Sorry guys to disappoint but it was a typical "welcome to the world of endurance racing" type thing.
As you kow we were suffering engine problems with the rockers so switched to a spare engine before the race. Definately sounded better and drove well too. But during night qualy we lost the gears as said above but the replacement box had different ratios. This meant to different driving and asking to be allowed to use more rpm which was granted. The overall engine limit was 7500. The tell tales said no one went over 7400 but even so we dropped a valve which snapped in half and got rammed half way up the inlet manifold. It took out the cylinder. No proper spare engine. The other spare engine had not been planned on really being used and it was not sensible to put it in as it had a different wiring loom and was an unknown quantity. More there for parts than as a whole. We had to retire even though I would have been happy to drive anything the team gave to me.
However overall I think I had driven well. John and Alistair never got a drive in the race. I managed to post the teams quickest time (2 mins 10.89) from the whole event but suspect that it may not have been if others got their drive. But we started 52 on the grid and after 2 hours when she blew we were up to 21st. I had come 18th out of 45 in the warm up earlier in the day. I was pleased with my driving and beleive the team thought I had been just fine as a non professional.
There are so many stories to tell from this adventure! I learnt a huge amount and had a great time. Many freinds both from the forum and elsewhere turned up to support which was fab and I made new freinds within the team.
I definately would drive this car again and be with this team again if asked. The only issues were in the engine and box department. I am sure they will be sorted and the car running again soon.
For my first race in the UK, it was good.
A big thank is due to Wendy for letting me go play, and also to my sponsors, Menzies Chartered Accountants, Cobb Construction and Brackenwood Windows and Conservatories. Rob Bromfield and Roy Snook helped me out too and it was great for Paul Thompson and Keith Baker to lend their services. A big thank you is due to John Clonis for letting me drive his cars and to the other drivers, David Streather and Alistair Mackinnon for teaching me the ropes. The mechanic guys were brilliant, so again thanks to Keiran, Andy, Chris, and Will. Other major players and helpers were Tom as team manager, David (sort of assistant!!!), Angus our PR man, Paul, Kevin, Matt the refueling guys, and Colin on the Stack gear. Also to Steve Miller for putting up with me doing my thing on his holiday! Thanks to one and all.
Keith took some pictures and I have one of the guilty valve being sent to me. I will try and post some more info soon. If anyone has any questions that are not covered above, do ask and I will try and answer if I know the answer!
Thanks for following this thread, sorry it ended early. You know, I think I am still as tired as I would have been if we had raced all through the night!