Further preparations had been undertaken since the last race the Focus swam around at Thruxton that seemed more of a boating lake with " come in boat number 219 you have a (potential) infringement". Unfortunately with our gear kit sponsors situated next to Russia (Imatra Finland) (you can not get much closer to Russia at 3.5 km), we have had to use standard gear ratios after Snetterton, but trial and error has enabled us to test out two separate standard gear ratios.

 

Not achieving full potential and performance of the vehicle has left us awaiting what has worked well in the past historically in 2015, during our full UK Time Attack. With both drivers ready to get to grips with the Focus, Terry Dolphin had already had some input with setting up the vehicle. Unfortunately Matthew Potter has had limited time in the seat this year and we needed to rectify that. A change to qualifying for our strategy meant Terry was out first, picking up the short straw again to warm up the tires first; (the fluffer in other occupations I believe the term is).

 

Our time checker gets excited quite quickly: the times tumbled during Terrys stint falling to a 2:02.863 seeing lap times stay static until lap 12. With Matth spinning, this resulted in a slight geometric change on the rear nearside wheel. This did not matter, as the lap times continued to tumble resulting in a 2:00.844. Putting us 16th of 21 entrants resulting in 4th in our class. After qualifying, during drivers debrief, a vibration from the front was brought to the head mechanics attention which resulted in an investigation with a short time period between qualifying and the race. The mechanics are hard pushed with only the period from 09:50 and 10:30 to bleed the brakes, find and fix an electronic fault, investigate, balance and change the front wheels prior to the race and refuel. I think many high budget and staffed race teams would struggle to be out in time.

 

Somehow the amazing team that we have (with two newbies this time around) pulled together and got it done with time to spare. HATS OFF TO THE TEAM THEY ARE BRILLIANT and deserve huge amounts of praise. Terry ready for the rolling start, and the flag dropped up until pitting on lap 11 Terry keep and outstanding consistent lap times L2 1:54.996, L3 1:54.920, L4 1:55.514, L5 1:54.718, L6 1:56.794, L7 1:55.664... Jon and the team were ecstatic with the consistent pace of the car, the time checker getting a little too excited, the other members of the team - with baited breath knew the limitations that had been unfortunately presented to them. Matt was primed and ready to take the baton to the chequered flag.

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Matt settled on in with laps showing the same tenacity as Terry 1:59.011, 1:57.368 , 1:57.555, 2:00.738, 1:58.958, 1:56.934, 1:54.933, 1:57.170, to the flag 1:55.188. Resulting in 10th overall and 4th in class. We know that the shorter driver changeover would have clenched 3rd in class with 2nd in sight, appreciate hindsight is a wonderful thing. We know that this data will keep us razorsharp with much needed equipment required. A solid finish on a huge high for all the hard work and voluntary time the team have painstakingly donated in getting the car to this point, with drivers coming forward telling the team how much more is to come from the car keeps our spirits high with seeing that the car and tires are not even reaching their limits.

 

Finally this is what we wanted to see from the car, the numbers don't lie, the new build is proving it has pace and more to give. Whilst the drivers have not had much time to get used to it, they are showing what such brilliant talented drivers they really are. Not just from this race but from the start of the season at Silverstone. Preparations as well underway as our engine sponsor Burton Power is having a track day on our local circuit Cadwell Park on Thursday the 21st September.  We hope to see you at the race track soon.