That was an action packed event, and an extremely lucky win for me...
Quali was great with a huge PR. The Cooper is such a nice handling car. Bob got the better start, and had to concede at T1. Then he spun out of the last turn, and I chose the wrong (right) side to avoid him, going off and both Greg and Iestyn went by. Later Bob had a good run at the backstraight, and I did give too much room, stayed too much at the right and hit polo's, and spun. In the aftermath ran over some polo's and went wide, losing a lot of trackposition and time. Had to slot in behind Dean.
3m53.230s
Robert Fleurke - spotters reporting:
minor problems with right rear tire.
medium problems with right rear suspension.
Was really annoyed by those mistakes, the steering was still straight but car felt tight. Still was determined to make the best of the race and to get back to the leaders. Could pass Dean who went slightly wide at T2 and I had a good early exit. Then was behind Arf, set myself up to pass him at the s/f straight. But twice went too eager on the throttle and went sideways. Then got a good run out of T7 at the backstraight, there was a gap at the left and tried to stay left as possible. Almost cleared him when I felt a touch sending me into a tankslapper, and Arf sadly went off...but glad to see he could continue, with some damage tho...
After that hit some polo's again a few times, messing up my RF.
9m13.230s
Robert Fleurke - spotters reporting:
minor problems with right front tire.
medium problems with right front suspension.
10m49.230s
Robert Fleurke - spotters reporting:
severe problems with right front suspension.
By then was 4th again trying to close up with the leaders. Despite the car turning difficult especially at the left turns, the steering was still straight, and my laptimes were still respectable or even good. Even tho Bob seemed to have the best racepace.
Got closer to Greg who ran great in the Honda, and after some laps got by him when he went sideways out of the last turn. Then Bob spun at T7, and was second about 6s behind Iestyn I think. Was able to close the gap, thought Iestyn was managing his lead, but at some point I did suspect he ran out of fuel. Stayed patient and got by him in the penultimate lap taking the checkers first!
Again, extremely lucky win with the mistakes and damage, and others' bad luck. Well done Bob salvaging P2, you had the pace to win m8!
Also kudos to Iestyn running great in the BRM, and Greg for running great in the Honda, but had preferred you took away some pts of Iestyn who must be my biggest rival
Well done all finishers, tough track with the polo's. Still to me it's a great track for close racing, which was proved last night. Very drivable and raceable track. Commiserations to the retirements...
Thanks all for racing!