More power, Captain!

2021 BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup.
Round 2, Silverstone National.

One week on from our fantastic race in the sunshine at Brands Hatch, we headed to a wet Silverstone for round two of the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup.

It was bad news before we started though, as during testing the engine power on the dyno the week before – it blew up. A replacement was ordered and fitted, but when tested was down on power (around 8hp). There was one other option which the team tried, but this was even worse! Time had run out though, and that would be my engine for the weekend.

Friday testing was very wet. I didn’t mind too much as it was good to test in these conditions. Saturday however was dry and therefore a voyage into the unknown! I had a good qualifying session, driving consistent laps and managing to catch the odd tow. I posted the 8th fastest time, which was better than we expected.

Sunday was wet again, but not as extreme as on Friday. In race one, I got away well and consolidated my position, sitting on the back of the front pack in 8th place as we pulled away from the rest. In the last quarter of the race it hotted up and I was able to take advantage, overtaking several cars to finish 5th, which was really pleasing.

Race 2 was wetter and I was going well, running in 7th place. After a safety car period I had a brilliant restart and took two cars around the outside of Copse, but going down into Maggots clashed with Bessell. It was really unfortunate because while I was the car behind, I was already on the brakes and couldn’t slow the car any more when he came across, not knowing I was there. I rear ended him and we both dropped out of the top 10. I finished 12th in the end, setting the second fastest lap of the race in the process.

Race 3 was greasy rather than wet, and starting in 12th I was on the back of the main pack, but just couldn’t make an impression. Partly it was the conditions, but I think really the engine wasn’t helping as several times I was in position to overtake a car but lost out in a drag race. I had the pace to stay with the pack, but not work through it and I ended up 10th.

On track it was a weekend of two halves. I was pleased with qualifying, race one and most of race two, but I was disappointed with the crash and more so with the performance in race three.

I am optimistic for the future though, as when we get the engine sorted and I continue to develop we could really be in the mix. Thanks as ever go to my Dad, BLiNK motorsport and all my partners. Looking forward to next time!