Congratulations to everyone that took part last night, a very tough race at an unforgiving track that never gives you a break!!
I knew pole was within reach but AO showed early signs in warm up that he was up to the task. Fortunately I was able to put a lap together and secure a front row pole seat. The formation lap was actually quite difficult to task, as going down the chase, I see someone on my track map spin?!?!? (Jono trying to be special
) So I bunched up the pack the best I could before the weigh bridge was upon us and it was GO GO GO. Ssaved got a cracker run on me going up mountain straight and was able to gain the lead. I tucked in behind to find Ssaved undoes is hard work by going slightly hot into griffins bend (easy to do on cold tyres) and I was able to sneak up the inside and regain the lead back once we reached the cutting. For the next couple of laps, I just focused on getting into a good early rhythm and see what was going to pan out behind me. I was really pleased to build an early buffer but once Blindman secured 2nd, I knew we had a race on our hands. The prostate green machine was blindingly (ah thankyou lol) quick and the lead was definitely within reach for them if the mountain was to bite me. So I picked a lap number that wouldn't over the stress the tyres or me for that matter and just hoped I could keep it going. After the 1st stint was said and done, I found a permanent groove with the car and track and from there I was able to build a commanding lead. Once the final hour ticked over, I was now mentally struggling with the focus this track demands but I had one thing I had always wanted to achieve and that was a clean sweep, so AO's seriously impressive lap of 2.03.4 was on my radar. So, I decided to run my 3rd stint to fumes so I could have the least amount of fuel to attack. Final stint was on, 3/4 of tank and the mountain....I threw absolutely everything, 2 laps in, nope 2.03.5....one final crack and success. "Time to switch off now" I thought but with all those risk vs reward laps, I found myself right in the battle for 2nd with Blindman and Warrior infront and Jono just behind. I got really close and with 7odd laps to go, I pulled off to the side to not interfere in anyway and I grabbed some popcorn, took my seat in the front row to watch......I soon realised I was going crazy as I started commentating out loud...."5 laps to go, can Jono do it"....."can blindman hold on"......meanwhile I was actually having to push rather hard to try and stay within viewing distance lol..........."Noooooo blindman, the dipper claims another life".......
After all that, the final lap had arrived and I was able to savour the moment, along with everyone else, completing the first of what will be many demanding endurance races at ROOZ.
A big congrats to Jono and warrior on taking the final podium steps. A special mention to Prostate's blindman/kart duo though, you guys were on it all race and well in contention for a podium result against ROOZ royalty, amazing drive.
Thanks to Warrior, on creating an excellent event and quite the experience. I will be looking forward to the next instalment in the series where I would like to pair up with someone from the brissy area this time.
Cheers
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