TARC Thruxton Race Report June 2015
Scrutineering.
For the second time in a row this was straight through without a single issue so very pleased about that.
Qualifying
This didn’t really go to plan at all. I ended up 17th, which was very poor. I was not happy at all.
I put it down to 3 things. I was on the wrong tyres, I have never been to Thruxton before and didn’t know the track, and after the disaster at Brands I was taking it very easy, as I just wanted to get through quali and make the race.
Race 1
I got a bad start and lost a few more places early on. Things just seemed to be getting worse and worse. I still didn’t know the track at all and found it very difficult to pick braking points, turn in points, etc.
Then gradually I started to get more confident, I picked up some speed and started working my way through the field. I made up 10 places in all going from 17th to 7th. So a much better starting point for race 2. I was sorry to see Tony go off as he was absolutely flying, and I think he set the fastest lap time in race 1 as well. Camera battery died on the last lap so video is cut short slightly.
Race 2
This was a great race, I actually got a good start for a change and passed clarkey and Sonny straight away, moving me up to 4th place. The 3 of us had some great close racing and I ended up finishing 4th overall. The highest place clio, and just missing out on a podium by about 2 secs. My fastest lap was a 1.32.something.
Summary
What a great day. I was a bit worried at the start after a very disappointing quali session but then it just got better and better.
I did get a great result in race 2 but to be honest Thruxton and me didn’t really get on. It’s a great track and Church is one of those corners you really need to experience, but I just didn’t gel with the circuit.
I did get better through the day, but I don’t think I drove well at all. I have never had so much trouble learning a circuit before. I think there was a lot more time left in the car if only I could have extracted it. I hope we get a chance to go back there again as with a bit of practice I think I could definitely do much better.
The car did seem to be going well but this new engine doesn’t seem to quite have the pull of the old one, and I am still under powered compared to the big boys, but it’s plenty to get me in the mix and have some fun, which is all I wanted.
James.