I think that the Anglia last night was the most comfortable setup I have ever had since I started GTL almost a year ago. Grats to Matt for his recovery and Erling for sticking in there to claim 3rd. The final round is still going to be fun as all but 1st place is still up for grabs
I tried the "comfy arm chair" in pre race practice and it was deceptively quick, it seemed to be slow into the corners with all that weight trying to drag it on into the boondocks, but once I got used to putting the power down smoothly on the exits it really did chew lumps off the lap times. I had almost decided to use the Daimler but my driving style ( downshifting a little too early I think) was taking its toll on the engine, so I thought I would try the Anglia and if that was no good maybe even the Mini.
Two laps in the Anglia and I was already faster than the Daimler and I knew that I had not even got close to a "clean" lap. So I spent the rest of practice and qually exploring different braking points and lines in the Anglebox.
Matt was also proving that the Anglia was a quick weapon and I was expecting a late surge from him to take pole. I was anticipating a serious challenge from Matt once the race started, so I tried my best to get a clean start and get to T1 first.
I did risk a glance at Matt in the mirror as we launched off the grid just to check that he was not alongside, but then switched 100% to the apex at T1 and getting a clean exit. Pole gave me the inside line at T1 but offered Matt the true racing line and I was ready for an attack down into cascades if he carried more pace through T1. It never came and a glance in the mirror after Cascades and I was all alone!! Matt had vanished and Erling was already 100mtrs back.
I pushed like hell for the first few laps as I tried to build a nice comfortable gap. The one thing that was just slightly wrong with the setup was the brakes I had to be ultra sensitive on the brake pedal and avoid locking the fronts and ploughing straight on. However, once I got used to feathering the brakes and allowing the car to turn in naturally it was a joy to drive and encouraged me to push for faster and faster laps.
By the end of the race all 4 tyres were still cold and maybe 5% max worn. The wear indicator had hardly moved?? I have to ask if the tyre wear thing was working!!?? Hope I have not inadvertently cheated, because I just cannot see how I could drive that fast and that long and not use more rubber??
Onwards to Brands Hatch and the season finale.............. I might have to bring Arnold and Mabel to that one, but they have been busy helping me draft their full length novel lately