Race Day Number 2 - Brands Hatch

Managed to get a good night's sleep and didn't get down to the circuit until later on as my Class A Race was at 1240. Everything and everyone was a lot calmer, although by mid morning the snow was really heavy.

Because I already had my 2 signatures on my licence from yesterday I was planning to take it easy in the race and concentrate on improving my race lines and times. I spent some time reviewing yesterday's race footage to see where I could improve.

We had the same starting positions as yesterday, from the original qualifying. On the starting grid I made a good start but just after the end of the pits I got knocked from behind and then T Boned sending me into a spin that saw me crashing into the armco barrier backwards. I was OK and more than a little annoyed as I watched the rest of the grid sail past. Luckily I had kept the engine running and the car pulled away ok. After looking in the mirrors to check for any obvious damage, watching the marshall's posts for any obvious excitement at the state of my car and testing out the handling I decided that the car was OK to continue. I was now about half a lap down on the other cars so set about catching up.

Despite the damage I ended up carving my way back through the pack and finished 18th out of 26 finishers. Someone commented on my exit from the car that I drove like a woman possessed! Me? Though I'll concede I probably looked a little wild by the time I had climbed out.

The car's prognosis? We'll know more at the weekend when we get it back over the pit but it looks like plenty of gaffer tape will be needed on the body, the rear driver side wheel will need some attention (we'll possibly need a new one as the car was vibrating badly at over 100 mph coming up to paddock hill bend) and we're hoping that there's no underframe damage otherwise that could get expensive.

My prognosis? I've got whiplash but it's only mild thanks to the Hans Device I was wearing. I loved every minute of it and can't wait for the next race at Donnington in about 3 weeks time. And despite the crash the final race was definitely the best.

I'm now off to review all the video footage to see where I can improve!

Oh, and I'd better give the car some TLC this weekend. It deserves it.

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!

The night before....

We trailered the Elise up to Brands Hatch for access onto the site after 1800. It was a surreal experience - we were unloading the car in the dark with only the garage's lights for illumination, surrounded by other drivers doing the same. On other areas of the circuit the trucks were being prepped so we could hear them rumbling away as well.

Unsurprisingly I didn't sleep too well, especially when we were faced with a snowy weekend.

Silverstone International

Wow! What a great circuit and what a fantastic little car I have. It was a sessioned day and I was in Group 2 with all the big boys (aka racing drivers with very big powerful cars). To be honest I was very nervous at the beginning of the day, well I would have been worse if I hadn't been so tired from my two other track days that week! Luckily I had my tame racing driver with me again for the day and I had a blast.

The weather was gorgeous. Friends were popping in throughout the day for flying laps and there was a big improvement in my driving by the end of the day. To be honest I scared myself at times with what I ended up being able to do so a big thanks to Sean for the quality instruction.


Now the waiting begins - My first race: Sunday 23rd March.