What a race that was!!
After @Emmo had put in that flyer lap, it gave me extra drive to try and beat him.
However I just couldn't match it and then
@kiwinado comes through and stomps right over us!!
With that said, I was still happy with 3rd. On this track the inside line was an advantage.
When the race started, I got right up alongside Emmo for T1 and then for Druids (T2), I took the inside line and nabbed 2nd.
I then got on with keeping up with Kiwi, while trying to gap Emmo.
Kiwi and I seemed to have good pace and Emmo started to drop back, maybe some pressure from behind?
After a few laps, I really caught up to Kiwi and made my pass with an awesome exit from the final turn and down the main straight.
From there it was just a matter of keeping it clean and making sure that I don't throw it away..
Once Emmo had gotten past Kiwi, by this time it was lap mid teens, my tyres were on their way out, still OK, just old. I was managing OK lap times, but through Emmos skill at conserving tyres, he was able to reel me in.
I pitted as planned at the end of 17 and Emmo took the lead, a lap later he pitted.
However
@RPeeM808 had snuck into FIRST.
Once Emmo pitted I had managed to get that position back, however the gap had narrowed to less than a second. What came next was some of the finest racing I've had the pleasure to partake in. Sadly Emmo was a bit too late on the brake for a corner and I flew away.
However, this left me in 2nd with RP still ticking away in front of me. I'm like, WTF have you pitted or did you use an alternate strategy. I went with the latter, and started to slot really good times on the SM's and really begun to reel him in.
On lap 24, I had a chance to pass, but backed out at the last sec as I wasn't in the right place to do it.
However the gods shone on me and RP pitted on lap 25!!
I flew on by to take the win.
Very happy with taking the win for Rd1.
Well done to Emmo and RP for their podium finishes.
NOTE - Not looking forward to Rd2..
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