number66.net

Everything was going so well. I qualified on the front row, lead away from the start and then began a thrilling battle with reigning champion Sam Oliveira. After exchanging positions over the opening three laps, I regained the lead entering Tower corner. It was short lived as a tell-tale puff of smoke signaled the end of my race and the chance of second consecutive victory. I always knew it was going to rain and on Monday the heavens made up for four weeks of drought. Qualification was soaking wet with standing water and pour visibility. I pushed hard but struggled to find a clear lap amongst 34 other cars. I felt confident and knew I was quick but much kudos goes to James Birch who beat me to pole position one lap from the end. Another front-row start bode well for the race and so it was hard to be disappointed. The sun wanted to break through all morning. It would stop raining, shine a little and then continue to rain some more. With 30 minutes before the race the sun finally managed to burn away the cloud and the circuit began to dry. Feeling trepid we reverted back to a dry setup for the race. As the lights went out I made a strong start and along side me Birch didn't get off the line well. Leading through Quarry for the first time I missed the mayhem which was to happen behind me. Taylor lost it under braking and collected fellow GAC driver Daniel Hands, the two of them hitting the wall with a sizeable impact. I pushed hard on the opening lap to try and break the tow of the chasing group and did so with the exception of Sam Oliveira who remained in my mirrors. Exiting the second chicane of Bobbies for the first time, Sam and I were already clear of the field. Across the line to start lap two and Sam was in my slipstream and passed me over Avon Rise. Both seriously at the limit of adhesion we slithered our way over the top and through Quarry corner. Running side by side up to the chicane, Sam continued to lead until I drafted past him again on the run up Avon Rise starting lap three. Out of Quarry and Sam managed a slightly better exit and beat me to the apex of the first chicane. I followed him closely for another lap and as we made the approach to the chicane the back marker of Derek Sales came into play. Somewhat oblivious to the pace Sam and I were approaching he dithered in the centre of the road as Sam went left and I went right. With a more ideal exit from the chicane I was back alongside him through Hammerdown and with just enough room, held out around the outside of Tower corner and back into the lead. That was to be my final play as on exit a broken pushrod was to end my chances of the win and a continuation of my spar with Sam. Together we were already almost 10 seconds clear of the field and Sam cruised home to take his first victory of the year with even enough time to gesture hopelessly at me as I watched on from the side of the track. He deserved it and as he suffered engine failure in the first three rounds I suppose what goes around eventually comes around. I am disappointed, of course, but not depressed. I did everything I could, I made no mistakes and fell victim to what is the reality of motor sport. The pace was there and despite my short appearance, I claimed the second fastest lap of the race whilst still on cold tyres. The fastest lap, unsuprisingly, went to Sam: 1:17.033. I was the only other driver in the 1:17s. It wasn't a good day for GAC. Despite winning all three of the opening rounds, Lydden Hill winners Martin Farmer and Daniel Hands also failed to finish after altercations on the opening lap. The engine will be put back together and we will regroup during the long wait for the next race at Pembrey on my birthday in June. I guess pole position will just have to wait.