Thruxton lived up to its reputation of being the toughest circuit in the UK. Its fast, bumpy nature and uniquely abrasive surface always throws a spanner into the works, providing many challenges for the drivers and teams.
We really felt Thruxton’s full force on Saturday after Ricky and I qualified 10th and 12th respectively, setting nearly identical lap times. Only one thousandth of a second separated the two of us and yet we were still split by Jason Plato in 11th place.
During my lap I left nothing on the table and it was tough to see our competition setting far quicker times with ease. I felt very uncertain about Sunday’s races.
Would we be able to make progress or would I be looking in my mirrors?
Ricky and I had gone in different directions with the car set up for qualifying. However, it was clear to see that he found it much easier to achieve his pace, as he set four laps within the same tenth. On the other hand I only posted one respectable lap and I’m not sure I would be able to repeat it.
We pushed hard on Saturday evening, delving into the data and reviewing onboards. We were concerned as a team and even the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Team Principal, Christian Dick, was in our debrief getting in amongst the analysis. We concluded that I had some work to do in the slow speed and very twisty Campbell complex in order to match Ricky’s technique and lines. Meanwhile his car looked more driveable across the whole lap, especially in the high speed corners, so we opted to switch onto his set up.
I got up early on Sunday morning and reviewed the data and onboards of Ricky’s route through the first complex, then I met Rob Austin, ex-BTCC driver and our driver coach, for a pre-raceday track walk. We discussed race starts and first lap strategy, as well as lines and overtaking opportunities. I felt relaxed and ready to race forwards!
The hard work really paid off as I felt so much happier behind the wheel of my Corolla and I could now attack the high speed corners. My change in technique at the complex was also hugely positive and I now felt like one of the stronger drivers through this section. I ended up making progress in all three of Sunday’s races. Moving from 12th to 6th in Race 1, from 6th to 5th in Race 2 and from 7th (my starting position after the reverse grid draw) to 4th in Race 3 – only narrowly missing out on a podium!
It was a very satisfying day and a real team effort. Now that Ricky’s in the groove, he’s pushing me in every session and providing invaluable data and onboards for me to compare against. We are working well together and are jointly pushing the whole project along.
Next up I am racing at the Goodwood Revival on the 16th-18th September with my long term co-driver William Paul in his newly refurbished 1962 Jaguar E-Type. It’s an event I have always aspired to compete at and now it’s happening. I owe a massive thank you to William for the opportunity.
