Despite having got very lucky with a setup that I developed during qually, this race did not go quite to plan
I chose the baby Eagle even though it was a group one car ( and I could have taken a group 2 car) because I have always liked its very stable handling, but I seemed to have got the gears and handling just right last night and it was quick as well
Raoni and Hristo set some very quick times to take the front row and I was surprised to get 3rd on the grid with a lap set on race fuel, so things looked promising for the race.
Raoni had his usual sluggish start and I stole 2nd spot behind Hristo into the first corner. I fully expected Hristo to be quicker than me and that Raoni would soon be up to speed and looking to pass me. They were both in the 2 litre Brab BRM ( my favourite car in the 66's...sigh!) which is a much quicker car than the Eagle IMHO. I felt I could possibly hold Raoni back for a while if I could get into the twisty sections still in 2nd place....but I missed an upshift out of T3 and Raoni pulled alongside as we went into T4. I stayed wide to leave room but still got a tap from raoni that knocked me out onto the grass. Just a racing incident NP. As I waited for the last car to pass so that I could rejoin Bernie decided that I had not suffered enough and biffed me on the nose!! the cad!!!
So I rejoined in last spot, fortunately in an undamaged car and slipped on the red goggles!!
The next lap was a blur as I caught and passed several cars..thanks to those who allowed me to pass! until one lap later I could see Al and Andreas ahead. I was expecting some close racing if I was going to pass these cars but I think Andreas allowed me through and Al had a half spin and I took advantage to sneak through...2nd place. Hristo was well ahead by now so 2nd was probably the best I could hope for and i settled down to pull a safe lead over Al and survive the rest of the race, which seemed quite achievable.
I have been trying to get to grips with my shifter recently and I think I am 90% OK, but last night the other 10% won !! on the run down to the Adenauer(?) bridge I had a momentary screen stutter and managed to select the wrong gear on a downshift. As a result I clipped the bank and the car flipped....race over.
Grats to Hristo for the win and a stunning fastest lap!!! and the podium boys + all survivors.
Also grats to Al who looks like he has this championship in his pocket after some very consistant drives and points scoring.