Thanks guys; loved the car and the series has been a blast. Surprised and proud to make off with the Championship, since I'm usually not fast in the U.S. heavy metal.
Despite early congratulations from Ziu, nothing was set in stone going into this last race. I knew he & Geoffers would be quicker than me, and if he won, which seemed most likely, I couldn't afford to finish any lower than 3rd. In that regard, Clive's absence was a relief, as he's often been quicker than me in this series.
Got a worried frown during qual, when I followed Bob over a few laps, seemingly without getting closer. With his usual consistency, I could be in trouble if he matched or let alone bested my speed. Anyway, accomplished in qual what I couldn't do in near 100 practice laps, when I got below 1:50. Temporarely pipped Geoffers for 2nd, but he rolled out an extra pair of tentacles and sucked it back
Comparing my time with the rest of the pack looked reassuring for 3rd, as I was comfortably faster. Rude wake up at race start, when Bob mugged not only me, but Ziu too. The latter made short work of him a couple of corners later (team order...?
), when he went past. Lot harder for me. Bob had small moments here and there, but not big enough for me to exploit. Behind me, John was making advances, so had to defend against him too. Got past Bob in the final corner of L3 - apologies for the slight contact Bob; not my intentions and a bit rude.
No time to relax as I tried to build a gap; Bob more than matched my speed, and the slightest mistake or hesitation would shorten the gap immediately. After some laps, Bob & John swapped places. Didn't make my task much easier, as John is just as tenacious in pursuit. Gradually got a small gap, but the two gents remained in my mirror for most of the race, keeping me on my toes.
Around L15, I thought I was about to lap another car, but found it to be Ziu, who had obviously had an off. He went off again next lap, handing me 2nd and shortly after retiring. Sorry about that Ziu - would have been perfectly happy with 3rd and the Championship.
Grats to Geoffers on the win and 2nd in the series
Both grats and commiserations to Ziu for 3rd