That was actually quite an enjoyable race. Hristo got the jump on me at the start but I knew there was a chance of getting past. As Hristo said I got into his slipstream and braked as late as I dared and it turned out to be a bit too late. Without Hristo in front I probably could have gotten away with it with some trail braking but I was so far up his gearbox I couldn't see a blind thing
Some smart quick thinking on his part to give me room to have my accident in
After that I had a few battles with people, probably most notably Mike and Clive with some really good wheel to wheel racing.
Well all I can say is that I am quite chuffed that you feel I gave you at least SOME competition. lol
I had tried all the cars in the few days before the race, in an attempt to get a sub 1:20 race pace . Competing ( well appearing ) in the recent World Cup round at Kyalami I had watched some "uber" aliens lapping comfortably in the 1:17's and 1:18's whilst I was allocated the Honda and it was hoped that I could at least beat someone and make it to the finish . Neither wish was granted!!!
I thought therefore that the Lotus or Eagle would get me at least somewhere near, but when I saw the puntive pit stop times i realised that the difference in pace between my Pathetic times would condemn me to a siesta in the pits whilst everyone and the ice cream seller at Clubmans corner passed me and went home for their tea.
So it was either the BRM or the ...or the.....Honda ( again..sob sob) Just before the race I was still undecided but I caught a whiff of lotus blossom in the wind and the sound of a distant wind chime and, without thinking, I opened the storage cupboard and retieved a crumpled white headband and Fundoshi.
The next thing I know I am sat in a very dusty, but familiar, Honda in the pits at Kyalami.
Practice is spent re-aquainting myself with the not existant steering and brakes and the pendulum that calls itself an engine strapped somewhere at the rear.
My grid slot is as good as I could have expected as I had only run race fuel in an attempt to get familiar with the setup.
The start goes well as my plan comes to fruition and peolple start throwing themselves off the circuit at T1, I am then witness to Kruger's attempts to squeeze his dainty minnow of a Cooper past Mike's white whale. Now if the two of you had done it properly , I would have gained another 2 places :O). But much to my dismay Mike casually allows Kruger to perform a devilishly cunning and brave kami kaze outbraking move into T1!!! Bah!! in my younger years in the Waza's we would never have capitulated without losing at least one wheel!! hrrumph the young generation of today...no backbone.
Well I would just have to show Mike how it should be done and pass him in an arrogant and cavalier manner.
I was about to perform this overtaking move when the ice cream salesman at Clubman's corner attracted my attention by waving a particularly large and enticing strawberry sundae in my direction, and quoting what I considered to be a bargain price. Being someone who never passes up the chance of an advantageous financial transaction I quickly parked the car hopped over the fence and completed the deal.
Upon returning to my car, I realised that the rest of you blighters had not been gentleman enough to pause the race whilst I got my ice cream!!!
That young Mr Foster swept past and, yes I swear he was laughing!!! Well!! I would show him a thing or two. So driving with one hand, the other fully occupied with my strawberry sundae, which I did not wish to spill on my nice white overalls, I set off after said Foster character. Well, blow me ...when I finished the ice cream a couple of laps later I had almost caught young Foster but then I had to stop, to place the empty carton of the sundae into the waste bin adjacent to the ice cream seller. Can't go dropping litter all over the Veldt now can we.
Now with two hands free I set about retrieving the lost places and as the fuel level came down and the "e" additives from the sundae made me hyper active I closed the gap steadily but surely on the Cooper in front.
Then, in what can only be described by any true follower of the art of driving as almost perfection, I performed the most graceful pass around the outside of T1 and swept majestically on pausing only now and again to wave to the crowds and taunt that Foster character for having the temerity to laugh at my ice cream!!!
Just a shame that it only resulted in 5th place and I still did not get to race with Mike who finished way ahead, which come to think of it, so did most of you!!?? Hmmm need to adapt my plans, maybe next time I should choose something different............a peach melba perhaps???
