2004 Race Season
Thruxton - 11th September
(Photos by Paul Cherry)
John was joined by fellow Ford engineer Mike Jenvey for the race. It
was Mike's first drive in the RS after a few laps testing at Silverstone on
the Thursday before the race. Mike normally competes in the UK Formula
Vee championship, so Britcar was a bit of a culture shock. It was also
Mike's first race at Thruxton, so he had a steep learning curve!
After the non-finish at Brands, the team were looking for a return to the 911's usual reliability. Mike did the first stint of about 70 minutes and handed over to John in 12th overall (5th in class). John maintained their position to the end of the two hour race after a steady drive. Both drivers were having handling problems and it was found that one of the rear shock absorbers had failed. However, it was an encouraging result under the circumstances and the rebuilt engine ran faultlessly for the duration.
Piers Masarati joined John again for the 3 hour race on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. Piers had a great first stint and handed over to John in second place overall, taking advantage by pitting while the safety car was out. John held second place until he handed the car back to Piers, again benefiting by a changeover while the safety car was out. The young Masarati had the bit between his teeth by then, and was making progress on the leader when a valve rocker failed, forcing retirement. It was a disappointing moment for the whole team, but the car had proven its pace yet again, and it is only a matter of time before the guys are back on the podium.
Piers on the Cooper Straight
Young star Piers Masarati joined John for the race while Dave is out of action, suffering with a bad back. After qualifying seventh on the grid, Piers made spectacular progress through the field during the first leg taking the lead after about an hour and a quarter. Bad timing, in arriving in the pits as the safety car had just come out, dropped the team back to second. Too far behind the leaders Handkammer/Leslie in the BMW, John had the relatively simple, but nailbiting job of maintaining second place to take the chequered flag, while easing up to protect his overheating engine. Another great result for the team. An enthusiastic Piers said after the race “That was a damn good race and this car is really good, considering it’s fifteen years old”. (In fact, Piers, it is over 20! - Tony)
(Photo by Jason Gore)
(Photo by Jason Gore)
John and Dave take a win in Class 2, and second overall. After qualifying 14th on the grid in the wet, the 2 hour 40 minute race went like clockwork for the team. Dave steadily worked his way up the field during his 1 hour 35 minute session, and handed the car over to John in second position. A spirited drive by John extended their lead over the third place car, but could not make a big impression on the Class One DTM Mercedes 190 driven by Andy and Julian Rouse.
(Photo by Paul Cherry)
(Photo by Paul Cherry)
(Photo by Paul Cherry)
First race of the season, and the team were caught out by the changing weather conditions. After a stop to change from wets to slicks, there was not enough time to regain the position they held. However, it was an encouraging start to the season and showed the potential of the car. This is John at the wheel at Copse.
