Motors and Me

Another trackday, another great sense of relief that I’ve not bankrupted myself by crashing into a Porsche. More than that, though, Donington was a great learning experience. The trackday used the National circuit, missing out the Melbourne loop. (Track map nicked from www.msportuk.com .) All other tracks I’ve driven have been fairly flat, former-airfield affairs. Well, with the exception of Rockingham, but even that was pancake-like. Donington, on the other hand, is full of swoops and sweeps just waiting to catch you out. And catch me out is exactly what they did. None moreso than Craner Curves. I’d been warned by a friend (and former racer) not to lift off at Craner Curves, as I’d soon be facing the wrong way. Well, I didn’t lift off, but I did overestimate the Mini’s ability to take corners whilst simultaneously underestimating the effect of the track’s gradient changes. Consequently, the car oversteered and lurched sideways onto the...

It’s winter trackday time again and this time I’m off to Donington Park on Sunday 29th. While the prospect of Craner Curves on a wet circuit may well be one to put your heart in your mouth, I really need a wet track if I’m not to be thrashed by all-comers. Yes, I know it’s not a race, but it is bragging rights. If I can bag one Porsche and one TVR, I’ll be a happy bunny. Humbling a Noble, however, would be a new experience. I just hope the weather lends me the helping hand I’ll need.

Yesterday saw the Mini back on track (Croft) for the first time in almost a year. With replenished reserves of brake pads and rubber, it should’ve been a stroll. As it was, the searing heat made things wilt like I’ve never known before. It was scary. Perhaps, in hindsight, putting fresh tyres on the car just a week or so beforehand wasn’t a good idea. Hard on the brakes into Clervaux for the first time and the car squirmed around alarmingly. Not quite enough to make me think I’d lose it, but enough to scare me. Back in the pits after a few more exploratory laps, it was clear that the depth of tread on the tyre combined with the soaring track temperature had just melted the rubber. What I first thought was marbles caked onto the tyre was in fact my own rubber, brushed from one side of each tread block to the other. Little wonder the car felt a little unpredictable beneath me. Then came my salvation: thunder showers. As we sat queued in the pit lane, ready to ...

Prefinalists for the Michelin Renault Scholarship have been posted on the competition’s site and my name’s not among them. I knew on the day that I’d messed things up and didn’t expect to get too upset when I got confirmation, but I’m gutted. Absolutely devastated. I had it in me to get through to the next round and I blew it. Threw away the chance of a lifetime. Fuck, fuck, FUCK! :’-( This will not be my last attempt to get into motorsport.

Sorry, but it looks like I blew it in Round 3 today. Yeah, I’m gutted. No, I don’t actually know the result. But yes, I did balls it up somewhat. And, frustratingly, it was the driving rather than the fitness that let me down. I guess I should just accept I’m not good enough. Hard to bear. :/ Anyway, here’s a run-down of the day. The driving came first today, with the fitness test following after a lunch break. The first of three sessions on the airfield was an unassisted (by tutor) run around the circuit we were already familiar with. This time, however, the marker cones for braking points and turn-in points had been removed. It took me a few laps to sort out my lines, but I improved enough for there still to be a glimmer of hope. After the second run, the glimmer had turned into a blinding light. I rocked in the second session. This time, we ran the track backwards, with a detour for an extra chicane and hairpin. Again, we were to get no advice from the tu...

Wow, what a day. What a day! The trackday at Rockingham this last weekend was really something special. I think I’m hooked. So, where to start? I guess the thing that made the biggest difference from last year’s disappointment at Croft was my brakes. Last time, the car had only standard BMW equipment and the brakes went squashy after just a few laps. This time out, I’d upgraded to Mintex pads at the front, braided lines on all 4 corners, higher spec brake fluid and some prototype cooling ducts from Robertshaw Racing. Needless to say, it did the trick. There was only one point in the final session when I felt them fade a bit. That was quickly fixed by slowing down for a few corners and then I was free to hammer it again. Impressive stuff for a total outlay of around £150. Another thing that never fails to please is when you get good feedback from those you’re with. Three things stick out in my mind: Grant’s cry of “SHIIIIT!!!” as w...

This weekend sees a chance to get a bit of practice in for the scholarship, as I take the Mini out onto Rockingham Speedway. Custom-made brake cooling ducts were fitted to the front of the car today (courtesy of Robertshaw Racing ) and the brakes were pressure-bled to get every last bit of air out of the system. Hopefully, this plus the new pads and braided lines will help keep the brake fluid from boiling, but I’ll need some self-discipline too. Croft, last September, saw frustration get the better of me when things weren’t running too smoothly. This time, I’ll have Grant along to help keep the blood pressure under control. I hope he knows what he’s letting himself in for, mind... :)