We arrived at the Top Gear circuit all excited to be driving on the hallowed tarmac. The perimeter road frightened us as it was in such a poor state but the actual circuit was fine. The race used only half of the figure of 8 circuit as someone seemed to think it would be dangerous if the cars had to cross in the middle....? Anyway, before scruitineering we had the first torrential downpour with the wind ripping several Gazebos & tents away. We decided to wear our old (small by now) blue overalls & keep the red ones dry to try & stop the car misting up. The race started badly as our pusher (who will remain nameless to protect the guilty) was in a dream & forgot to fully turn the key..... We had hardly touched the car over the summer & the Velcro was getting fairly worn on the window - the strong wind blew it out fairly soon but it was recovered & was fine (the advantages of polycarbonate). Our drivers enjoyed the circuit & it had examples of some of top gear's escapades parked near the hangers. Our first pit stop took ages as we hadn't practiced since the last race but we improved for our second stop & first driver change. After the second recovery of the window (which we now taped in to stop a third loss) we were getting into a good rhythm when the race was stopped due to the crash. After the troubles & two extra pit stops, we had we were amazed to claim a 5th place, beating all the F35 cars!
We had a quick practice after the race as Matthew had joined the team & it was his first F24 race since graduating form the Old Sodbury Goblin (winner of the 2005 Goblin race of champions & the 2006 slalom).
When the race was cancelled, we sat in the van with the wind and rain around us, drinking tea & chatting while the other teams packed away.... overall, a memorable day despite all the wind & rain.
