Easter Thunderball: Day Two

Saturday was another great day with superb weather and it looked like the weather wouldn't break all day which was great.

The car was unchanged from the day before after the test launch so after a quick fireup we checked the car and got ready for the call. Sadly a bike racer came off earlier in the day and caused the session to be pushed back a little (luckily the rider was okay though so thats all that matters).

When we got the call we towed down and got strapped in good to go. The session started with Dave Grabham doing a moon shot and in doing so, destroying his car and causing a very lengthy delay. The track guys said it wouldn't be too long before the racing would start again so I stayed strapped in the car. After nearly a hour we were getting restless and, in the very humid 26 degree heat, a sfi-20 suit really does take it out of you.

The startline crew came upto us and said a issue with a repair to the track wasn't holding so they had to hold us back a bit longer. At this point I got out and drunk about four bottles of water (I had never felt so exhausted in my life). However after 30 minutes in the shade with drinks and other bits I took back to the car and we got the call to fire up. The frustration of the long wait came out in a long smokey burnout, which Lawrence didn't appreciate as he would have to chase after me.

The run itself was all over the place, the car bucking about about 330ft to half track, really moving about and taking up a lot of time to get to the line. I eventually wrestled the car to the line with a early shut off 6.91 @ 191mph. Considering the conditions I was quite happy with it, and thought that would be the only session of the day.

Turned out I was wrong however, as people within the class decided a final session could be run merely 40 minutes after the run, which gave us no time at all to turn the car around. This was extremely frustrating to me as I would have preferred to run in the evening but not knowing this was going to happen it caused us problems. They know who they are, and be-grudgingly I watched a few cars run the last session. I would have to wait until the next morning before getting another chance to get the car down the track.

That night the track closed at 7pm as a lot of prep was needed after so many hot days and a large build up of rubber was on the startline. Cooler temperatures were predicted for the Sunday, so I looked forward to that.

Catch us tomorrow for Sundays write up, and here is two shots of the 6.9 run from Saturday.

Photos copyright of Mark Skinners. Thanks for the photos Mark!