2000, Round 1, Silverstone
A poor choice of camera film, coupled with plenty of solar flare means very poor photos from this race.
Bonus shot of the car with the new stickers on to compensate!
| Weather | Dry, cold and sunny |
| Qualification result | 10th of 58 |
| Race length | 15 minutes elapsed |
| Championship race | 11th |
| Lap | Time | Difference | Ave. speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lap Record (prior to event) | 1:15.67 | 77.98 mph | |
| Pole | 1:14.94 | -0:00.73 | 78.73 mph |
| My qualification | 1:16.01 | +0:00.34 | 77.63 mph |
| Fastest race lap | 1:15.82 | +0:00.15 | 77.82 mph |
| My fastest race lap | 1:17.24 | +0:01.57 | 76.39 mph |
|
After testing three weeks before the race, I was in confident mood for qualifying, but I made a mistake by driving too hard at the start of the session meaning that lap times were not good to start with. I got my act together towards the end of the session though, and set the 10th fastest time overall. This is my highest ever qualification, and meets my target of qualifying in the top 10. My target for the race was to finish in the top 8, and be among the top two XR2s. I didn't quite make these targets, but enjoyed it none the less. I had a fantastic start when the lights went green, and long before we reached the first corner I had passed Glenn Stokes, and was a nose ahead of Darren Blumson. As we reached the first corner though, the superior power of Blumson's Peugeot meant that I lost one place, and then as he ran wide at the corner, I was forced wide and another two cars came through on the inside, one of which was Stokes taking his place back. As we reached Brooklands though, I took that place back, and lost a place as Paul Sheehan took a very wide line and got round the outside. He then lost control at Luffield, and I passed him, but was slowed by taking evasive action and lost my place against Stokes again. Still in 11th at the end of lap 1. On the second lap, two cars blatently passed me under waved yellow flags on the run into Copse corner as a car was being removed from the gravel. (tut tut boys!). For the rest of that lap, and the next I was following two peugeots that were driving right on the ragged edge. I found it very hard to get close enough to try a passing move without being in danger of being caught up each time they went sideways. On lap 4 they made slight contact through Copse, and I thought I might take advantage, but they had not slowed up enough, however I was now close enough to gain a place at Becketts, and lose the same place again at Brooklands. Lap 5, there was a big spin at Luffield just ahead of me, and I gained two places, as Simon Smith was left stranded, and Andy Elliot had to avoid him. The stranded car was subsequently hit by a car further down the field, and the race had to be red flagged. I was in 11th place at this point, and the 3rd highest XR2. Up ahead, Dave Carvell had kept control of the race from Jay Frost, and John Gladman completed the top 3. The result was declared at this point, and I came away disappointed that the race had been so short, but delighted to have had my highest qualification, and my highest race result, and no damage to the car, and no mechanical problems. I didn't even use much fuel! On to Snetterton next which will be even tougher against the superior power of the Peugeots...! |
