Bucketloads of fun for me this mornin.
Just proves that default cars on default tracks can produce some of the closest racing. The Cortina is a lovely balanced car in default setup, so everyone was going to be very close in speed, however these tight little tracks certainly added to the challenge.
Race 1: I fluked pole in Qualy but only just ahead of Alberto. Of course, the really quick guys (Leszek & Knut) decided to start at the back. I was surrounded by the usual suspects (although Alberto was an unknown to me), so I slipped Roland a small fee to jump Carlos at the start and try to box him in while I might make a getaway. In true mercenary style, Roland did just that
, and dropped into P2 behind me. From there I was able to pull a nice lead and take a comfy win while others battled away.
WD to Carlos and Roland for the podium.
Race 2: This one was much more fun. I decided to join the gang at the rear and look for some close action. I got that in spades.
I quickly moved up to the mid pack, but not due to any classy passes, just dodging the carnage as it appeared. In some cases, it was like the Red Sea parting. After that it became a case of patiently waiting and hoping the guy in front made a boo boo (passing here was no easy task). Had a few great laps behind Stephan with Ole Marius hounding my tail. Later we both caught Alberto and had many tight, close, clean laps together. Ole Marius was clearly a bit quicker ( I kept hoping we'd find some wet gravel to use our Rallying skills
), and finally he found a nice clean pass. He then immediately followed that with a lovely outside pass on Alberto (something I couldn't achieve) and cleared off.
Later on, Ross loomed onto my tail as we both pressured Alberto who seemed impervious to pressure. With only a lap or so to go, poor Alberto had a nasty (but most spectacular) opposite lock slide across the track and somehow missed Ross and I.
. I then had to fend off Ross to take P3.
Grats to Stuart for the big win, and WD to Ole Marius for P2 (impressive driving
).
Overall, it was great to see so many new drivers (or returning) in our GTL Club. This should give GTL a revival at RD. For me, the drivers around me were really good, very clean, always giving room, and despite the closeness and competitiveness, not one touch or scrape. Special thanks to Alberto, Stephan, Ole Marius, and Ross for good clean racing.