FPR had recently built a new car for lead driver - and my team-mate for Sandown and Bathurst - Jason Bright, and the Phillip Island test was the first time it had run. I got in it after Jason to get back into the swing of these strange driving machines. I didn't get as much time in the car as I would have liked, which was a shame as these cars are very different to drive than what I am used to. However, we made some good progress and my last run was one that made me happy. I got into a good rhythm and the times were coming down in big chunks. What a difference confidence makes!
I eventually got down to a respectable time considering the amount of laps I got but, earlier in the day, I was having to change my pants as I got into a high-speed tankslapper and was heading straight for the barriers. I was screaming in the helmet 'NO, NO, NO, No, no..... stay on the road!' - which, to the relief of me and the team, I managed to do! As you can imagine, I came straight in.... and said 'let me just settle down before I go back out and try again...'.
I am now in Sydney with my mum, as we both celebrate our birthdays this week. We're 79 and 40.... me being 40, McNish! I know he is on my fan mail and he would of made some smart ass comment!
I also saw my 17-year old son Jayson, who lives in Sydney. He is on his L-plates at the moment, so we went to the Blue Mountains for a drive.... with him driving! I have to say he drove extremely well, but he works with plants and trees at a nursery, so no racing for him....yet!
All the best,
DB
