Season 7 from my perspective.
This is Season 7 from my point of view and is not intended to upset or moan about anything or anyone, it is just the way things were for me, the trials and tribulations if you like.
Round 1 Fuji.
Pre-race
Practiced like mad and thought I was flying and in with a good shot . Had 2 setups (which was the case for evry race) a stable version and a twitchy version that was 1.5 secs per lap quicker, but would only need a slight mistake to mess the race up.
Target
Top 5 finish and ever the optimist battle for the title.
Race
Used the twitchy setup (fingers crossed)
Was shocked and quite despondant with the way every car except the Fiat was able to pass me on the long straight, with no way back if they stayed on the racing line round the twisty bits. I made my Escort scream and got slaughtered every lap on that finishing straight, so demoralising.
New Target
Aim for top 10 and hope for the best.
Round 2 Sakhir
Pre-race
Again more practice and this time not much difference between the 2 setups so after the first race disappointment went with the stable setup.
Target
Top 10 finish this was a different track.
Race
Happy with my pace with full fuel and stood a good chance of the top 10 finish, but as it rolled over to Race became apparent that I was no longer connected. Can it get any worse, hours of practice, fastest Escort and unable to race!
New Target
Still aim for top 10 and hope for the best.
Round 3 Rattlesnake Point
Pre-race
More practice than ever and each time knocking seconds off a lap, this track is addictive and run 4 simulated races before the event and never finish lower than 5[SUP]th[/SUP]. Witchy setup is the only way to make up ground.
Target
Trying to be realistic lets stay with Top 10 but surely it can be better.
Race
Got swamped at the start but made good headway and gained a few places to finally finish 11[SUP]th[/SUP]. Not Top 10 but I am happy with that.
New Target
Bad start to the season but this is where it changes, push for a top 15.
Round 4 Singapore
Pre-race
Not a fan of this track and no way could I use the twitchy setup here. This is the best chance of a high finish as there were no long straights as such and it was a more level playing field.
Target
A bit more upbeat and wanted a top 10, had to be top 10.
Race
After qualifying 13[SUP]th[/SUP] the Top 10 finish was looming, but went so badly wrong. Mistake after mistake saw me finish a sad and disappointed 15[SUP]th[/SUP].
New Target
What target? Whats the point?
Round 5 Paul Ricard
Pre-race
No real practice, was feeling sorry for myself. The only chance of a good finish was gone, we were back to a killer straight that would get me hammered. So contacted Hans, and setup a server to try and help him.
Target
Being very realistic just wanted to finish as top Escort.
Race
Not what I expected, either I was driving out of my skin or others were struggling, strangely enjoyed the race even though the long straight killed me. Came home an engine screaming 13th.
New Target
Top Escort, nothing else mattered.
Round 6 Inerlagos
Pre-race
None was going on holiday
Target
Let me be in touch of top Escort after this.
Race
MIA.
New Target
Still Top Escort, nothing else mattered.
Round 7 A1 Ring
Pre-race
After missing the last race practice every night to the point where I was at my limit and could not go any faster. No twitchy setup this time, I needed stability and a good finish.
Target
Top Escort is the only thing I want.
Race
Loved the race, held my own against cars I could not keep up with previously only finished 12[SUP]th[/SUP] but it was a satisfying 12[SUP]th[/SUP]..
New Target
A good finish in the last round would give me the Escort win.
Round 8 Limerock Mountain
Pre-race
Cannot stay off this track, best track ever and felt like I could do some real damage to a lot of positions, twitchy setup was only dodgy at the hairpin and seemed fast as hell. Did 6 practice races and pitstops cost me 2 laps each race, don’t panic, it’s a blip, things will work out. Bring on the race!
Target
Gotta be a top 10, I feel good round here and I want a top 10.
Race
Qualified 8[SUP]th[/SUP], 8[SUP]th[/SUP] couldn’t believe it and only 2 seconds of the pole with a full tank, but that was my problem, my bottle went and I switched to the stable setup that was 1 second a lap slower. It didn’t make any difference I was up the sharp end fighting off Jags and able to stay with the Shelbys. If anything it was too easy and I took too long to pass the Jags to make a real difference. Throw in the odd mistake and it made for a great race, even the pitstop worked to perfection coming home a very shocked and fully pumped 6[SUP]th[/SUP].
Target achieved, top Escort and very happy with that.
Overall this season has been both the most disappointing and the most enjoyable for the same reason, I wasn’t driving the fastest car which made every race a challenge and I feel I have improved a lot because of it.
A huge thanks goes to Stuart, our GTL Commander in Chief, for all the work he puts into these championships and everyone else who helped out. Thanks to all the drivers for the cleanest racing I have ever had it has been a pleasure to drive with you all.
And finally (if you managed to get this far) to the long almost eternal lull in proceedings until Season 8 comes round good racing to you all.
