For aesthetics and noise, I really wanted to drive the Aston here. However, not matter how hard I tried, I couldn't match my laptimes in the Jag, so had to be the latter.
The race: Well, once things starts to go tits up...
The above probably best describes this race for me. Started already on my (not so) hot lap in qualy, when I hit the inner curb at T2 of Woodcote and rolled the car
Seemed to slide forever on the roof, and when it finally righted, I was on top of the armco at the Chicane! Thus dead last on the grid, except for Kurt, who must have managed to loose even more time than me.
Got past Tony at the start, but then ended up bumping Clive at St. Mary's - sorry about that. Slowed us both enough for Tony to slip past. On the next lap, Clive reclaimed his position from Tony, and then it was my turn. We were parallel all the way from Lavant Corner and down the straight. Only towards the end had I gained enough to slip in front of him, but Tony wasn't letting up, Thus I braked later than I had wanted to, and was caught by Clive braking earlier than anticipated. Tried desperately to avoid him, turning to the inside, but here was grass, which didn't help my cornering. Hit Clive in the side, sending him into the sand and barrier, and myself into a spin. Very sorry about that
Rejoined back in my starting position, a fair distance behind Clive. Worked my way back to him over the next laps, determined not to hit him again. Was approaching the Chicane a safe distance behind him - I thought - but when he practically stopped mid-Chicane, I couldn't brake in time
Suffice to say I helped him exit the Chicane a little faster than he probably expected...
Chase on again, and when Tony had a spin at Woodcote, Clive passed him. Had hoped to do the same, but my rear kicked out under braking, making the nose dive inward, aiming for Tony. Couldn't avoid contact and went up on two wheels. Lost time thus, and again through the Chicane. Started next lap by running wide onto the grass at Madgwick - why make it easy on yourself..
Clawed my way back, but just as I was getting within spitting distance of the cars in front, I put a rear wheel outside the track at St. Mary's, and promptly spun
Had caught Tony when the last lap started. Passed him down Fordwater, as we both roared past a rejoining Roger. Tony then bumped me at St. Mary's, sending my far into the grass field. In gentlemanly fashion, he waited for me to rejoin in front. Fortunately, Roger showed some solidarity, running wide at St. Mary's too - if he hadn't, he would have nailed both Tony and me. I made some mistakes at Woodcote, but lucky for me, Tony went even more off, so I kept my position - a not quite well deserved 4th.
Grats to the podium, apologies to Clive (except for the 3rd bump
), and commiserations to Pelle for his CTD.
Happy New Year all; see you in 2015!
Cheers,
Erling