So, here are my ups (yes, ups this time) and downs...
Qualifying 1: I had a stunning lap and came up 3rd.
Race 1: I was extremely careful, desperately trying NOT to spin or get involved on the first lap incident and I finally made it through, although my "care" did cost me a few spots. Eventually I settled in behind Kjell and watched his Alfa in the early laps and I was running in 5th for the majority of the race. That was the case until laps 12 and 13 when all hell broke loose. At the end of lap 12 I passed Knut and Stuart who both were coasting in the dust and then in the middle of lap 13 Kjell overshot the hairpin, so went from 5th to 2nd in roughly half a lap. After that there was not many laps to go, so I did finished in 2nd. This was my first ever podium using a wheel in what was my only fifth
race attempt with it.
Qualifying 2: I tried a different strategy this time and went out early. This turned out to be a mistake as I got stuck behind Paul at the end of the lap, but I'm pretty sure that he was also doing a fast lap, so it was circumstances playing their part. This cost me a few tenths (I got 5th place eventually), but I knew that there was a long race ahead...
Race 2: ...and indeed it was (all 16 laps of it
). At the beginning I had a much much better start and first lap, so I found myself behind Stuart and Rupe early on (judging by the the names that was pretty close up front
) with Knut closing in rapidly. Early on I just let Knut go through so that he wouldn't bother me
. Then a few laps later Rupe dropped to the back of that group, so I had a "trading paint" battle with him for a short while. Eventually, I overshot the hairpin and left the group. After recovering I found myself in the battle with Kjell (again), but this time I was in front. That wasn't for long though as I locked up in the first turn and was hit by him. He most likely had nowhere to go. Then a stupid move from myself as I came on right back on the racing line and was hit by Hans, maybe? (damn it's getting late, can't remember them all) Anyway, whoever you were - I'm sorry. After this I just cruised home just behind the small mid-group, somewhere in the midfield.
All in all - what a wicked evening and a great first podium (using the wheel, of course). Hope you all enjoyed it, I certainly did.
Thank you all for having me and till' we meet again...
Rokas