Race Day Number 1 - Brands Hatch Indy

Woke up early this morning and was down in the garage with the car at 06:30. We had the car stickered, and fitted the camcorder on the roll cage.

0700 - It starts snowing.

0730 - Confirmed to Paul (one of the organisers), that not only would I compete in the two Class A races for the weekend but I'd also have a go in the B&C class races (with the big boys).

0830 - The snow is getting even heavier now.

0900 - Novice Driver briefing. We'll have to do one at each new circuit we race at.

1030 - Class A qualifying - ended up driving cautiously - I've never driven in snow before and I have no idea how the Elise is going to handle in the snow with new tyres on!

1100 - Just seen the Class A qualifying times: 1min 8 secs is my fastest lap. Not bad, but not brilliant either - but considering I have only been in the car on 3 other occasions I can live with this, especially with the snow! I was position 27 out of 32 competitors.

1130 - Class B&C qualifying. Still snowing and a very wet track! A small incident at Graham Hill bend - I left braking too late and did a rather graceful slide off in a straight line.

1200 - Class B&C qualifying time: 1min 10 secs. I was position 30 out of 31 competitors.

Mid afternoon - it's stopped snowing but is still wet.

16:30 - Class A - Race 1. My first race start was more like a country drive. I hadn't anticipated the light sequence happening quite as quickly so pulled away a little too slowly. I got sandwiched out at Paddock Hill bend which is pretty awe inspiring with 32 race cars in front. I'm at the back but am happy to just settle in. After a lap I start to find my rhythm and start progressing up the field. I had a great race and learnt a huge amount with several tussles for position with other drivers. In the end I clawed my way back up and ended up at number 23 of 27 finishers. The finish line was a fantastic sight after 20 minutes of intense racing and I ended up howling with joy as I sailed past!
..... I didn't even get chance to stop the car as I had to trundle down the pit lane to go out for my second race in the B&C class. By now the car was warmed up. I had a better start and finished 23 out of 24 - so didn't come last!

What a day! I was fast asleep by 2100. 40 minutes of racing and 40 minutes of qualifying as well as standing around in the cold doesn't half take its toll!