Ok I still had some engine/ fuel feed problems but I got it more or less finished and perhaps at least I could get some testing experience?  The misfire problem meant I had to change up at 6400 instead of 7400 although only 5 hp difference at peak revs the drop after the gear change would be loosing me 15 -20 hp.

There was little chance of getting a race.. being 3rd reserve meant I would get to qualify but only race if three cars dropped out.  I caught up with some of the competitors I recognised and they were very helpful with advice and tips on procedures etc.  Headed off to scrutineering with my crew  - Caroline (my sister) who carried a tool bag in case anything was needed.  Just as well because I needed a hex driver to open the boot inspection cover. The car sailed through which was another thing less to worry about.

 

 

I got ready for practice and headed off to the pit lane for qualifying.  They waved us out, the plan was to take it really steady for three or four laps because you need a minimum of 3 timed laps for anything to count.  I assumed, (incorrectly) that everyone else would more or less do the same however most of the drivers started putting in some quick laps almost straight away.  I hadn't kept track of the number but knew I must have done 3 or 4, the brakes and tyres were up to temperature so started pushing.  

I tucked in behind one of the fast guys and got a good tow round Gerrards  and down the straight on lap 6.  Just as well because the next lap was red flagged following an engine blow up.  15 minutes in the pits while they cleared up the mess.  This gave me time to try a different fuel pressure setting in the hope it would help the misfire.  Another 7 laps but very few drivers including myself had managed to improve due to the oil on the track.  Now I know why they get in good laps early.  I was pleased with a 55.39 slightly slower than testing but given only a couple of hot laps to get it as oppose to the 50 or so laps it took me to get a 55.17.  The misfire was no better and generally power seamed less after the change so the regulator was reset to the original position.

I was summoned to the Clark of the course...

The results were taking ages then my name was called over the PA as I was summoned to the Clark of the course in race control.  He had good news I was first reserve for the kit cars and would get to race with the sports saloons (Porsche 911s and Morgan's etc). If the kit car race was red flagged and restarted I would get in to that.  Either way I would start from the back of the grid.  I was very happy with that - the Sports Saloons were slightly slower than the front running kits and there were only about 11 in the class.  I was looking forward to that because my qualifying times should allow me to move up the field and  get me into the top 5 or 6.  The results arrived my 55.39 gave me a qualifying position of 20th out of the 31 Kit cars, however it was now irrelevant because I would have to start from the back of the grid any way. 

The first kit car race 10 laps (28 cars max) I had to wait in the pit lane and then go out with the Sports Saloons in the next race. I couldn't see anything going on, Caroline was relaying what was happening  - all of a sudden the noise as the engines revved, the ground was shaking as 28 cars headed for Gerrards almost straight away there was dust flying up cars weaving on to the grass and then moments later the red flag.  On the first corner of the first lap there was a 5 car pile up so it meant I was in for the restart - dam, I was looking forward to the saloons.  They waved me through the carnage so I could line up on the grid.  While the mess was being cleared we were called to the start line to receive a chat from the Clerk of the course about behaviour under the red flag. 

I expected a reccy lap (normal practice with Sprints after oil spills) and asked the Steward as he walked to the back of the grid checking the cars he shouted "if you get a green flag yes, if the lights come on you go" - hmmm good advice I thought.

Some one was holding up boards on the start finish line, I couldn't read them I was so far back but everyone started their engines so lets do as everyone else.  Various boards were held up then, the RED lights came on - OK this is it - visor down, hand on hand brake, (I'm on a down hill slope) first gear, 4500 revs, GREEN GO.

Everything goes a bit vague from now on, but basically passed two cars on the first lap, another on lap 3  at this point I was stuck behind another car (29 I think) and although slightly faster could not get past despite pulling alongside several times into various corners. On lap 5 Graham (13) went on to the grass so I went up another place then on the last lap still having a good dice with number 29, blue flags were being waved, I lifted through Gerrards to let one of the leaders through on the inside, then  promptly pulled in behind and with my right foot nailed to the floor, engine misfiring, just about hung on to the back of the Green Phoenix, past number 29 and up another place. 

 

The chequered flag was a relief , results  - 19th not bad for my first race starting from the back (28th) on the grid with a 30 kg overweight car and engine 20 hp down!

 

The 2nd race starting 19th on the grid....Lights changed we headed off down the straight. All of a sudden there were brake lights everywhere, I stood on the pedal - cold brakes, the lack of bite was very apparent as I headed into the back of a red car.  I pulled up in time but cringed as I expected someone else to go into the back of me. (Apparently the drama was caused by one of the V8s which had lost it off the start line.)  Fortunately nothing bad happened and during the next couple of laps made my way up past 3 cars before arriving at the hairpin.  

I was coming up behind and inside another car and couldn't resist the temptation to get on the power early. It was too early and resulted in some serious tail weaving followed by a 180. Ok so I'm facing the wrong way and there are 10 cars coming round the corner. I can only thank the marshals flag waving and other drivers for missing me.  Got it restarted and heading in the right direction as the last car came round the hairpin. I made my way back up through the field to finish 19th again.

 

Overall I was more than happy to have completed two races, (two signatures on the license) be in one piece, (me and the car) and having done more overtaking in 20 laps than I ever thought possible.

 

Thanks everyone (suppliers, competitors, marshals, organisers etc) for all the help, advice and your contribution to making this a very rewarding and memorable day. Let there be more!!

  

Next project is to sort the fuel problems get some spares, save some weight off the car and finish various bits and pieces.