With the Production BMW season already over, I couldn't resist the lure of the Silverstone GP circuit with the Toyo Tyres Racing Saloons series. And with 36 Production BMW cars entered, it was pretty much like a normal race weekend.
Qualifying was pants. Keen to make the most of my tyres while they were at their best, I tried to get up to speed quickly and promptly threw it off at Priory on lap 2. Managed to straighten up and head straight across the gravel trap onto the National straight. Still needed to snatch 2nd and power out the other side though. The kitty litter is a lot more effective at slowing BMWs than F1 cars it seems! Thereafter, I couldn't get my head together and the massive wheel wobble was distracting.
I got lucky to qualify 3rd of the PBMWs. Even luckier to be at the front of group B and pole position for the first race on Saturday. It was a nice feeling, leading the pack around the GP circuit on the green flag lap.
Race 1 started well and after a couple of laps I had some clear air. The non-PBMW cars cleared off and my class F rivals were a little way back, having their own battle. But at mid-distance, just as my tyres went off, Nick Barke steamed up to me and gave me a very hard time indeed! I could make a gap through Maggots/Beckets/Chapel and defend the inside line into Abbey and Luffield. But Nick could still get alongside into Copse and Stowe if I wasn't 100% on it. It was close and clean - I was praying for the chequered flag for the last 3 laps! Very pleased with a class win!!!
I got a great start in race 2 and caught up with Ben Winrow (3 rows ahead) on the exit of Copse. But ran out of space on the approach to Maggots and brushed wheels with Richard Ibrahim's Alfa as I took more kerb than I should have. This dropped me back several places, behind Nigel O-J. Realising now that I had no hope of getting back in touch with the class F leaders I decided to be patient and enjoy the full 30 minutes. Patience doesn't really suit my driving style though(!) and so after wondering at the straight line speed of Nigel's motor, I got a run on him on the exit of Copse and made it stick into Maggots. Alan Wileman seemed intent on doing as much rallycross as possible and within a couple of laps I was 4th in class. Then Nick Barke retired, promoting me to 3rd and it started to look like the second half of the race would be quiet. But oh no! Just as I was settling down to enjoy the circuit, the yellow/blue Jag of David Ball steamed past and I set chase. Without any regard for my tyres, which at this point were shot, I did my best to keep David honest. I hadn't enjoyed myself this much on a race circuit for a long time. Loved it... and 3rd in class was a bonus!
XML Feeds