Mills GP Challenge

Word.

Fun race; I am very sorry for the ZR I ran into. I hesitated and *smack!* And then, *smack again!* as Tim was not expecting me to be slow after my hit. (photo comment all in good humor, Tim ;-) )

Interestingly, I was actually a good deal faster after the hit from behind; a further lack of rear downforce enabled much less front tire scrub... in turn giving faster lap times for a higher number of laps.

This was my first rF touring Car race... I will be back for more. Great stuff!

I came into this one as a field filler using a setup that I had since rF was first released. It was well off what I wanted/needed but it did the trick for some decent times at least.

First dozen laps of the race were fantastic, with Tristan and I having a great battle. Tristan had a few bobbles that allowed me to take the lead and hold it for a few laps before he re-took his rightful spot.

Upon passing a lapped car Tristan gave him a little nudge. It was obvious that Tristan was confused as to which way this lapped car was going to move over for him and contact happened. Unfortunately, Tristan spun the other guy who spun around and even tapped my passenger side before I punted Tristan hard. I think Tristan was trying to slow to 'apologize' to the lapper, but I had no clue and was already committed to my brake marker. End result; Lapper spun, Tristan with no rear spoiler, me with the lead and damaged nose.

I took the opportunity to dive in for repairs and rubber and got back out with a large lead, but fate would have one more twist... The phone rang (I normally ignore it) 4 times and the caller gave up. Then it did it again. Then a third time... which usually means someone is dead or dieing for someone to be calling me on a Saturday morning when I am usually racing. So, I pulled over to answer it and no one was there (grrr). Got back in my seat and took off but lost my 20 second lead.

Last 10 laps were much harder with Tristan now within striking distance and making ground on me. I was driving as hard as I ever have to maintain the small 3 second gap I had. Last lap going down the back straight I finally broke concentration and missed my brake marker. Slid off into the dirt a bit and did all I could to get back on track, safely, and still holding the lead. Just barely... though it may be a bit questionable... I will ask the stewards to review my re-entry to be fair.

Lots of fun though... I really miss these old cars. Grats to the other finishers!

I always say never take an untested set up and use it in a race. So why was I so stupid and took Tristans set up, well the fact that he was 4 secs a lap faster would be the pusher I think, but after 1st lap I knew I was in trouble as the car was just aweful for me. Thought best to pull off and get out before I hit someone and spoilt their race.

I got a little confused when looking at the fuel indicator thinking I was going to be a bit short of fuel. So I was fussin with the pit settings getting ready for a late splash/no tires stop. Then I though maybe I could get ahead of the curve by short shifting. So I became preoccupied with all this and as laps went on the math wasn't coming togater....opps....wrong indicator. Switched over to the tires and fuel......good to the end...pleanty of fuel; so I put my driver hat back on. Jim was behind me and ticking away at the gap. I knew it would only be a matter of time before he was at my bumper and I would have a race on my hands. When Jim got to me he was real patient and didn't just stick it in there but he applied some pressure and I caved in on 2 and spun it. I wasn't unhappy with a 4th place finish in class. Who has more fun than we do?

You were doing a damn fine job for quite a few laps Bill. :)
I was hoping my tire change at half-way would help, but it still took me forever to get by you. Guess that's what makes it interesting. ;)

Congrats leaders.

I screwed myself today. I was trying to creep into the very front of my startbox but went toof ar by the time the countdown started. So I recieved a drive-thru. I thought I read stop go so I stop and it does a whole pit stop, then a drive thru next lap. Disaster already 5/8 lap down. Disgrunteld and discouraged I continued sloppily and slowly only gaining due to DNF's.

Embarrasing but still some fun. Just like the 79'F1's I have fun practicing in these but then I see I am 3 seconds behind pole wich is lousy.

See you next time, with 4WD enabled!!!