mini rejoining, after checking the view from one of the high dunes. I streaked past before he could regain momentum, but John got caught. Wonderful; with a little luck, the two gents could keep each other occupied, while I slipped away
More or less played out, and I finished a most unexpected 2nd. Grats to Geoffers for the win, and to John for the final podium. Commiserations to Clive & Ziu for their disconnects.
Cheers,
Erling