I had two different options for this final race, after having missed a race earlier. Could run in either Class A or B. Spent considerable time poring over remaining car options for everyone else, trying to guess what ppl would drive, and where the most interesting race might be. Had a shot at 2nd in the Championship of both classes, but A looked easier than B, as I required fewer points. In addition, I had a shot at winning the Championship, if something prevented Ziu from scoring points. A it was then!
Fully expected to play 2nd fiddle to Ziu in the race, but when I sneaked a peek at lap times in previous Brands races, my eyes widened. My offline pb, which was quite unusually done on race fuel, was a 1:54.2. That was 0.2 sec faster than Ziu's fastest race lap earlier, in the same Mini as he would be driving in Monday's race. Maybe the race would be closer than anticipated ?
His qual time earlier was still a tenth better than my pb, and he shaved off a couple of tenths more in qual, and so was ahead of me. Knew I had a shot at jumping him at the start, as my Imp would be easier to get off the line than his Mini. So it went and I slipped in front at the start of a very intense race. Close over the first half, but slowly worked up a gap of around 5 secs, all the while being surprised the mini wasn't faster than the Imp. Couldn't relax though - any mistake from me, and our roles would surely be reversed.
Held to the finish line. Grats to Ziu for winning the Class A Championship, even if he has to share it a little with me
Grats also to the podium yesterday, and all the class winners and runners up - not least Ziu who won 3 out of 4 and the overall one
Thanks to Tony for the organizing and all the headaches choosing a Class and car lol.
Merry Christmas to everyone!