Just I have one complain in race 2, a lot of people didnt quali and started the race from the back eventhough they are fast... this is really bad thing, because you are then slowing the slow guys in the second part of the grid by your overtaking
and it is even more stress when you know that you have 5 faster guys then you behind and you cant defend them
That's the joy of Superpole qualy, I did try to qualify but got a cut so didn't set a time. Therefore I started from the back with a few others and the fight through the pack on lap one was great in my opinion.
Overall tonight was fantastic - the opel's are supreme in every way.
Race 1 - The GT is beautiful to drive, I qualied 7th or 8th and managed to get a perfect start shooting up to 3rd into T1. First 3 laps were an insanely tight battle with Ralf. I managed to sneak through into the tight downhill hairpin and set about chasing down Gary. He was flying and I couldn't get the gap down to less than a second. I stayed pretty static between us until lap 11 I think. All of a sudden I was really close and had a crack at an overtake going onto the long section of the track. I couldn't quite squeeze past and then going into the hairpin where I'd passed Ralf I ran wide giving Gary just enough of a gap to make it certain. I then managed to have a huge spin in T1 on the last lap - luckily had enough time to retain 2nd place overall. Very good race, great driving Gary - it was a thoroughly deserved win.
Race 2 - Ballsed up Qualy as I mentioned, so started 17th/18th....got a poor start too with bags of wheelspin out of the traps. The first lap was a total blur, overtaking like mad and trying to not have an accident. Made it up to 8th i think on lap 1 and was behind Neil and Dariusz, from this point on it was an absolute humdinger. Swapping positions and a good deal of paint. Dariusz got past Neil and chased down Stu so Neil and I had our own private battle for most of the race.
It was only with a few laps to go that We rounded T1 (after I tried a daredevil move down the outside only to have the door firmly slammed) to see Dariusz and Stu recovering from a spin. Neil and I both pinned it to pass them but Neil was forced to back off slightly going into the sweeper on T2/T3 and I gained 3 positions in 1 corner. Feeling rather pleased with myself I attempted to cement my position but Neil came back at me with everything and made a move stick on the back of the track, with Dariusz following through a lap or so later after I make a small mistake.
With just 2 to go you could be forgiven for thinking that was all the action we could expect. But on the final lap Dariusz and Neil came together in the downhill hairpin (this corner does see some action!). I gain 2 more spots and come home 5th - which pleased me greatly.
I must say though that the position belonged to Neil, who drove a great race only to be punted off on the final lap.
Great track choice Carlos - and as I said the cars are brilliant. Thank you!
*********End of Race Report*************** (now for something completely different.)
As a side note, not relating to this race. Some of you might have noticed that I've not been at many club races recently. This is down to a rapidly increasing workload, two family deaths in quick succession and all the complications of trying to buy a house and arrange a wedding. To say that I'm under a bit of stress is an understatement and alas something's got to give.
So it is with a great deal of regret that I must take period of absence from RD Racing Club events. Just for a couple of months until things simmer down a bit. I will, of course, remain signed up for the impending RDHGP S6 and will try my best to contribute to discussions here on the forum. If the opportunity makes itself available to join a club event once in a while I hope I'll find the same, good, honest, gentlemanly racing that I have enjoyed for the past year with you guys.
So never fear - I am not leaving for good, I just wanted to explain why I might not be around too much over the next couple of months. I will continue to fly the flag of the Good Ship RD whenever possible and I look forward to returning to full time racing ASAP!
Cheers Guys,
Tom
