Oulton Park - round 5 - champions 2020

CHAMPIONS and RACE WINNERS (watch the highlights  youtu.be/BGDUCH7kU6M)

Going into the final round joint on points with WASPP and UVIO not that far behind with a possible 10 teams that could mathematically still win it was somewhat tense! Especially give as we won at Silverstone we would have to start from the back of the pack (success handicap). You can imagine how please I was to find another 4 cars had signed up for Oulton Park, great 26th on the grid then! With WASPP getting a random draw in 10th (I think)

Practice day
Was eventful I pulled out of the pits and caused a 3 car pileup when I was blind spotted by the Trumans car. Really sorry guys I did look 3 times, lesson learned Oulton pit exit is blind as you like! Chris snapped a driveshaft in his session as well. We kind of took it easy and didn't push on the driver side at all and didn't even look at data. It was more important to stay calm and within the limits than make more silly mistakes. Chris really wanted to start as usual and I must say I was nervous, its just so easy to get caught up in carnage or just plain held back and we needed to be at least 5th to be in with a shout, oh and in front of WASPP!

Race Day
Chris was on fire in the first stint, not only keeping out of trouble (the first rule for the first stint... well any stint) but pulling the car into the mid pack by the end of his stint. We worked our way to the top 5 through the pitstops, but had an issues with the double fuel dump at one stop when the safety car came out and we lost our extra fuel man so lost probably 5-8 seconds switching fuel cans. By the final stint we were running 7th but crucially in front of WASPP (JUST) and UVIO who were leading and would take the championship had now dropped back after an issue. So we were in the front seat. 

Waiting for the final stint I knew it was neck and neck with WASPP just behind us and Jay their pro driver would be in for the last stint. We talked about looking after the car, but this was the first stint Kris and Chris had said do what you have to do for the championship. In my mind I heard Russel Crow saying "On my command unleash HELL!" Permission granted for 100% attack. The final stop was fast, I thought as I hit the starter button, and then NOTHING. My finger planted in the starter button and not even a click. I think my Dad swore and started to try and bump the car but we didn't have enough speed on the first attempt. Then Aaron the JPR team lead came flying in "BUMP IT THEN!" he shouted so loud I thought he was on the radio! Boom, we had enough pace and I dropped the clutch a second time and came out in 8th place just behind WASPP. 

That went well then, what a time to have a failure. Exciting for everyone watching as another twist in the race occurred. "Radio silence" was all I said. Chris Grimes our head mechanic knew to leave me to it. I had a job to do. Time to go to work and earn my place. You should probably watch the race, but I am proud of the fight between Jay and myself the hug after the race said it all. It was, even though I say myself, a beautiful move to get by, it had to be something special. One to pass Jay is hard, two this was for the championship so no quarter was given. It didn't end with that overtake though as we both had the hammer down. I ripped my way through the pack with Jay in hot pursuit. 8th to 1st and then I could ease back a bit. Jay made it to third and a fantastic show from car 49 Harry Mailer and Chris Walton to take second place, Chris still only on his 4th race.

So after 5 rounds and many hours of racing and it came down to the last stint and just 2 places, 1st to 3rd.

I can't wait to watch the footage it should be epic. It felt epic!