20 June 2005

OULTON PARK RACE REPORT

Phew what a scorcher! Three days of unbroken sunshine, coupled with central African humidity, meant we were all as sweaty as a paedophile in a children's nursery every time we sat in the car.

Testing went well, seeing us second in the first session and third overall. Qualifying resulted in a brace of thirds, so we were looking in excellent shape for the forthcoming races. A good start in race one saw me push Jonathon Adam up to the first corner and I was in third position until I missed a down change going into the fast left hander, Cascades. Matt Allison took advantage and slipped by. Although I thought I could soon repass it proved to be not that easy.

Although I was quicker than Allison he was defending well. I managed to out-brake him going into the chicane but he took to the grass and continued back ahead at the exit of the chicane. For the rest of the race he put up a dogged defence and, to be fair, drove well enough with no mistakes leaving me no opportunity to repass. A subsequent enquiry post race was held and Allison was left with his third position, I was advised to appeal, which I did but to no avail - that's motor racing...

Sunday's race was once again an exceptionally hot day and a good start saw me in third place with my team-mate Tom Onslow Cole breathing down my neck. For lap after lap we circulated at much the same pace, although towards the end I eked out a small cushion as his car started to suffer in the incredibly hot track temperature. I was hoping to be closer to the leading pair but I was just losing out by a tenth or two each lap. I think we were all relieved to see the chequered flag and I was happy to get on the podium for the second time this season. Mind you, the champagne was not chilled sufficiently... I suppose it doesn't matter when most of it ends up on your race suit...