The team headed to Oulton Park last Friday for the official test day ahead of the race. The test sessions went well in general, although we did have an over heating issue which was caused by some mesh fitted to protect the radiator. Time was spent getting the set up correct, calculating fuel consumption and getting the vehicle weight to the specified series minimum.
On Saturday morning the team was told by the organizers the ECU needed to be re-mapped prior to qualifying. This meant one hour before the car was due on track the car was missing its ECU, battery & air box. With minutes to spare and the team working at record pace the car was put back together. The early laps were a few seconds off the pace and John pulled back into the pits towards the end of the session. After quickly adjusting the tyre pressures there was just enough time for one flying lap before the end of the session which turned out to be his quickest, 1.49.6, only 2 tenths of a second behind the car in front.
A cautious approach to the first race resulted in a last place finish but also highlighted some set up issues and gave us some valuable information. The lunch break was spent perfecting the set up and reviewing the in car camera with guidance from Kev Wendt (Down To Earth Motorsport) His experience and knowledge was a massive help and we would like to extend our thanks for his help over the weekend.
Feeling more confident with the car made for a more committed approach in race two. John started out by setting a weekend personal best lap time on the third lap (1.49.3) and continued to improve. His set his fastest lap at mid distance with a 1.48.3. He had a front row seat to watch Hemming and Franklin battling in 5th and 6th place and capitalised on mistakes by both drivers to take 5th. Hemming managed to reclaim the place but John kept P5 after a car running in third was given a stop-go penalty for jumping the start.
The result at the end of the day has boosted the confidence of the team as they are getting to grips with the Clio and head to Donington Park, a circuit they are familiar with, at the end of the month.
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