You missed an intense one Andy - seriously that was just maximum concentration throughout, seriously tough!
One of the trickiest races i can remember - fair play Tony, bold combination there - I know it was contentious but seriously, I loved it. Even without headlights I thought it was driveable so hats off mate...you can't say its one we'll forget in a hurry!
Car choice for me was a bugger here for some reason, I switched backwards and forwards all the time I was practising. Loved the Escort as always but the gearing didn't seem to be right and I was convinced the Beemer would carp on it (yeah, might have been wrong there
). Couldn't decide between the lightweight and the heavy CSL in the end, I was quicker in the lightweight but I could see Jim was a lot faster after he switched to the heavy. Also couldn't decide between a couple of setups...in the end I switched cars in practice and even switched the setup completely after qually had finished LOL. Golden rules somewhat broken!
The race setup felt slightly better but I really didn't have the feel you need to get all racey, I could deal with it in the corners and on the power but on the brakes there was this constant threat of locking the rears M1A style and I spent the race living in fear of it...pushing ever so slightly more each lap. I knew qualifying in 7th it was going to be a damage limitation exercise but despite two or three mistakes, I think some consistency eventually and problems for others handed me back a chance to fight for a podium. Great drive to the line Jim, thought I had a whisper of a chance but wasn't to be.
Those early laps were interesting though, haven't seen the replay yet but I remember being all over Lazlow on the first lap which was odd as he was miles faster in qually but he soon settled into a rhythm and disappeared off. I really couldn't tell you much else, the whole crazy affair was just a blur. I remember tussles with various different people including Dyno, Madd and Ade but the second anything happened it went straight to the back of my mind while I concentrated on keeping the Beemer in a straight line...not enough capacity to think about both clearly!
Anyway, I think we were totally outclassed by Bara and his damn inspirational YouTube vid this time around (that was blinding by the way mate! should have watched prior) - I think only PR would have given him a run for his money. Unluckly Madd - couldn't believe the pace of the Escort in the hands of you and Mr. Minton, not the way I'd want to make the podium given the choice but I was surprised to make it to the end myself quite honestly, even had me headlights intact!
Massive thanks to the backmarkers I came across, there was the potential for this to be a nightmare but everyone made it so easy, without appearing to compromise your own races too much so muchos respectos