News - Modified Production Number 8
Lismore
We arrived in Lismore for Round 3 of the G & W Racing series to be greeted by drizzly rain. 28 cars nominated for the event.
We started heat 1 in the drizzle. The track was very wet and slippery. I started out of 3 and was quite cautious given the wet track conditions and I had never raced on this track before. I stayed behind Peter Gray who started off Pole and slotted into 2nd on the start. I only made it half way round the track on the first lap and half spun the car ending up on the infield. I was able to rejoin at the back of the field. The track was really greasy but I worked my way up to 4th with Peter Gray taking the win from Jason Campbell and Greg Worling.
Heat 2 I started out of 6. The track had dried out a lot from the first heat and it was a one lane track that was difficult to pass on. It was a close, fast race with not many changes of position. I finished in 4th with Clark taking the win from Darran Lester and Peter Gray.
Heat 3 I started out of 6. I was running in 3rd behind Matt Swarbrooke and Steve Price when Greg Worling got underneath me when I ran wide and that also allowed Mark Raymont through. I had to settle for 5th. The car was running well but I got a flat tyre on the last lap.
I qualified out of 14 for the A-main. I was uncertain on the right set-up to use for the feature and a light shower of rain came over the track just before we lined up. A quick change of plans and a hasty change of tyres ended up being the right choice. In the first few laps I made up a number of positions. Going into turn 1 I got up between Jason Campbell & Mark Ferguson and then going into turn 4 I went around the outside of Dennis Bullpitt & Clarke to gain 4 spots in one lap. The car was going strong and I was able to make lots of ground getting up into 6th with 10 laps still to run. I managed to stay out of most of the chaos happening in front of me and I found myself in 2nd place behind Worling. The last restart saw 4 laps to run and I was sitting in behind Worling. I was struggling to get drive out of the track and was happy to follow Worling home to take the win on his home track. I came home in 2nd with Darran Lester happy to finish 3rd after qalifying off the front row but having to change a flat tyre prior to the race start saw him relegated to start off the rear. He was under challenge in the last corner by Ferguson and Price, but was able to hold onto 3rd.
I'd like to thank Andrew Harper and Spider (Shane Dennis) who came along for the trip and helped out during the night. Andrew's time spent throughout the week on the car and tonight at the track has been a big help. Thanks also to Colin Hockley whose "therapy sessions" meant I had the mental toughness to get through the feature race. His motivation speeches were extremely beneficial. Thanks for the support Col!