First race of the season in the newly rebuilt Genesis RR. So what could I expect? Thinking back over the past 12 months to when I had my first outing in the Fury at Cadwell Park last year, arriving at Brands Hatch on the Friday afternoon to watch the Friday testing, alot of the nerves started to resurface from what I felt like about this time last year.
It was exciting, yet a little intimidating It almost felt like I had never been in a race situation before which was a little unsettling. But after the initial half hour worrying about things, the weekend started to get under-way and what ever fears I had soon were forgotten.
I ventured down to Brands in the car and new trailer in tow which was all pretty uneventful other than when I was parked up at the services at South Mimms on the M25, when returning to the car there was some young lad sat on the storage box next to the tow hitch......"ahem......do you mind!?". He quickly scarpered. A quick check round the vehicle to make sure he hadn't unplugged anything and I was on my way again.
On arriving at the circuit there were a number of RGB lads already there testing, so promptly went over to say hello to the RGB veterans and also all the newbies. You could tell there was already a good atmosphere flowing through the paddock........"this is why I love RGB".
It wasn't long before new boy Danny Keenan turned up with his entourage. Very kindly Danny offered to share the his marquee with me and it was very much appreciated as it would turn out the heavens opened right on que 30 mins before our first race. More on that later.
Well this session was going to be my; learn the circuit and try and post a decent lap time session. Took the first few laps quite steady in an attempt to scrub the greasyness that is characteristic of new tyres off. As I started to crank it up, I soon noticed some unique handling characteristics I hadn't noticed at the shakedown at Bylton. Some really shockingly bad under-steer Clearways saw me in the kitty litter after I had been giving more and more right turn input in attempt to coax the car round the corner. I was having to back right off any kind of pace as I had to get the car to stay on the tarmac. After slowing a lot the front end regained grip, back end came round and off I went.
Result: Qualified 20th out of 20
Best Lap Time: 59.64
Conditions: Sunny, Dry
Race 1
Could it get any wetter? 30 mins before the start of the race the heavens opened after it being such a wonderful day. Bloody typical! I was already dealing with the fact the tyres felt incredibly greasy still after qually. So the the fact there were rivers flowing across the circuit filled me joy! However, I don't know what I was so worried about. Pre race adjustments meant I had set anti roll bars dampers to soft soft soft. First lap of the race....the car was brilliant! It felt very grippy and, compliant in the corners which really provided a much needed boost in confidence. Unfortunately Race 1 was red flagged and restarted. The restart meant I was sent back to the back of the grid even though I had made up a few places on the first lap. I hope this sending to the back of the grid malarky doesn't become too much of a theme as it happened at Mallory last year after having made up places.
Although post restart I finished last, this was mainly due to 2 spins I had getting on the power too early on the exit of Graham Hill bend. First spin was beautifully executed keeping it on the tarmac. The second spin saw me slide onto the grass so braced myself for the imminent impact into the barrier, but thankfully, I stopped short of the wall only to be greeted by Duncan Horlor off of Acorn Printing parking up next to me. Phew that was two close shaves in as many seconds. Like I said, if it wasn't for my spins I would have finished 13th or 14th. Had a quicker lap certainly than the 2 guys who finished in front of me which was pleasing.
Result: 16th out of 20
Best Lap Time: 1:12.73
Conditions: Very Wet. Monsoon!
Race 2
Kept the back row of the grid occupied once again. Dry race meant I reverted back to a harder setting but in turn brought back my horrendous under-steer. Race 2 was pretty uneventful to be honest from my point of view.
Post race analysis, I soon realised I kept fluffing the gear change. I put this down to not being used to stick shift and taking my hands off the wheel having gotten used to paddles last year. Also due to the under steering issues meant I only felt confident to push the car to circa 80% of what it could possibly do.
My intention is to have a dedicated set up day with the car with the objective to achieve a compliant, confidence boosting car......so Snetterton wont seem so daunting. There is a lot of tight bends at Snett!
Result: 16th out of 20
Best Lap Time: 58:04
Conditions: Dry, Sunny
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