Ah, no problems there Al....we've all done the rear-end rumba off the start in 67's before. I was quite happy with qualifying second on the grid....maybe could have pinched pole with a bit more effort, but was more concerned with re-familliarising myself with the 49 on race fuel. Was mildly surprised to see us line up in the 3-2-3 grid setup, but not too worried as the car gets off the line briskly and straight as a die. Even after Jimmy clipped my back wheel during his rocket start, and having to drop the throttle to avoid Al's spinning top cleverly disguised as a Lotus 49 in my path, the car behaved impeccably.
Got swamped then by the cars following, as I had to wait for the track to clear somewhat to get back on the loud pedal.
Settled into a nice rythm early on and set about chasing down first Kevs fezza, then Phil's after Kev snuck past. Started pulling them in at a few 10ths at a time until Phil stopped for his pitstop. Passed the odd car off the track here and there on my charge.......then stupidly in my haste outbraked myself into Lesmo 1 and had a gentle, if bloody annoying spin. Got going again and basicly just drove it as smooth as I could, and left it to the motorsport Gods to sort out the places....as the bloke with the pit board wasn't telling me much in the way of useful info. I had 2nd and 3rd in sight as we exited Parabolica for the last time, so I guess the scrap Jimmy and Kev were having must have allowed me to pick up some time on them in the last 8-10 laps. All in all, quite pleased with 4th considering the context of the race, and getting much more comfortable in the Lotus every time I drive it.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the UKGPL Admins and Mods for all the brilliant work they do through out the season, I'm thoroughly enjoying myself driving in this league. It's a treat also to have the opportunity to race alongside the great bunch of blokes we've had the good fortune to aquire at Clark-Hill Racing. I'm sure you'll all agree our debut season has been impressive to say the least.
This of course is due to the effort put in by our coach and Team Principal John Roberts, whose patience and tutoring has improved the driving of all team personnel across the board. Thanks John...
A wee reminder to all, that in the off season a little recruiting by all of us will only have positive results next season. Roll on S18....
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Then I think I caught up a Lotus and Phil's Ferrari somewhere around lesmo 2. Coming out of ascari we were all pretty close and the lotus went a bit wide on to the grass and had to back off then Phil got a bit squirmy on the brakes into para and I nipped by.
That Lotus was me Kevin, the bloody screen went haywire and contracted down to a narrow little hourglass shape.....I pulled over so as not to get in your way, as I knew you were close. Cleared it by thumping the side of the monitor with my hand!!
Geoff.