Castle Combe 24th July by Jay Shepherd

Didn’t know if we were to make this one or not, Jan had business commitments so couldn’t attend and that left budget concerns. However, Rod had other ideas and set about raising the necessary funds to compete. He was successful and allowed us to have our fun but importantly stay in contention for the championship. Neil Garner Motor sport crew was on hand to support us all the way.

The weekends format seemed to work well as we would have everything concluded over two days instead of three. Practice on the Saturday would help us to try more set up changes as it is definitely needed at Castle Combe as the nature of the circuit is notoriously bumpy. Only having the two drivers this time allowed for more time to do this but our friend and team mate is missing so felt strange not to have Jan around. At first the car was very nervous but I liked it as the car was quick. Rod drove really well and liked the cars feel and set some very competitive times.

On Viewing the on board footage and trying to help with a little training it was apparent that Rod had a bad shuffling on the wheel technique and trying to teach new tricks is always difficult to a seasoned driver. Now my only option after trying to change this was to get radical, now this technique has been used before and is radical but it does work. You either take the top of the steering wheel off, not practical, or use a series of tie raps cut to about an inch in length cut at a sharp angle. Like I said it is radical but it works to great effect. No one grabs a wheel in the wrong place there after so I rest my case. Rod definitely drove with more consistency and will find it so much more accurate as he develops the race drive style which is used the world over.

So on to qualifying, I was to drive first with new tyres fitted to set a time and scrub in for the race. The time on track allows the other drivers to see where they are at so its fair game and the competition was soon to set some blistering times. Rod drove next on older tyres and yet he was flying and found his new driving style and car a real pleasure at long last. New tyres again for myself to scrub in for the race, the radio message came in that we were second in class with 4mins to go so thinking all was good I decided to show the other competitors a little of the aces magic once more. Normally just enough is enough to get us through but I thought “to hell with it lets bang one in”, nearly a second quicker 108.20 was enough for pole in class. Everyone was happy apart from the competition. The car felt nervous so we decided to soften the car a little for the race to make it easier to drive and for it to last a little longer. It was now half a second slower but one thing that the eagle eyed team noticed was that an engine mount was broken but for how long we didn’t know, yes it was to be fixed in time but what if any more damage been sustained?

Castle Combe has never disappointed in the past, it has a great layout, organised staff, great marshalling and the spectators are always a plenty. Which only adds to the great atmosphere.

I was to start the race and from previous reports you will know my thoughts on that one. Rod being the masterful traction knew best so it was up to me to set the pace and get us up there where it counts. Two warm up laps and then we were off. First lap madness as most think the race is won at the first corner. I kept it clean and got through near the front obviously the class one and two cars would be away but I found myself battling for a while with the class two Marcos, great fun , he would leave me down the straights but we could battle in the corners it would take some time and opportunity to out fox this one and after two frustrating safety cars, which thankfully helped my case, I was able to pass and develop a gap and move forward.

We were up front before long and leading overall and for a class three car that’s a real treat. Rod was waiting for his stint but by now I had lost all radio communication and was unable to know when to come in or lap times and position so I kept the pace up and my head down until I was pit boarded in.

I had driven as fast as possible for one and a half hours. It was now Rods turn to do the business. When I was out of the car, the race commentator interviewed me to see how it was going, commenting on the fact we had been running in first place for some time, I said that we would be struck down by commentators curse, well known for bringing trouble to drivers they say are doing extremely well. Rod’s times were great so we were in good shape until about five laps into Rods stint, the gear box started to play up, we were down to 3rd and 4th gears only. And with no radio communication, we were up a creek without a paddle.

Rod somehow managed the car beautifully so 7th overall and 2nd in class, but unfortunately the damage was done and the gear box was goosed. Rod being ever philosophical, mentioned that things are sent to try us but I was not so positive as the expense I see my friends go through is always a shock to me. Motorsport is a drug and should come with a health warning.

With mixed emotions, happy that we finished, but bemused that we didn’t get the result we feel we deserved. Looking back on the in car video footage, both Rod and I drove fast yet smooth indicating that the gear box failure was just wear and tear not caused by driver error.

If you ain’t first, you’re last. Shake and bake. (Talladega Nights)

Onto Snetterton!