A challenging series this, with the quick switch between such different cars.
Race1:
In preparation for our previous V8 race, I tried educating myself in the mysteries of car setup. Mostly left me none the wiser, and I didn't improve my laptimes over the default setup, but did notice a couple of things. Tried some of the same on the TVR setup I have used throughout my GTL career, and suddenly my laptimes dropped, culminating in a 1:45.5 in offline praccy. Sadly it's been a one-off, unrepeatable lap - mostly due to getting most corners just right.
Qualified 3rd, and TVR power for once prevented me from being jumped by Clive as the start went. Early on I was in contact with the front runners, but eventually they pulled away. Behind, Clive was inching closer. Still confident I could keep him behind me, if I stuck to the racing line. With the TVR extending the gap as soon as you could get the power down, it would be very difficult for him to mount an attack.
Then it all went tits up. Once again my #1 hated corner of all tracks; Paddock Hill, got the better of me. Lost the rear, and almost - almost held it, but no; the bloody thing of course had to end on the grass, do a 180 and leave me facing the wrong way - and uphill. By the time I had extricated myself from that, Clive was 10 secs ahead. This held to the final lap, where Paddock Hill mugged me again - felt like a complete amateur..
Grats to the podium.
Race 2:
Early on in GTL, I became aware of the Elan's nasty habit of snap-oversteer under braking. Have always avoided it if I could - mostly the TVR would be available too, and I always went with it instead. Luckily I found a setup in my drawers, that has ironed out those tendencies. Was thus able to abuse it quite heavily, without it biting back.
Qualified 4th, but was outdragged by Matt at the start. Cars behind dropped back already on L1, so no immediate threat from there. Tried to hang on to the orange TVRs of Clive & Matt, hoping either - or preferably both would make a mistake
Had a true 'fresh-pants-needed' moment, when Matt's car froze in front of me. Hit it at full bore, which lifted my car, with all 4 wheels off the ground. Surprisingly no damage - except for 10% engine health lost, when I downshifted too early in the confusion
The jolt apparently got Matt going again too, and he shadowed me not too far back for most of the remaining race. Clive had a few moments, which brought me closer, but then he got his act together and pulled away. Thus had to settle for 4th once more.
Grats to the podium again - and especially Pelle for two very convincing drives.
Very sorry to see that Bill's problems are still ongoing
Maybe trying the program Clive suggests would be an idea.
Cheers,
Erling
