Track Action Shots courtesy of Richard Styles

After speaking to Motorsport UK a few weeks ago, it was decided that we would go for another 2 signatures to be safe in case of any problems when it came to September’s BCV8 round.The bonus was that longer races qualify as two race signatures if the race duration is one hour or more (Only possible if the driver completes one hour or more of driving).

The weekend was going to take place at Snetterton on the 300 layout and from the get go, I was far more relaxed coming into the weekend - with a bit more time on our hands to prepare, a new engine and fresh Dunlop tyres, I was able to be a lot more focused on getting behind the wheel than anything else.

Additional notes from the weekend:

Moulded seat insert added a lot of confidence behind the wheel, car was far easier to control

New engine + components gave me a sense of security and positivity
Qualifying was dry but turned to greasy and wet within two laps. Not knowing the track at all (only experience on the sim), I took it easy to get to grips with the lines.
Had a spin into the first hairpin in wet conditions, a little to much steering input and was too early on the throttle
Race: No heart rate going up like last time, a lot more relaxed and composed - track day mentality -stay out of trouble
Rolling race start went fine, the faster cars that didn’t qualify well went past and I was at the back of the main pack. The slower pack was 50m behind
Was slowed down by being at the back of the pack for 3-5 laps.
Need to try and move up the grid faster to reduce lost time.
We scheduled our pitstop to be early - I was stuck in a battle with MGB #84 which was great but ultimately cost me time.
Note to self: Better to pit early and get a clear run after the stop, slower cars will be then more inclined to get out of the way?
Ultimately a mechanical failure that cost us a potential top 10 position and P2 in class.
Avons can be pushed further with more grip at the limit. Dunlops are still great, with plenty of feel and fun when at the limit.

Conclusion: Not the greatest result, but it was a really good way to get more seat time in the MGB and have an extended stint compared to 20 minute sprints. After the 45 minutes, I felt like I was just getting into my rhythm, so hopefully this is a good sign for Spa and the longer stints. CSCC was also a fantastic club to race with - a very friendly paddock with lots of variety!

Video below: Chasing down MGB #84 before the mandatory pitstop.

Silverlining: Perhaps it was a blessing that the half shaft decided to break here than 45 minutes into the six hour race…

Edit: final diagnosis of the mechanical failure was a broken half shaft in the rear axle. A common weak point on the MGB. Causes for failure are infinite but possibly a combination of the following:

Age (20years since last change)
Riding kerbs
The spin in qualifying putting pressure on the axle
Tight corners at snetterton
Although it was a DNF, i managed to gain one license point for completing at least 10 laps of the race

Current License Situation: 3 out of 6 points/signatures completed.

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Notes for next time:

Still need to work on overtaking, make myself obvious, position myself for the move, add pressure, let them know you are there - force a mistake/make the move.
Analyse where I am faster and ACT on it.

Wet weather notes:

Be gentle with the throttle, minimise steering input - straighten up before applying power!
When you spin, get on the clutch and brakes - save the transmission