Cadwell Park - July 15th

After the Snetterton race we needed to dial in the car to the new bodywork. I felt the changes we had made should have made the car quicker, and the look more modern.

We wanted to concentrate on the aero aspect of the car as we felt we had neglected this part of the package.

It is difficult to know if the changes we make are an improvement as we do not have any equipment to test for this, all work is subjective and until we get to a circuit that we have enough past information on times, that will remain the case.

Cadwell is just about the best driver’s circuit anywhere, narrow, twisty, undulating, with wickedly fast-blind bends and camber changes. All of this, with the added fun of little run–off area, serious trees and banks and the mountain where you get airborne!

If you can get your car and driver working round there, then they will probably work everywhere else.

Richard had never raced at Cadwell before, but we tested the previous week in inclement conditions. During the test we made aero changes which the driver gave feedback on. In the garage at home we made more changes and so arrived at the track with a slightly changed car. Untimed practise in damp conditions with wets saw Richard well clear of the field, official qualifying had him on pole by over a second from Tom Mills.

The race was dry, and by the end of lap one, Richard had established a lead that he was to build on at a steady two seconds a lap, to finish thirty seven seconds clear of the second man Harry Chapman.

Richard had a great time on his local circuit with a few friends watching. He did well to keep his concentration and exhibit such a faultless race, a thank you to the several knowledgeable people who came over and expressed their appreciation of that despite the lack of close racing.

Valuable points gained as our nearest rivals failed to finish.

The other Van Diemens have all improved and I am getting very favourable comments from their drivers.

Les Johnson