Thruxton RGB Qualify Sat 27th May - AM

Well with all of the fun before the race meeting, it was really good to get to Thruxton and get into the racing. The effort made the event even more enjoyable.

Earlier on last week I signed up for the Allcomers race in addition to the RGB race. As the BikeSports race was so poorly attended we could sign up for some much needed additional track time. Thruxton does not allow many normal test days or trackdays and the 750 motor club has not been there fore 8 years. I think that meant that the track was new to all of use in RGB which levels the playing field for me a little!

On the late night drive down to Thruxton, Tony and I planned the aims for the meeting and Tony gave me a very detailed run through all of the corners on the circuit from the circuit guide book and quizzed me on them as well!
So the aims for the day.

1. Final check for fluid leaks and spanner check when we arrive.

2. Use the Allcomers qualify to run the engine in and check oil temp/pressure etc. I needed to do the 3 min laps so aim for 4 or 5 and then check the car over. It was also THE time to learn the circuit. I didn't need a good time for this race so I needed to do as much as possible to learn the track.

3. Use the RGB qualify to expand track knowledge and get a good lap time.

4. Use the Allcomers race to learn where to overtake and defend and also to see what alternative lined I can use. Oh and don't crash!

5. RGB race -well just do as well as possible I guess!


Allcomers Qualify.
All went exactly to plan, the circuit started to come a little clearer but its still very hard to work out where to go. I did about 5 laps, car behaved perfectly if a little soft at the rear but it was cold and a little damp so I didn't want to go much harder. No leaks just a few bolts we could tighten post session. Good job to all who helped!

RGB Qualify.
Between the sessions I sat back down with the circuit guide and reviewed the layout.
Out for the session and some nice clear track, so I just put my head down and tried to do my best. The fast corners are amazing. Goodwood and then down into Church are a real thrill when you are fully committed. Wow what a circuit. Anyway car felt good, still a touch too soft but nice and forgiving and controllable over the bumps. I did not know how well I had done but nobody passed me and the track was starting to flow. As always with a new circuit I concentrated on the fastest corners as they led on and off the straights. Well I would have if there were any straights!

A little while after the session the times were out. Wow,...
Pole position for class C and 4th overall including all of the Class A cars!
My pole time was 1.5 seconds faster than anyone else in Class C with an Average speed of 99mph - good result so far.