Well after the high of having two 3rd position finishes in class at Brands Hatch in the previous rounds it was the small trip up to Leicestershire for the 3rd & 4th Rounds at Mallory Park for the Heritage Parts 2019 Formula Vee Championship.
I have never watched a race at Mallory Park never mind driven round the track (the fastest track the Vees race on it appears) so I was a little concerned.
After arriving early and waiting in a nice queue for the gates to be opened, we entered on to the track and headed into the paddock to get ourselves ready. A quick cup of tea and a track walk with Francis settled the nerves a little bit ready for the following days racing.
Qualifying
The weekend’s race format was a little strange and the paddock had mixed feelings but overall it looked like it could make an interesting event.
We had been separated into two groups for qualifying and this would then determine which Race group (A, B or C) we would be put into. I had been placed into Group 2 and would be qualifying with my teammate.
I headed out onto the track near the back of the group and immediately found myself in traffic and feeling I could go a little faster. After a couple of laps the red flag came out for a stranded car and we gridded up again. Off we went again and this time I was determined to get clear of the traffic and set some reasonable lap times.
After a few more laps I found I was really enjoying the track and felt quite confident in all corners and could see my lap times were falling. I was a little disappointed when the chequered flag was waved but by then my arms were aching and I was ready for another cup of tea.
With a lap time of 53.34, that meant a pole position for the Group!!!! I was thrilled with that and 13th in the combine times. Not too shabby for the first time around the track. Placed into Group A with a starting grid slot of 10th in Race 1 and 9th in Race 2.
Race 1 (C vs A)
So onto the grid for the first race. It was dry and warm so perfect.
It felt strange being so far up the grid but I liked it.
The lights went out and we were off………………………………
A good start, but by the end of ‘Gerrard’s’ I had already lost the main group and Phil Waterhouse (one of my closest rivals (and good friend) in Class B) was on my gearbox and he then managed to sneak into the inside of the hairpin and get the position. A bit harder driving was needed.
On the next lap the positions were reversed when Phil went wide into the ‘Esses’ and I managed to take back the position before entering the hairpin. I had a small gap to Phil and started to chase Maurice Gloucester and Steve Ough. I didn’t think I would have a chance to pass them but my overall aim was to get close to them or at least keep them in site and keep Phil behind.
After a few consistent laps I had managed to close the gap on Maurice and I had a good run on him into the ‘Esses’ and hairpin which closed the gap right down and for the next lap I was on his gearbox waiting for the right moment. It came entering ‘Gerrards’, I went to the inside at speed and managed to take the position (I was very pleased with my bravery). I increased my lead and saw a couple of cars ahead which I was getting closer too. I came up to the back marker and also a struggling Daniel Hands who I passed on the pit straight.
The final few laps my times increased as the grip levels reduced but I maintained my position comfortably and I finished 7th overall and obtained a 2nd in class. My best result yet.
Race 2 (A vs B)
After a slightly longer than usual wait in assembly due to a medical emergency for a spectator we headed out to the grid for the final race of the day. The weather had cooled significantly and the darkening clouds were looming. A few spots of moisture were seen on the visor but by the end of the green flag lap there was no sign of any rain.
The race started well but being on the inside of three cars going down the pit straight I thought backing off was the sensible plan. I stayed behind the group until the entry to the hairpin when Pete Belsey got past me and Colin Gregory. I lost the position to Phil Waterhouse who sneaked down the inside as I had to go around the outside of Colin who I believe was having gearbox issues.
The next lap I stayed behind Phil until I made a small mistake into the ‘Esses’ and I lost momentum and Colin Bell came past. On the approach to the hairpin I could see the yellow storm of my teammate Francis Twyman coming up the inside a little too hot. Luckily both Francis and I took evasive manoeuvres. He did a pirouette to avoid hitting me and I managed to steer away from him for a split second. For me I lost a millisecond but for Francis it lost him a number of places.
I managed to stay with Craig Bell and pass him at ‘Gerrards’ when he went wide and on to the dirty side losing grip. I tried to keep Phil in view up ahead in case he made a mistake and with about three laps remaining coming in to the ‘Esses’ whilst passing a back marker, Phil span and I inherited the position. I held on to this place until the chequered flag.
Another 7th place and 2nd in class.
Overall a fantastic day of racing with the best results I have had so far. Over the whole weekend I found myself driving consistent times which I was very delighted with especially being my first time around the track.
Well Anglesey is next (allegedly my local track – 5 hours away) and a track I really enjoyed in 2017 until my engine failed. Let this trophy winning season continue.