Thruxton 28th June 2003

Our first visit to Thruxton was not the success that qualifying promised. Saturdays qualifying saw Nik second on the grid with only a last effort from Manderson securing pole. The car seemed fine and we only made minor changes ready for the race on Sunday. On Saturday evening we walked the track and Nik voiced his concern about the final chicane, as he was unable to correctly gear for the entry, having only a four- speed box. All the other circuits have been OK with four speeds except where there is a long run to the first corner, but at Thruxton he was aware of this problem compared to the five speed runners. How prophetic it turned out to be as on the seventh lap of the race Nik was in second place when he out braked himself on the entry to the chicane, and clipped the kerb hard, resulting in a broken rear push rod , end of race. He admitted it was driver error and hopes that it will be his only mistake of the season.

Alan Timpany was the Van Diemen star of the weekend, qualifying third, he put in a storming drive from way back to catch Manderson and record a time only tenths behind the fastest lap. A broken knuckle on the gear linkage curtailed his race but gave notice to the others that he has now arrived big time and will be a force to be reckoned with.

David Mountain was rewarded with second place after a slow start, it was his first visit to Thruxton and he must be pleased with points, although I am not so sure he liked being out qualified by his team-mate.

Our other runners in the Pinto class were less successful. Mike Turner continued for a second season with a dog of an engine, when will he find the power to reward his driving skills, Mike is without doubt one of the best drivers in this formula, his talent is being wasted running an engine that consistently fails to produce good power.

Rupert Russell finished a race!! Again.

David Houghton started from the back of the grid as usual after a problematical qualifying, this time a head gasket failure. Once again after valiant efforts from Simpson engineering, he managed a credible race and honed his overtaking skills!!.

Our new Van Diemen Runner Mike Johns has brought a professional looking outfit to the racetrack. Mike is a past champion in road sports and his skill should start to show once he gets to grips with the extra speed of our cars.

USA update.

Nik returns to California to take part in the National at Sears point on 13/14 July. At Portland and Seattle he recorded his first three wins, the opposition was not overwhelming, but he did his job and gained maximum points.

At Sears point the top west coast runners will be competing on their home track, it will be a true test of his ability and the cars first real challenge before the Runnoffs.