Well, it was hot and it was very sweaty, but the racing was intense.
Grats to Tris on the win, although I suspect that those of us behind had more fun??.
There is something about this track that puts it into that group of circuits that somehow always generate close racing. Goodwood, Monza, Jops Siffert to name just a few.
Last night's fun race fitted exactly into that list once the early laps spread the field a little, tyres warmed up and drivers got down to some serious racing. The crazy battle for 2nd spot, and trying to find a way past Leo, probably allowed Tris to escape and run his own race quite comfortably. Leo drove for most of the race in defensive mode and I have to say that he did an excellent and completely fair job. I watched as Pete and Axel attempted to get past and when the places changed I had a go too.....and another.....and another.
Once or twice I forced my nose ahead only to compromise my speed at the next corner and allow Leo to cut back and regain the place
Once or twice my efforts cost me time and I ventured onto the grass losing time but I was always able to close the gap. One such "off" allowed Axel and Pete to get on Leo's tail and I had to watch from 4th spot, hoping for a gap that would allow me to get back to 2nd. When Axel and Pete tangled I was released to chase Leo, but it took a few laps to get into the slipstream and check the number of bolts on his gearbox until I got a chance and slipped through. But I was driving too hard in an attempt to break away and too many slides cost me speed through the fast corners and allowed Leo to regain his 2nd place.
It was clear that Leo was in no mood to relinquish his 2nd spot and this was going to be a fight to the flag. Starting the last lap I was about 100mtrs behind after putting a wheel on the grass at the final corner. Slowly I reeled him in and it was all going to be about the final hairpin..............I picked up the perfect slipstream on the back straight and stuck it down the inside with a "last of the demon brakers" move. I was very concious of leaving ( or trying to leave ) Leo just enough room on the outside....but not enough to swoop past!!
For the first time in the race that overtake move worked, and I stole Leo's 2nd spot.
I ( almost) felt sorry for him as he had defended that place heroically for almost 30 laps and to lose it on the final corner seemed harsh....but I consoled myself by saying "that is what racing is all about" lol.
Thanks to all who raced and to Pete for giving us a superb track.
