Thursday night long haul trip to Darlington to set up for the first round of the British F2 Championship. Arrived at 10pm to find an already 1/3 full paddock, got a spot for us all, ready for Friday testing.
Louisa on for the day, not too nervous though the track was a little wet in places so Wayne just took it steady. The British F2 race engine was put in on Wednesday, Dyno on Thursday with our Ben and ready for running in Friday. That’s some weeks work Wayne put in to get to the circuit! He gets 90% of this done on his own so all credit to him for his dedication to this sport!
First test session….. all good, Louisa’s enjoyed it and ready to go again, engine sound, refuel and away they go. Pace up a little but track still slightly damp in places, plenty out on circuit, a lot on quite a fast pace so Wayne stays out the way. It’s only testing!! Last session, cut short. Its all complete for the engine to be ran in properly, both driver and passenger happy.
Awning up ready for Ben, John and Helen and Phil to arrive later.
Saturday first out for warm up, Ben and Wayne out for the first time since not finishing hardly any races last year together! A nerve racking time but she sounds good and the boys look strong together, getting a feel for it again at a proper pace. Qualifying next, not at full tilt yet so setting off near the back which is fine as there’s alot of over keen folks out there! Race 1…. 2nd to last on the grid, race away…. Good times coming through, outfit running strong….. finishing at 14th with 1.34.095 on a damp track.
A steady start and the time isn’t that far off but the team will pull up a gear for the next race on Sunday.
Sunday was a bit better weather, beautiful sunshine but a chilly wind, warm up for the FSRA was first and because we needed to qualify Matty for the open race, Ben sat this practice out and let Matty go out instead. What a team !!! Thanks Ben!
Open race out first for our Sunday race schedule…… a good solid race, plenty of outfits up there and Wayne and Matty smashed it together with a 6th place . Weldone boys, TT signatures complete!
Pictures below are Louisa and Wayne!
Second FSRA race with Ben…. Pulled it up a notch and the boys were making their way through the grid. Riding well together and making up for list time in the last 12 months! Some good battles and some close shaves but al in all a cracking race….. coming in at 12th with an improved time of 1.32.542.
Weldone to all who took part, Pete Founds who smashed the lap record, a huge huge shout out to Jake Lowther who sustained a back injury after an incident in the second open race. Mend soon young man.
I can’t leave this weekend report without an enormously sad heart for a very tiny special little lady….. Freya. Matthew’s neice who was born a week ago, suffered complications during birth and was very poorly in hospital. We all felt a huge and overwhelmingly sense of love for this beautiful baby, but for all our prayers, she was called to heaven and left a huge hole in many hearts. Our thoughts are with Matthew’s sister and partner, and all the family.
For the other happier side of life…… here’s a finishing photo.
Thank so much again, and as always to John and Helen, Ben, Matty and Phil….. Louisa, Taylor and Kay. All of our sponsors and supporters….. thank you!
Next round, Donnington Park, round 2 FSRA. Get your butts there and support us!!
