James Knight

Brands, November - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

That plea out of the way, what a fantastic way to end the season. Even the weather was kind to us.

Saturday morning was a little fraught - I didn't think I was going to make it. Rolling out of bed late somewhat (ie very) jaded, I set off at 10.15. One hour later I was less than a mile away, having been stationary at Smithfield Market due to the Lord Mayor’s show. I was also bursting for a pee. On top of that, my IACV is screwed – so I had to left foot brake for every junction. Arriving at the circuit at around noon (the last one again I believe) I unleashed a torrent that would make the spirits of Niagara blush. My friend Ray Greaves greeted me with the news that his engine had terminal damage, and he was therefore out of his first Elise weekend – what shit luck.

Qualifying was awful. I came in halfway through because I thought the car was trying to embarrass/kill me. I just couldn’t get any power down at Druids, Graham Hill and Clearways. That was disappointing as I had the Class A fastest time at Brands (from DTM) heading into the weekend. I’m not pretending to be the most committed driver on the grid, but I kinda like Brands Indy and so expected better!

Somehow my best time put me 5th on the grid – behind two ARDS instructors with long experience of Brands, and Mick and Martin. On checking the times later that qualifying lap seems to have been a freak. All my other times were poor. Anyway Steve and Kev checked the car, and there was nothing obviously wrong with the rear end of the car. Curious and curiouser :(. The car was now idling at anywhere between 600 and 1800 rpm depending on how the mood takes it. I softened the dampers by a few clicks.

Saturday night, and SELOC’s 5th birthday bash. It was good to see many familiar faces. Burt and Julie deserve the thanks of everyone for the effort both of them have, with the other Directors, put so much into SELOC this year. They maybe slightly quirky, but they have done a terrific job :wave

Race 1 on Sunday, and I got blocked behind Jamie off the start. That let a few through. Joy. I managed to catch Gav up and retake him, but apart from that I just couldn’t get anything hooked up. I think I finished 6th. Race 2 (the handicap) was a similar story. Oh well… not ones to remember.

Watching the Class B and C races was genuinely thrilling. The Walshy/Scuffham battles, Stevie with Skeggsy in Race 1, and many others were so exciting to witness as a spectator. All the weekend Randy just seemed so effortless - I’d be jealous of him if he wasn’t a shortarse baldy.

Watching Andrew (Kell) pull out of qualifying was gut wrenching, as was his retirement in Race 1 (though at least the engine, replaced overnight, was OK). Hurrah – he finished Race 2. Another of the good guys – Jez – spent the weekend poring over his Heath Robinson Turbo K installation. It didn’t work. I’m not sure he really cares as long as he can spend the weekend with his hands marinated in oil.

Thanks to everyone who turned up again to support the series. I hope we repaid you with the entertainment your presence deserved.

Finally, it seems I am the only driver to have finished every race this season. That is partly down to my risk aversion, but mainly down to the preparation and maintenance of Mr Stevieeeeeeeeeeeeeee Williams. Now his task is to prove that the only thing wrong with the car is the twat behind the wheel. A few fastest laps, one 3rd, no spins, and only one major contact, sums-up my season on track.

See you next season

(thanks to Goldfinger et al will be reserved for another occasion)