I managed to avoid the T1 fun and games, although I think I might have moved across on Andrew in my attempt to avoid Natan's spin. ( Sorry Andrew
).
That moved me up to 2nd until on T2 Leffa ( who was very fast in that Lotus !!! ) appeared to develop a sudden interest in wild flowers and dived into the long grass to examine a rare specimen
So, suddenly from 3rd position and 3 seconds off the pace, I was 10 secs in the lead on lap 1!!!
Despite my best efforts in the BT7 I could not hold the gap back to Natan and Leffa who were closing with every lap ( why wasn't this a 10 lap sprint race???
).
I could see them getting larger in my mirrors with every lap and it seemed that my tactic of having a high 6th gear,so that I could enjoy the tow from the fast guys had backfired!!!
Just when I needed maximum concentration to defend my position from Natan's BRM I was distracted for a moment by Prib which dropped Leffa. As a result I ran wide and allowed Natan to take the lead without even putting up a fight!!! DOH!!!! Although I doubt I could have held him off for long, that BRM was just too quick on the straights.
I now held second spot as Leffa closed up the gap and we had a couple of laps where demon braking and holding the racing line kept him behind.
A mistake through Cascades allowed Leffa the chance to out gun me along the straight and he took the inside line into the left hander. But it looked like he carried a little bit too much speed on the inside line and drifted wide on the exit as I cut back underneath him. I am guessing that he went onto the grass because I exited the hairpin with a 6 second lead
Although Leffa's Lotus closed the gap a little, I think he had another excursion, drooped back and I cruised home a lonely 2nd .
Grats to Natan and hard luck Leffa, you almost took 2nd spot and really perhaps with your speed you might have expected to win. A great FL time was your only compensation.
Hope we gave Zolee a good show.
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