Cath Evans Racing

The weather was forecast as dry, but when we opened the curtains it was far from it. That ‘orrible fine rain that gets everywhere! It was no different at the track either. Although you could have been forgiven you were at a fairground. As the pick up trucks were the main focus race, it was fairground fever! The track had Bon Jovi blaring out across the tanoys at 9am, so no lie in for anyone wanting one!! And the famous sweet vans were open for CandyFloss and megga lollies!!

Eyes were on the track and the cars who were out. What lines were they taking and how stable were they! But some were on wet tyres, so looks could be deceiving. Our race was Just after lunch - 1.40 ish, time went quickly, and soon we were in the assembly area. I had thought about whether it was worth going out as the track is so greasy and no run off areas really to speak of, but I need wet weather time.

2 green flag laps - all ok. Another pants start, but not caught up in anything. Coming into turn 2 came across a Group A car not travelling fast, later found out it hand engine surge issues. As I made my way around the race, I found there was more grip in areas than you thought, but other areas not! Thankfully I did not spin, and kept moving forward but not as quick as I should have.

I finished the race in 25/26 with a time of 2.04.161. The less said about that the better - other than the mind needs to be re-programmed.

Our jouney home south rewarded us with a totally different day, like stepping off a plane when going on holiday. Was this really the same day we’ve just been involved in at Rockingham?!!!

Next stop … Pembrey, a track of my first race. And from memory a track I like. Back to my homeland of Wales!

A dry race, but we have had to wait from 11.10 until 16.50 for our race. For most of that time it was hiding away trying to keep out of the cold and wind. But now it was show time. Getting into grid position is an art in itself I think. First you have to be confident that the marshal knows which marker to put you on, if not, like me, you have to reverse and manouver your non power assisted car to another spot! Green flag lap was fine, twisting and warming the brakes. But no good if you get a pants start - which I did. I just didn’t get into second gear quick enough. A few places lost, but gave me a good view of the action going on at turn 2 - as you come off the bank circuit onto the infield. A car had outbraked and too many cars trying to get into a small track turn.

We all got through, lap 1 out the way and you knew who you were up against. I was having a great battle with about 3 other cars. Testing which corners you had the edge and where you didn’t. This is what its’all about.

Coming into turn 2 again, got through and then a tap on my rear and around I was sent spinning. Facing the on coming traffic (what was left of the field) terror must have been evident in my eyes, thankfully Mark Astall went wide to avoid me and my fearful eyes! I passed a limping car who must have collided with me. No damage to stop me so on I pressed. Each lap getting closer and closer to the car in front.

But laps ran out! I finished 22nd of 26 with a lap time of 1.38.060. Gutted with the start and also the “racing incident”. But me and the car were in 1 piece and thankfully as my sponsors were watching - thanks for coming and cheering me along! Great to have a tussle and looking forward to more!

The weather dry but cold and windy. Thankful that the race suits are really warm! Qualifying was at 11.10, so after signing on and scruitineer - you were ready for the off. What seems like you are going fast and for it does not always seem true, and the lap timer knows best! Although yesterday it was not working due to the beacon being on the other side of the track - due to this being an anti-clockwise track - today it was working and showing a high lap time, compared to yesterday.

All those little areas add up and I managed to get a 1.39.082, which got me 19th on grid of 26 and 5th in class.

Well Rockingham is a great track. I have driven different sections of it before but putting it all together was real fun and quick to learn as well. Testing on the Friday was dry, but a bit of a chill in the air. Thankfully we had a garage to keep warm in and had a chat to some of the Formula Renault boys.

Testing was fun - with other BMW competitors out on the track as well, it was at times like being in a race. I was finding more out about the car and how it needed to be set up for me and my little legs. So many gear changes was giving me “bum ache”, problem was too much reach on the clutch pedal. Issue sorted and no more “bum ache”!

My best test time was 1.37.5. I suspect more time could have been had with more appreciation for the speed you can take around the oval. A session was called real short due to a Caterham having grounded itself on a curb and the recovery taking an age. And the final session called short due to a BMW unfortunately rolling, but thankfully Colin was fine. Car was even fixed up and ready to race the following morning!

The time table for the rounds 3 and 4 has arrived. These rounds at Rockingham will be held over 2 days, with a qualifyer and round 3 on Saturday and round 4 on Sunday. I will be testing at the track on Friday, I have not driven on this track previously, but have driven parts of it. On paper it looks as though it will be quick to learn the track layout - but only time will tell!

Saturday 19th April - Qualifying 11.10 - 11.25 Round 3 - 16.50. Sunday 20th April - Round 4 - 13.50. Times are approximate.

Rockingham will see the Caterham Graduate championship, Formula Renault, Pick up Trucks, Legends, Sports Saloons and Dunlop Clubmans Cup along side our championship. So a lot of action to be packed into the weekend.