number66.net

On the eve of our third day of trying, we still haven't turned a single lap in anger. We're already at Brands Hatch and I suppose that means we're doing the Festival now. But with no seat time, no setup and a car which appears to be a long way from competitive, it will be a far cry from what I had wanted. Thus far my Formula Ford career has been little short of a categorical disaster. This is how succesful yesterday was for us:

Session 1	Engine cuts off within half a lap - wont restart. Rebuild carburettor during interval. In addition, replace ignition unit and coil.
Session 2	Engine cuts off again within half a lap. Notice white smoke from exhaust - strip engine and replace head gasket.
Session 3	Missed due to above.
Session 4	Engine cutting off appears to be fixed. Two laps until left rear puncture. Change wheel, two laps and misfire develops due to flat battery. End of session.

It was a hard and hectic days work for very little gain. Taking positives from it, if it is possible, these are problems which would have happened later in the weekend and so if we have got on top of them now, I guess that is good. Despite no serious running, I can be sure of one thing; the engine is tired and in desperate need of a rebuild. In motorsport, seat time is everything. Seat time can make a mediocore driver look talented or conversly, a talented driver look mediocore. Regrettably, I fear it is exactly that I have to worry about. What ever does happen this weekend, it will be an experience and I'm so far in the deep end that I can only get stronger. However, performance wise, I have little to look forward to and in the midst of what will be a difficult weekend, I have to remember - I am actually a champion, afterall. So until qualifying, this is it. Qualifying begins at 1030AM tomorrow and the racing not until Sunday. If the car holds together, qualifying will be my first opportunity to explore the limits of the car. Throw in new (and yet to be bedded-in) brake pads and an unscrubbed set of new tyres, I simply cannot wait...