When I got to the track, I asked for some data to look at so I had some reference as to what these cars did around the place. I took one look at it and asked 'where are the rest of the corners?'. The speed graph only showed three turns - and the team said that was it. I thought there were more but, after the track walk with the team, it really was only three corners. I thought to myself that that couldn't be too bad, and that I should get on the pace pretty quickly....
After first practice, I was 23rd quickest and one second off the pace. Man, I had some work to do.
We then had qualifying and I got within 3.9-tenths of pole position. Top ten, you think... No, 17th! I have never looked so closely to hundredths of a second.
We did three races and... well, it was an experience. I feel like I am a true blue V8 driver as I got into it, got pushed off the track and served a few myself. My starts were okay but, with the track so tight and everyone so close, you had to start up front to have any chance. I had to start the second race at the back of the grid because of a fuse which controls the series driving standard cameras had popped out! And, no, I didn't pull it out!
As you can imagine, the races didn't got that well, but at least I can say my pace was there. In races two and three, Jason and I did the same lap times and, in the last one, I did a time in the top ten, which is encouraging if nothing else. Now we move on to Phillip Island in two weeks, and I am aiming to run with the top guys and get some good results for the team and myself.
Just don't tell the wife and kids!
DB
