An interesting track, with a couple of agonizingly slow corners, requiring all the restraint one can muster, if not to run wide.
Race itself was on the surface a disappointment, with a few too many things going wrong. But, in reality, I had some great battles along the way, so not really bad after all
Start was somewhat messy, With Bill G. not moving, and Flash spinning into the car in front of me. Net result was 1 place lost. Next, as Flash was making his way back through the field, causing 'a disturbance in the force', I lost 3 more places, as 2 other cars saw an opportunity to get past me too. Then things went from rather bad to complete tits up. Got alongside Matt through some corners, our cars touched and he spun. Sorry Matt; my fault
Waited for him to rejoin, being passed by the remainder of the field. Was 17th and last when I got going again.
Had my work cut out, trying to make up lost places. Passed Matt in a more courteous way. Next chased after a group consisting of Clive, Kurt and Misnoimis. Think the latter had a moment, causing them all to slow, so I could overtake the lot within a couple of corners - probably the highlight of the race
Next caught Steve and passed him with a bit of slipstreaming down the straight. Was chasing Tony for a few laps, before he overcooked it in the chicane, spinning in front of me. Couldn't decide if I should aim in front or behind his car, and ended up doing neither, coming almost to a complete stop. That allowed Clive to sneak up on me again, and despite his alleged problems, I had to work hard to maintain and extend a gap again
Made up more places, through others misfortunes, with incidents or disconnects. Was running in 6th, seeing some tantalizing smoke trails of the car up ahead, when smoke turned to dust, as Flash spun off. Thus grabbed 5th. Knew he would be driving like a madman to catch me again, so really had to concentrate in the remaining 7 laps. He got closer and closer, lap by lap. A big thanks to Bob, whom I caught at this late point in the race, for letting me past with very little time lost - I truly needed that
Held to the finish and can't really complain about a race, where I'm going from 17th to 5th, although I wish I hadn't bumped Matt early on.
Grats to the podium, commiserations to those who fell of, and thanks to Tony for putting it all together
Cheers,
Erling
