The reluctance of the 904-6 to make any sound, meant that I had to use the 904-4 which I discovered was down on top end compared to the 6 cylinder option. But, what the heck, I decided to wring the neck of the grumbling 4 pot and see what we could do. The primary objective was to avoid being lapped!! well at least not twice!
I was given permission by the entertainment police hereabouts to indulge in some pre-race practice on the server and learn how to muscle this car around.
A Pb of 1:03 in practice, never re-appeared in qually and I started some way back on the grid. Not really a problem as I am still a bit nervous of how GTL behaves and getting in the way of the more experienced guys here.
Watching from behind I could see that the paint sample transfer market was very bouyant and the "enthusiasm" of some drivers was allowing me to pick up places. It was reassuring to see that others were struggling with the brakes ( not the eventual podium guys, they were away and gone!) and I actually found myself picking off a couple of places into the hairpins.
Then a retired kamikaze veteran of many missions
relived his best moment and effectively allowed me to gain 3 places in one fell swoop and I exited T1 in 4th place with a substantial gap behind and about 10 miles behind the leading trio. I told myself.."OK just concentrate on getting a smooth entry into the big corners and don't stamp on the gas and spin it!).
Tony was catching me very slowly at first but I knew I had some reserve pace, so I just kept it safe and steady and let him do the hard work
. I think he made a mistake and then it was Wiley Coyote showing as the car on a mission behind. He was reeling me in a a fair rate, so I had to push just a little harder because some quick mental maths confirmed that he would catch me before the flag
.
Just to tease Coyote and make things more interesting I made a couple of dumb errors ( deliberate of course
), but still managed to squeak across the line in 4th.
I notice that it was the top 4 cylinder porker
which was a bit lucky really considering the lack of top end against the 6 pot variety, but leaves a very warm glow.
So when the second race was proposed I got a bit cocky and thought..."I can see where i need to improve the setup to gain a few tenths"...........and managed to prove myself totally wrong and inept!!!! The car was a basket case in the 2nd race and when i spun it in the Esses I had to quit before I caused a road block...probably just as well...should've left things as they were
Grats to the podium boys, they are still a long way ahead of my ability quotient and I migt never get that quick, but I feel I am beginning to understand how to drive these GTL cars some of the time and I should be able to get involved in some racing soon.
