UKGPL Season 19 (2010) Graduates Cup (67) - Le Mans (Bugatti) - Jun 20

[Billy Nobrakes]

Not an easy circuit. Found it difficult to maintain any sort of speed through the slow corners. Found out that late braking was a bit of a no-no if you want to avoid the sand traps which felt like they had be coated with a dollop of glue.
After the first few laps and early casualties I had Vos in front & Mike T behind, both by around 0.5 mile give or take. Bernie disappeared after 17 laps & it stayed like that till the chequered flag. Apart from lapping Hannah who had a dodgy engine or  had taken up chain smoking it was a very uneventful race. (Thanks to Hannah for tucking in & making room). Have to admit I was hoping Vos might have a minor spin, not to give me the lead, just enough to close up enough to be in race.

Whilst mixed grids do present there own challenges empty grids are just dull.  (agree with Steve on that one).
Best solution would be to get more cars on the grid. If any occasional drivers have suggestions to improve the format for next season (as Vos suggests) post them on the mid term review. Views on choice of tracks, handicapping (the tokens system) & Pro damage and anything else all welcome.

[Ronniepeterson]

I blew it literally. Congrats to those who made it to the end.

[Hristo Itchov]

I narrowly snatched the pole from a very fast Tom (KingHiro) and Al, so I wasn't expecting to have it easy in the race. Sadly my expectation were proven wrong right on lap 1...

Tom had the better start or his Lotus performance did it, whichever it was (I think I had a good start actually!), so he powered through to the lead on the entry to T1 and then defended the inside line after running wide a bit before that and opening a gap for which I went.

He kept the inside line as I moved over to the outside and we started braking together for the first hairpin. I attempted to go around the outside of the corner, but suddenly I saw Tom's car drifting wide just in front of me and into the gravel, so the lead was now mine.

For whatever reason the other cars behind dropped back and now I was running on my own and extending my lead to about 2 seconds from Fulvio. Fulvio had a very good pace, in fact he was closing up on me in some laps, so I was looking forward to his challenge.

This 2 seconds gap remained for a very long time and I was thinking "come on Fulvio, you can do it" because I was getting a bit bored with the repetitiveness of the laps. It was good that we had separated fields though as there were no backmarkers and it was much easier to stay focused and keep your rhythm.

Sadly Fulvio went off or something, because he disappeared from my mirrors and now I had Al at about 10 seconds behind, but he couldn't close up the gap, so in the final laps I really went for it to get the fastest lap if possible.

Happy for the win, but hopefully my competitors won't hand me the victory on a silver plate on lap 1 next time.  

[fpolicardi]

I was driving a confortable 2nd a couple of sec. behind H and with 5 sec. gap on Al when my 12 cil. muted on the hump of T1 at 13 lap. I'd have had to set 5th longer to not overrev too much over the hump
Ciao

[maddog]

Not much to write home about here.  I'm new to 67 competition, and presently in, 'one lap wonder' mode.
Nonetheless, from pole, I was duly impressed at how Bernie managed, not to run over my squirrel impressions, as he switched quickly to survival mode.

Sir Jacks cars were known for their reliability in 67.  Except my non-works car became just that, when it blew up in only 10 laps, so at least I beat 1 or 2 there!

Well done to our moderators who gave all, but their motors, a proper thrashing.  But could I request you
temporarily turn off the servers Auto-win mode, Tim.  One is supposed to believe in moderation!!    

[bernie]

LOL Ron Tauranac would have a fit if he saw all the leftover Brabham bits .

I think my engine failure was mostly due to using a hot lap set up I "borrowed" in spite of me using taller gears for the race .

I dont think the thing appreciates having its backside thrashed , that or my downshifting was a bit to severe in places 

[Rick Nauman]

Arrrgh!  I'm really sorry to have missed the race!  I had practiced for a couple of hours over the course of the last two weeks and was, by the looks of it, on a pretty good pace with a Brab PB in the low 38's.  But damn it, I got caught up in home activities on Sunday afternoon (Father's day) and just spaced it out.  I hate that.  A let down for me and I feel like it's a let down to you guys.  Trust me, I am interested in racing with you guys and promise to make more showings in the future.

Congrats to Hristo on the win.      And also to Al and King for making the podium.   

[Al Heller]

Very pleased to finish 2nd - especially after my terrible start where I went from 3rd to 7th - too many revs, slewed sideways & by the time I'd regained control 3 cars had passed. Then Phil passed me up the inside of T1 - sorry for the close shave Phil, I was concentrating on the cars ahead (could see King Hiro off track & looking to rejoin) & wasn't watching my mirrors so got the shock of my life when a Lotus nose suddenly appeared alongside. Tailed Phil as he tried to find a way past FMG which was great to watch though I was relieved when FMG eventually went wide at T1 & we both nipped through. Phil was quick in the Lotus & especially on acceleration so I wasn't sure where I might get an opportunity to pass but luckily for me Phil then overshot T2 so I inherited what was now 3rd.

With an open track, I started trying to close the gap to Fulvio & seemed to be slowly making inroads & had finally caught sight of him ahead when his engine went pop. I wonder if that hump on the straight was responsible for eating so many engines? I was a bit concerned about it red-lining there so was lifting everytime I crested the rise. That was about 1/3 distance & according to Prib, Hristo was 'only' 500 yds ahead so I pushed to try & close the gap but clearly he wasn't hanging around as the gap just started growing - still, was pleased to record the 2nd fastest lap during the chase. WD to H for the win & to all the other finishers.

[FullMetalGasket]

The BRM is a tank, and thankfully as tough as one.

That is all

[vosblod]

Modding now completed