Well what can I say that Ole hasn't already! It was a very good battle (although a little one sided!
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Well from my end it went as well as it could really! I was happy with all my times and for the first time in the RDRC no DNF's and only 1 CFH for going wide!
Down to the stages:
SS1 - I'm not a fan of USA stages, especially in the little Corsa so these stages were going to be a challenge! So first corner, got crossed up and went into the grass, lost some time and then lost a bit of confidence!
SS2 - Was very messy had the CFH, and damaged both rear wheels, this made the remainder of the stage interesting!
SS3 - Very hard with the damaged rear wheels car was all over the place but was lucky to lose only a few seconds to Ole.
Service 1 - Was going OK unhappy with the damage and CFH but aim is to finish with no DNF's! Time down on Ole 39.5 sec.
SS4 - Went better, as quick as I could get it with the Corsa but dropped more to Ole!
SS5 - Had loads of big moments! No idea how I got away with them but I did and managed to claw a big chunk back from Ole due to his problems!
SS6 - Pushed as much as I could again but still losing time to Ole. Was happy with the performance though considering the long straights where the Volvo would always be quicker with a good driver!
SS7 - Wasn't really happy with this one. Over rotated on the tight section and lost a second to Ole where I should really have gained a few so wasn't pleased.
Service 2 - Ole's lead was increased by a few seconds but still some hope!
SS8 - Never run this stage before so no idea what to expect. Was a fun little stage and only lost 0.58 this time!
SS9 - Was going really well until about 1.5 km to the end where I first clipped a tree on the downhill and spun me (thankfully no damage!). Then put her backwards on a medium right into the shrubs! Lost a bit of time again.
SS10 - Really went for it and had a few scary moments where I thought it was all over but got through and thought it was a time that would beat Ole!.. unfortunately not!
Service 3 - Ole's lead extended to 1:15 now due to problems, try and keep it like this now!
SS11 - On the second run it really wan't good! On the bump near the start car shot off and straight into the rock face! Managed to keep her going, not to much damage luckily! But was a little ropey after that. But fortunately for me Ole had a few spins meaning I gained!
SS12 - More spins getting a bit messy and a similar run for Ole so almost equal on times there!
SS13 - Pushed even harder and rewarded with being 5 seconds faster than the first run! But again Ole was quicker by 10sec.
SS14 - Though right, last small stage, almost a cert 100% finish for the first time, all out this time! And for once it paid off! 2sec. up on Ole with a time closer to my best so happy about that!
End of the Event - 1:14 behind Ole, considering I only started with this game in Feb and still haven't played on probably 25% of the stages I am well chuffed! Loved battling with Ole considering how different out cars are It was brilliant! But in all fairness he did show me how its done!
Looking forward to the results and see how we all stack up!
Good luck to the remaining driver and thanks to the brilliant organisers for putting it all on.
Sion