Well, today was a bit of an upper downer day. The layout was a start from the mid-way along the pit-lane and then a full lap followed by a another lap and into the pits - 1.9 laps in total.
Now, I know from previous experience that I can get a flying lap round Knockers in 73-74 secs dry and 78 secs wet so I was aiming for around 150 seconds for my runs.
It was very wet first thing and the 'big boys' in their V8 single seat monsters were flying off at every bend so this delayed things a bit.
Anyway, first practice came and I managed run around 148.8 secs - I was pretty happy with that. I was having a wee tussle with a couple of the guys in Peugeot 205/106 Rallye (a class below me). They were also going round in 147/8.
Then the downer - the announcement came that because of all the morning delays, there would be no more practice - straight into timed runs!
The weather picked up a bit so I was hopeful I'd get a dry run but again, the 'big boys' delayed things so by the time my class lined up, the hail had started!

I only managed 157 secs on this run!
By the time of my final run, the track had dried out a bit and I was able to push a bit harder bettering my practice to record 148.17 secs. Again, I was quite happy with that.
I still ended last in my class, the winner being Martin Stott in his super quick Lotus Elise recording around 132 seconds. Still, I beat the guys in the Peugeots and I beat a couple of kitcars including a Ginetta and 2 Westfields so I can't complain.
I've learned a few things about me, my car and sprinting in general:
1. I'm absolutely petrified of the wet! 9 seconds slower because of some rain
2. I need to be much aggressive. My driving style is pretty smooth but in sprinting there is no 'building up' to speed - you need to nail it first time.
3. I need to have more confidence. I'm sure I can go faster because I was rarely 'on the limit' - the fastest guys are always 'on the limit'.
4. There are tyres and there are tyres. General consensus in the paddock was that Toyo T1-R are about the best road tyre for this type of event. Goodyears are 'probably' a bit hard. Other notable recommendations - Yoko A539 and Bridgestone RE010
5. Smaller wheel/tyres will increase the gearing and make me go faster apparently. So I'm on the lookout for 13" rims which will clear my brakes
Anyway, I'm still the fastest MX-5 in the Northern Speed Championship
Next competitive event - Elvington Sprint, York, 9 June......................(with trips to Knockhill and Curborough in between

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