The first of several planned visits to Snetterton this year which the support team of Kevin, Paul and Dominic always like as they live and work nearby.
Race 1 - Cloth Cap and XK Challenge - E Type
The first time Cloth Cap and Jaguar XK Challenge have raced together. After last weekends freezing weather we arrived to find Snetterton enjoying temperatures of 4 degrees and dry, but with the threat of rain after lunch.
Qualifying
A full field of 33 cars, so it was difficult to get a clear lap in, then 2 cars with wheels off so a red flag. After that just 5 more minutes to try and get a decent lap in. Fortunately I did. The result was pleasantly surprising - the front row of the grid alongside Shaun Lyn's Cobra.
The Race
A decent start and alongside the Cobra up to the first bend where he had the pole side advantage. The first five laps passed in a flash as I held onto the back of the Cobra finding where I had an advantage or disadvantage. Then a safety car for a few laps. As it went into the pits so did the Cobra for its compulsory 1 minute pit stop (optional driver change) I did one more lap with a clear track then dived into the pits for my stop. It seemed to take forever with the Top Hat timer standing in front of me, but then off again.
As I pulled onto the track I saw the Cobra in my mirror and so I knew I would be for some hard work keeping him there, but a problem put the Cobra back into the pits. The last few laps were just being careful and after 46 minutes we took the chequered flag for the E Type's first win, which was also my first Masters/Top Hat victory. All very satisfying.
Results
Qualifying: 2nd in 1.23.977 (134.66kph)
Result Race 1: 1st in 46.05.703 (114.49kph) 28 laps
Best Lap: 1.24.409
Qualifying
The second meeting for the MK2, so slowly getting used to it. It looks great but probably is not hugely competitive being underpowered against the big American V8s and not as nimble as Cortinas and minis, but still good fun.
An OK qualifying without problem and no hint of misfire that had spoilt the last race at Thruxton.
The Race
A delayed start added to the tension when Jeremy Cooke's Mustang expired on the warm up lap.
A good start and a couple of places gained. For the first few laps I held a couple of BMW's behind me, but the inevitable came to pass - as they did!
This was a 1 hour optional 2 driver race and whilst not super competitive it is an easy car to drive and quite comfortable, so doing an hour was not too demanding. An uneventful race and by the end I was definitely getting more used to this car.
Results
Qualifying: 14th in 1.34.655 (119.47kph)
Result: 10th in 1.02.01.634 (115.47kph)
Best Lap: 1.34.278
