Disaster Strikes

Only got a handful of laps at the test day earlier on - long story short, my car (being one of the hire cars) was used in a corporate thing yesterday and was off track a few times, eventually leading to the gearbox going a bit funny. Aly and Co replaced a couple of bits but they weren't 100% sure how sorted the car was so Carol Brown took it out for a couple of laps in the first of the afternoon sessions (there were three today but I couldn't make it down in time for the first one because of work) to see what the story was. Seemed ok but she wasn't happy with the second gear, seemed to be jumping. I went out for a few laps and after a stop to have the right side bonnet catch secured (flappy things in your view arent great!) went back out and set a couple of ok feeling laps. Track was a little greasy after earlier rain and the kerbs were slippy but all seemed to be ok until I came down to the hairpin at the end of the session and just couldn't get second at all, spinning on the way out of the corner.

Aly had a look but it wasn't great news - an engine change is required to get to the bottom of this, seems more damage was done than originally thought. So, disappointed at losing the second session of the afternoon (felt weird spectating again) but not too upset - much rather we discovered all this today rather than have something catastrophic happen tomorrow and possibly not get any races in. Plus with the "team building" bunch doing the damage I at least don't end up with a big bill!

All the rookies are now eligible to go into the draw for the main field but I decided to just start from the back for the three races as even in the dry I'm at least 4 seconds off the quickest guys and if I was up at the front it's just asking for early trouble and a gravel bath or damage if someone was to get impatient around me. With the forecast tomorrow being utterly dire in any case (there was a MASSIVE rainstorm right after the last practice session) I just want to see the chequered flag three times and pick up a few points anyway, last or not.

So when I left the track, the #60 was as below - ready for a heart transplant.




Looking for a bit of luck with the car working as required and seeing the finish if the weather plays up!