Just life getting in the way meant my first run for the year was going to be the NSW 6hr at Sydney Motorsport Park.
This would be our fourth attempt and this year “…we had a PLANnnnnnnn!!!!!” – <evil laugh>
After fixing a leaky exhaust all seemed well. Rubber was still very new, the car was pulling full boost and we achieved a PB during Saturdays practice. Times were fairly consistent. The reset of the crew well…
John was ready as always
Mechelle, had a new buggy for the event, but developed a knock during practice which meant a long trip home with Greg to fetch her old faithful.
Greg had the skyline purring but running engine temps were hot at times.
Brad seemed to have a issue with the rear end and was hunting for answers.
Spirits were still high though. It was the easter long weekend and there was still time to sort out the small things (if you can count changing a car a small thing).
Heading home that evening, I wasn’t feeling well. Waking Sunday morning I was quite ill. A tummy bug had taken hold. I discovered that being sick and being at a race track is a really bad combination. You can’t sleep, you can’t do anything cool, thank god the facilities at SMP were first class. Or were until I arrived.
Unable to get into a car, the rest of the team stepped up running longer stints than planned. And I have to say, I was very proud. Emerging periodically and in a semiconscious state I kept up with the teams progress. At lunch time and half way through the event we were running in first place. Attrition though had started within the team. Brad was only able to run half a dozen laps or so before he had boost issues. John started to burn through tyres and safety cars were an issue. Greg and Mechelle, with the extra laps, were forced to scrounge for extra fue, but still, everyone was plugging along.
Mid afternoon and only 90 minutes remaining, we had slipped to third. But looked strong. At the checkered flag we were crushed to find we slipped to fourth. Pipped at the post for third place by two laps and six points. After the mathematics it worked out there was a difference of 0.04% points per lap between second and third.
NO PENALTIES!!!- Our first event, where no penalties were accrued. A stellar effort by all team members, especially our support staff, Andrew Dean – Pit Wall, Boe Basset – Lap count and Mariann Camper – Team Manager, who didn’t budge for the entire event.
The Event win went to
1st place – Phoenix Racing achieving 139 laps and 426 bonus points
2nd place – Blue Mountain with 140 laps and 425 bonus points
3rd place – Barge Racing, 141 laps and 387 bonus points
4th place – Team Southern with 139 laps and 381 points
By far our best result for this event. Here’s hoping that we can get this crew together again next year and achieve a podium.