Unfortunately I missed the start of the GT race and all the fun.
I was in chat, trying to offer some ideas to Sergio, who for some reason was unable to join the race server. I confess that I am probably not the best qualified to offer ANY advice related to computers and the interweb, but I felt that I should at least try.
Anyhow, the race started without us and we sat and waited for the Can Am race before trying to get Sergio connected again. Still we had no joy and I only joined qually with about 4 mins to go.
It worked out that I did 2 warm up laps in the Can Am Porker and just crossed the line to get in a 3rd flying lap on full tanks before qually finished.
It was a good 1.5 secs off my PB but enough to get me 3rd on the grid....so not too bad I thought.
Martin had his Lola on pole ( that was gonna be a challenge to pass around here!) Mark ( I think?) was 2nd on the inside line for Paddock Hill bend. So the plan was ...get a flying start in the Porker and nail Paddock bend around the outside. So that if all worked out I should be into 2nd spot and on Martin's tail into Druids. That should put me in a good place to sneak past somewhere if Martin left an opening
You have to admit, it was a good plan, Maybe I should have shared it with other drivers so that they all knew what to do??
The flag dropped, I got a good launch in the Porker and as we got rolling and the wheelspin was brought under control I had just about given it 100% gas to rocket past Mark's Fezza when he got his diff and tyres all crossed up. At first I thought "great he will lose traction and have to back off. I'll be in 2nd before Paddock Hill". That moment of euphoria lasted about 0.8secs!! as a big Red Thing slewed across the track and formed an immediate road block 10 mtrs in front of me just as I hit the afterburners!!!
Having watched the replay I can see that it was ( probably
)not intentional, but either way I think Mark owes me half of his points for the race win because the impact from my Porker prevented his trip into the barriers, knocked him back to his own side of the track AND facing in the correct direction so that he could continue. Whereas your poor innocent victim ( pause for violins and "AAhhh's" ) was left on the grass and joining in last place!!!
The red mist did not help after that and although I picked up a couple of places negotiating a 3 car melee exiting Druids, I proceeded to over drive Surtees and spun out onto the grass dropping me waaay behind the fast guys.
The rest of the race was really a battle between Dean and his Fezza and me in my little Porker for the minor places. I caught Dean a couple of times only to make a small error and drop back again, until he went wide and I scurried through to pick up a few more points.
Grats to the podium places and to all finishers.
The final rounds of the Friday challenge will be absolutely Out of This World, and hopefully a great finale to the season.