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First Racing Incident...Ok, Crash (Now with video)


Terzo204

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Regrettably, I have to write that I had my first racing incident at Pembrey on Sunday. The cars looking decidedly second hand at the moment as the rear offside wheel was literally hanging off. The upright had sheared in two places and will need to be repaired. I also sheared the brake line off the top of the calliper and the rear arch is completely mashed. 

 

The race weekend started well as I finally found a hotel that’s welcoming, comfortable, with good food and not silly money. I packed ear plugs so my mates snoring didn’t keep me awake and all was looking good…except the weather. Well it is Wales I suppose. I manage to get to the circuit late after my friend insisted on getting his breakfast from the hotel (only as it was included and he wanted his…..sorry…...my moneys worth!). No bother but I decided to go on wets just before we were called to the assembly area so it was a little rushed for quali. I went out and only found out half way round the circuit that we were doing the new circuit layout, which was a bit of a surprise to say the least. It also just started to rain a little harder. I did a few familiarisation laps and then pitted to get my pressures done, only my friend had forgotten the pressure gauge. Damn. I went out for two last laps and pressed on. I qualified 9th out of 23 and I was happy with that.

 

The first race was equally a rush to prepare for as I had a bit of movement in my seat and when fixing it, the seat was out when we were called to the assembly area. I also switched to my dry tyres (Avon ZZR’s), good job I borrowed a wheel gun. The circuit was drying with a dry line but soaked in a few places. The race started well as I went round the outside of the hairpin at the start and gained a place into 8th. I then out-braked two cars in one corner on the new hairpin, putting me up to 6th. I finished the first lap and was then out-dragged on the straight. I tried to outbreak the other car only to slightly overcook it and half spin. I lost 4 places and was far too keen to get them back….a few corners along I tried the same move at the new hairpin and just carried too much speed into the corner, unsighted, another car turned in and I collect him. I was gutted and missed out on a good place and the second race. I apologised to the other driver and had a huge slice of humble pie, with extra loss of pride drizzled over the top. The Marshalls said it was a racing incident, but I know it was too ambitious so lesson learnt.

 

The car is now at my local motorsport garage for repairs and I’m really hoping to get out there for the next race at Coombe. It’s my local circuit and I was really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed.

 

I found out afterwards, one other driver lost his cool , pulled up to another drivers car, opened the door and hit him on the arm! He was excluded from the result and no doubt will get points on his licence.

The circuit photographer summed up my feelings perfectly with a epic shot:

20248087_1213767028729945_8211733495695425374_o.jpg

 

I have the video, but have decided not to post it as it just bad 'form' on my part when I hit someone else. I still feel bad about it now. Thats the highs and lows of racing I guess.

Mike

 

  • Like 1

17 Comments


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Terzo204

Posted

He captured the moment perfectly Yanto

If I could, I would have kicked my own A***!

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Onliest Smeg David

Posted

Ouch.... Nooooooooo! :( But importantly your safe and sound.

Hope you get out for Coombe.

You missed a great Blyton, would have been interested in your improved times with all this track seat time & experience you're getting.

If you're ever out further North, let me know and I'll try to get along to cheer you on! :)

All't'best

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Terzo204

Posted

YEs - I'm unhurt but my pride is dented.

 

I really hope to get out for Coombe on the 13th of Aug, but it may well not happen.

Would have loved to come to Blyton but it's a long trek and I decided to give it a miss as it would have involved SS membership etc etc.

 

Will let you know if I come upt' North. Is Donny North?!!! ;)

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Onliest Smeg David

Posted

Totally understand concentration on one discipline.

Donny is a little more North, getting towards 2 1/2 hrs for me!!!

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Terzo204

Posted

Me to - not exactly local but worth the trip. I'll be there 9th of September (hopefully.....) 

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Terzo204

Posted

Just spoke with my mechanic - looks like CC may be on. Fingers crossed.

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Andrew

Posted

All being well, I'm coming down for the Castle Combe rounds. Myself and son are looking after a pal, Ross Murray in his Caterham. No 28. Shall come and say hello if you make it. Not looking forward to the journey down, 5 hrs+ ?

 

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Terzo204

Posted

Hello Andrew. Please come and say hello.#

I am entered now and subject to getting the brakes bled should be all ready to go.

Ross is in a R400 according to the entry list (I don't actually appear on it due to late entry). I'll be some way off his times in my Westie. Coincidentally, I subscribed to his You Tube channel last week!

 

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Andrew

Posted

Ross tells me he's never driven Castle Combe, and hasn't done a standing start in this car..  should be interesting. :)

Weather's looking OK for the weekend. :sun:

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Either way he's still going to woop my A*** Andrew!

 

Looking forward to this one in any event.

  • Haha 1
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Howsafe Workwear and Safety Equipment

Posted

That's a great shame - looked very tricky conditions with wet and dry areas of the track - put it down to experience

You were going bl**** well

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I know, I got up to 6th before it all went so wrong....gutted. I didn't mean to overtake the sierra, I just could not stop it in time.

What the video doesn't really show it just how wet it was down at the hairpin off line. Totally different to the rest of the track

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Bit of a pain to be honest. I have to tape over my handbrake as otherwise it can get caught underneath. I don't have to wear them in the CSCC races I do. They have also come undone half way thought a race as well and its a distraction I could do without.

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