Oh man this was my first race against people who are actually into sim racing, and do their own car set up. I've been sim racing for about seven years now, so I'm not bad, but I didn't really know if I could compete in any sort of league, or even club racing. But here I am, I tried it out, expecting to need a blue flag on my bonnet for how much of a nuisance I would be. After I said I'd join the race, I spent a lot of time working on my setup, and doing practise laps. Lots and lots. Didn't think much of my times, but in practice I was actually competitive!
In qualy I found some pace I didn't know I had and qualified third. I was worried about the start 'cause I didn't want to ruin anyone's race with a Webber~esque start! I dropped to fourth off the line, but ended up swapping paint and in fourth going into the first corner. I took it easy and regained control, then the guy in front (Chris, I think?) overcooks it going in, and boom, I take back third. First and second are miles ahead, and I'm in my own race. I found a zone I didn't know I had. I had no idea that I could pound in 26 laps with a consistent pace, and not lock up once, while putting in better laps than I ever did in practise or qualy, and this is just the start with a full load of fuel! I get into a rhythm and see in my mirrors that Chris (I think?) is right behind me, and I found even more pace. Then I knew I had to be on it for the next 22 laps because he's right there, waiting for me to make a mistake. Even when he wasn't in my mirrors, I knew I needed that buffer, so I pushed hard all race so when I did make a mistake, I had already made up for it. I was more consistent than I knew I could be. Ended up finishing third. It was a real eye opener to see how much all my practise had paid off, and a real thrill!
I am going to be back for so much more, it was awesome.
