Encouraged by the close and thrilling racing at Donington, I was looking forward to another firm favourite in the shape of Snetterton 300. Despite it being October the weather was glorious over the race weekend, which added to the enjoyment. I was accompanied by my wife, Sandy, which was a rare but very welcome surprise. She is not the greatest motorsport fan but does seem to enjoy watching if I am racing.
Unfortunately for David Russell, the quickest in Class C this season, a clutch problem put paid to his hopes of a clean sweep in Class C. In the event Jon Candler in his Peugeot came out on top, a full 1 second a lap quicker than my 2nd place in Class C and 1 row ahead on the starting grid. Notwithstanding this, it was a real sense of achievement to be lined up on Row 4 of the grid with 18 rows behind me and daylight in front.
An excellent start from my trusty MR2 had me troubling Jon into Turn 1 and with the aerodynamic advantage coupled with a quick exit out of Williams, I managed to pass on the Bentley Straight and make it stick for the rest of the race. My first ever win in Class C, 6th overall out of 42 cars as well as a lap PB and a new ARFC Record for Class C. Oh yeah!
Race 2 was running in a very similar fashion as I managed to sneak past Jon again on the Bentley Straight. However, on Lap 8 a Class B Caterham that had started at the back of the grid, slotted in front of Jon and just behind me heading towards Agostini. I am not sure exactly what happened but as I turned in to Agostini I was hit hard by Jon on the rear nearside quarter and spun 180 degrees towards the inside of the bend. The race was red flagged although I was able to limp back to the holding area. There was considerable damage but the car was driveable. I really felt like packing up and going home, but we were brought out onto the track in the order the race was red flagged, i.e. I was in P1. We only had time for 3 laps but I managed to keep in front of a rapid Keith Attwood in his Mini R53 Cooper S to take a second Class C victory.
What a great way to finish the season, although it was back to the garage at home, get the porta press out and start repairing all the damage.
Thanks to Jonathan Elsey, Motorsport Photography, for the excellent photographs.