I sincerely hope that Greg somehow manages to get himself on line and join in the hostilities for season 37. I hope the house move goes well Greg and your new home is all that you hope for. Whenever you come back, there will be a warm welcome here at UKGPL.
Looking back at the 55's and season 36...
I was fully expecting Clive Loynes to be very competitive, as he had shown his pace in previous seasons. I was not at all surprised that Clive was an ever present threat at every circuit and never more than a few seconds away. He always manages to finish the race and collect points, which in these 55 cars is no mean feat!
Greg was the surprise package for me this season. I knew that he was a formidable racer in the 67's etc, but I had just not factored in the challenge that materialised from his pit garage in the 55's. If just a couple of results had gone differently he might have ben the one with the bubbly and silverware.
But it was Clive's consistent pace and ultra reliability that deservedly took the trophy. I have no excuses for not capitalising on my early season success and poor results ( DNF's ) at Glenzandring and Hockenheim squandered points that would have lifted the pressure on me in the final races.
Clive and Greg had maintained the pressure right through the season and were waiting to pounce on any mistakes. Clive was the one who did not put a foot wrong for the whole season. He might not have picked up wins in the early races, but he made sure that he was second with his strategy and consistency dropping the minimum number of points every time. Never lower than 2nd place for the whole season
I am already looking forward to season 37 and the 55's and TBH I had been seriously concerned about how intense the competition would be. Clive is always a threat and I might have to fit a turbo on the Connaught!!.
I hope that Greg makes it for next season because I had a small epiphany when following his car in a couple of races, and Greg actually commented about the difference between our driving styles. I tend to drive my 55 cars more like a rally car, using a slide to scrub off speed and plenty of opp lock to negotiate corners and line the car up for the exit. Greg was ultra smooth and clean, without any hint of sideways motion...and more importantly just as quick!!! especially in the heavy Merc Streamliner.
As much as it goes against my normal approach ( minimal preparation, and usually none at all ) to any races online, I might have to "up my game" and get serious if I want to get my sweaty fingers on the trophy again.
Well done Clive and Greg. A pleasure and priviledge to race with you.
Also a big shout out to Doni who quietly crept up on the blind side with a string of good results