Ok, here we go.
CADWELL PARK 31st August 20013
Having always managed to "avoid" Cadwell in previous years, as It fell on GP weekend with TT, now was the time to give it a go.
Now only having driven it many years ago on a track day, I thought it best to book a the test day on the Friday (more expense),
James kindly offered to come down to give a hand, and stick his data logger in.
The first session was just for sighting really, just to get a feel for the place, and to see which way it went. All I can say is, wow!!
Fantastic flowing circuit, lots of blind turn in's, and very little room
Second session, decided to go a little quicker, and felt that it was quick enough until James told me 1.49!
Third session, still couldn't get under the 49's
Had a good look at the data at lunchtime and gave myself a good taking to before going out for the afternoon sessions.
Bingo, constant 1.46's, that 3 sec seemed alot, just needed to get passed that barrier. Now knowing that Mr Collins is capable of 1.43's, I needed to push more and more.
I tried and tried but just couldn't get any quicker, so that was that, I think I had reached another barrier that I wasn't too keen to cross.
Day over, BBQ beer and bed.
Sat Race day.
Decided not to change anything on the car, as it felt fine, it was just me.
Qualifying wasn't too bad, managed to get about 2 clear laps in,(why do people think it's necessary to get in the way, when it's so obvious that you are quicker than them?)
Stuck in a 1.45 and quali 5th
After Quali I decided to put some new tyres on the front and a set of new pads, as it all had taken a bashing on Friday.
Mike and Nick did the checks and refueling, James was running around taking tyre pressures and temps, and I had a toasted teacake and a brew.
Time fly's when you're having fun, next thing we were being called to the collecting area, that was a rush as I still had my shorts on.
Mike, Nick and James were also on wasp alert, didn't want any of those little critters in the car with me.
On the green flag lap, I should have warmed the tyres up more, it came and bit me later on.
Red lights are on....GO, BANG.. wtf was that??. It was Mark in his turbo thingy, getting a little sideways off the line, then trying to get into my drivers door.
Never mind, dropped a couple of places, but the car was still going, now I thought it was tight before, but nothing can prepare you for a full grid of cars attempting to get around the first few corners at Cadwell, Jason was up and over the grass, (where was he going to arrive back if at all).
We all made it, phew, Karen was behind me in the Subaru, so I needed to keep her there, whoops, turned into Charlies to quickly and the back started to go, "I've got it, no I haven't" and around we go sh.t (told you tyres weren't warm enough)
This left me at the back, so it was time for some fun. Just try and pass as many as you can I thought, and must try and catch/pass Sam in the other Clio (sorry Sam).
I had a great time really, not done so much overtaking in a long time.
Now starting to catch up with quick boy's
Chased Mark down as hard as I dare without hitting him, and with a lap to go, he span at the bottom of the Goose Neck, sorted.
6th overall and 2nd FT car home, not bad from the back of the pack. Really enjoyed it.
Left to right. Me- Ian- Sam
Race 1 Vid.