Race Calendar & Results

Results

Heritage | April 2008

Saturday 12th April, a cold showery day
 
Qualifying was early and fortunately dry.  It was difficult to get a clear lap but nearly out of time I did get 3rd on the grid behind the two very quick Tigers.
 
Race 1, Saturday 12th
The race was due to start at 6.05 p.m. and showers had passed.  In fact the sun was out but getting ever lower which, which became a bit of a problem as the race went on.  It was impossible in fact to read any sign boards being held over the pit wall.
 
Called to the assembly area I was sitting quietly in the car waiting to be directed as necessary.  Then another competitor in a large American car accidentally drove into the back left corner of my newly painted V8!!!  Unbelievable!!
 
One green flag behind the pace car then a rolling start - all OK and away still in third just behind Jackie Cochranes Tiger.  Going into the Melbourne hairpin on the first lap Rich Lloyd in his new Camara barged inside to take third, half a mile later rounding Goddards hairpin I found the same M Lloyd coming across the tack at right angles to me!  Somehow I managed to squeeze through the rapidly closing gap between his front bumper and the pit wall.  Apparently it looked quite scary to those who could see it all unfolding.  On the dirt, a bit sideways, then back on the track and now down to 7th after just one lap. 
 
Off we went in pursuit and by the time I came in for the compulsory pit stop I was back up to third. 
 
This year the rule for single drivers at the compulsory pit stop is engine off, out, twice around the car, back in and away!  My stop had been towards the end of the 'window' so not many more laps before it was all over and a visit to the podium for a pleasing third place. 
 
Race 2, Sunday 13th
Starting from 3rd again, on the opening lap I kept an eye out for Mr Lloyd, especially into the Melbourne hairpin.  All OK he was still battling with a big hairy E Type.  Up the rise to Goddards they were still alongside each other, turn into the hairpin and then over the noise of my engine the screech of locked up tyres and then bang!  Yes, Mr Lloyd had (he later told me), got along the inside of the Jag but got manoeuvred to the left and with a wheel on the grass he braked, locked up and out of control slid into me.
 
The contact knocked me off the outside of the track.  A quick spin around, I could see the passenger door gaping, so not knowing what else was damaged decided a visit to the pits, which are right by the exit from Goddards, was required! 
 
A lot of gaffa tape and too much time later I rejoined in last place and nearly a lap down. 
 
Once I caught up the back markers I started moving up the field.  All too soon it was time for the mandatory pit stop.  Running around the car did at least give me a chance to see the damage - oh dear.  It looked nasty, running from the back wheel arch to the rear of the front wheel arch.   
 
Back in the car to keep up the chase.  With only a few minutes to go I caught up Robert in the ex Fosters DB4.  Just time to pass him before the Fogarty Esses I thought.  There was, but it meant there wasn't enough time to slow enough!  I got the left handed apex OK but the rear end didn't like it and whipped around.  I passed the second, right handed, apex on the grass side going backwards.  Robert re-passed me and Kate Bennington and another car were bearing down on me.  1st gear, lots of wheel spin and away - now where was Robert? 
 
Just time to pass him again and the flag was out.
 
So what is it about Goddards?  The last race of last year I got nudged then spun there, and now this weekends action.  Not my luckiest corner, although enjoyable to drive! 
 
Qualified 3rd in 1.48.487 (82.96mph)
 
Race 1
Result: 3rd in 36.24.110 (78.29mph)
Best lap: 1.49.481
 
Race 2
Result: 10th in 31.39.986 (75.79mph
Best lap: 1.48.932