What a superb event and yes, big thanks to Nick and
Chris Rossiter. I think really strong compliments are
needed so here goes.
The drive up is long and hard so I went up on the
Sunday. Met up with Nick, Kev and a couple of other
guys in the Checquers and had a superb feed.
My (very) recent wisdom tooth extraction prevented
me from ordering a taxi and having a sesh on the
local ales.
At the circuit, I took one lap out and hated it. Too
bloody twisty, damp surface and threatening rain
plus the less than ideal tyres on my gold 320i made
it horrible. I threatened to sell my ticket and drive
back.
But persuaded by Nick and Chris I went out
again....and again.......and again............
In the event I did about 130 track miles, never much
less than flat out. Had a scary moment at Tower
when the **** end stepped out resulting in a black
flag which I thought a bit OTT.
Chris Rossiter came out with me for a lap and told
me what I was doing wrong (fighting the car) and
after his much needed advice i found that I could go
faster still - I found that by lifting slightly on the tighter
bends I could get the nose of the car to tuck in and
cancel out a lot of the understeer - thanks Chris,
much appreciated.
It stayed dry all day and I loved every minute of it -
from initially hating it I now rate it above any other
circuit I've driven on in the U.K. It really is that good.
Every other driver showed courtesy to the slower
cars like mine and this is a refreshing change after
the 'Ring. It's nice for a 993 pilot to hold back and let
you get your lines right.
Thanks also to Kev for the ride out in the Cecotto and
to Craig for letting me take his lovely Sport Evo out for
a couple of laps - very nice too.
Thanks also to Howard Walker for lunch, very kind of
you Sir, favour to be returned!!
The day ended by me giving the resident
photographer a 'moment' (well, I'm sure it looked
dramatic) and my poor old 320i slipping up on it's
own antifreeze on the chicane after the pit exit
resulting in another moment, albeit this time
unplanned. Seems that a 120'000 mile 320i spits
some coolant out after 6 laps of 5500-6000 rpm
action.
Craig - I got back to Oxford at 8.40 pm on the dot. I
stopped in Darlington for fuel but once on the A1 just
drove at 100 plus all the way back. 3 hours to do 225
miles :-)
Was it worth it? OOOOOOOHHHH YESSSSSSSS