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The day didn’t get off to the greatest starts. In scrutineering the Beetle had an issue with the fire extinguisher and in test mode it
fired and so this meant I had to find a replacement which we found. However the car then developed a misfire which after diagnosis turned
out to be the Crank sensor which was impacted by being covered in Fire extinguisher foam.
At this point we realised the car would not be able to get out on track for the 9am qualifying session and so my Dad offered me the
trusty Vento VR6 while he fixed the Beetle for the race.
This meant I had to quickly rip off the tape which converted the zero’s to eights. I then got ready for the session in what people say is my backup car.
Qualifying was pretty much uneventful as I was getting use to running on Michelin slick tyres having switched from Hankooks.
I was anywhere between 1 and 5 on the grid as the time clicked down. I ended up 5th which was quick considering the power of the cars in front of me.
In the break between qualifying and the race we continued to repair the beetle and thanks goes to Mike Thurston for lending us the plumbed in
extinguisher from his race car that was up for sale and allowing us to run it. This allowed us to scrutineer the car. My Dad would have to drive the
Beetle now as I had qualified in the Vento. On the way to the awning from scrutineering the power steering pipe exploded and this put paid to the Beetle’s
debut as a replacement could not be sourced in time.
The Vento was checked out and I would continue to race it. I made a good start in the race but carnage ensued at the 2nd corner druids as the leader dumped the
complete contents of his engine on the Apex. I managed to avoid the spinning cars without hitting anyone or being hit. I came out of the corner in 2nd place and so
I got my head down and set about after the leader. There was still more accidents to come as at the 3rd corner more cars went off however this gave me a gap to the car in 3rd place.
However I soon realised that the 3rd placed car was one of the quicker Seat Leons and so I decided to not fight the position too hard as it would slow me down and it might risk a podium
finish. He caught me about 2 laps latter. I fought the position but with his superior pace he passed me. I tried to stay with him but he pulled away after 5 laps.
I kept my head down and continued looking at the pit board to determine time left and on the final lap I had a moment which I thought was a wheel bearing failing
but it turned out to be oil but there were no warning flags. I backed off to guarantee 3rd place which was a great way to finish of the day.
Thanks goes to my Dad for lending me the car and Pete Cooper for helping us get the car on the grid.
Additionally I need to thank Storm Developments and KW suspension as without their support I wouldn’t be on the grid
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