Ross Nicol
GT40s Supporter
There were 37 sports cars entered for this round and with this many cars on such a small track things were bound to get interesting.I decided to take advantage of friday practice as it's been a year since we were there last.It soon became apparent I had a major oversteer problem and it was not till after qualifying on sat morning I realized a rear tyre was worn out.Lucky thing I'm running Dunlop slicks the same size as another competitor and he gave me a half worn tyre.So consequently I qualified in 24th place.The car bogged down off the line in the first race and those pesky clubmans got past.The power of the GT40 redressed that situation and I finished a few spots further forward with a much better handling car.The next race was much the same but a sneaky clubman pipped me on the line and blew up in spectacular fashion.The next race was after sunset in the dark and I'm not very comfortable with this.Mainly because the low visability and low seating position in the 40 make it hard to see the edges of the track.A silver porsche (911)got past me and I finished behind him.The brakes had taken a hiding and the pedal dropped a nervous amount and I surmised caused by rear caliper heat boiling the fluid.I thought about this situation over night and I decided to cut my plastic screen clearing duct to use as temporary brake ducts for the last race on sunday morning.
I got away to a good start and the scintered Iron clutch allowed a 4000 rev clutch launch and no bogging at last!checked the brakes all ok, in front the silver porsche battling a white one.The white one was blocking the silver one whos' driving style I reckon would fry his rear tyres, so I held back for the inevitable spin and up another place.I held position behind the white one until a small off track excursion let a GT3 past(darn it).Brakes felt a bit squidgy and so I increased the braking distance for the last 3 laps and home in 11th place, a bit lower than my usual place but the competition was fierce.Things to come out of the weekend- Brake ducts required,gearshift excellent,clutch much better,handling and turn in much better.At last a car I can drive.I consider my problems minor and partly my fault(the tyres).Next round Sandown in April stay posted.
Ross
I got away to a good start and the scintered Iron clutch allowed a 4000 rev clutch launch and no bogging at last!checked the brakes all ok, in front the silver porsche battling a white one.The white one was blocking the silver one whos' driving style I reckon would fry his rear tyres, so I held back for the inevitable spin and up another place.I held position behind the white one until a small off track excursion let a GT3 past(darn it).Brakes felt a bit squidgy and so I increased the braking distance for the last 3 laps and home in 11th place, a bit lower than my usual place but the competition was fierce.Things to come out of the weekend- Brake ducts required,gearshift excellent,clutch much better,handling and turn in much better.At last a car I can drive.I consider my problems minor and partly my fault(the tyres).Next round Sandown in April stay posted.
Ross