GT CUP - Round 4 - Brands Hatch
1st August 2010
Anticipation was high for this round for apart from the 2 normal X-Bows of The Manup Racing car in Class 2 and the Class 3 car of Tom Andrew, Brands saw a second X-Bow entered by Team ABG for British GT runner Benjamin Harvey. Ben was getting some track time following a short break and in readiness for the next BGT round.
Practice went well with one damp and the second session in dry conditions. Colin and Sam got down to the 1.36s with Ben just a second behind. This was not surprising bearing in mind that the 77 car is running more horespower than the green meanie which was running in G4 spec and therefore only having the standard 240 hp.
Qualifying was held in perfect conditions and we suspected that something was up when Sam kept checking long before schedule when the cars were moving to the assembly area. Colin's plan worked out perfectly and he was first car out on track for qualifying. With a new set of slicks on he set a blistering pace in his first few laps and set his fastest time on lap 3 of 1.35.02. This was never bettered by any Class 2 runners and Colin got his first pole position for Class 2 and a brilliant P9 overall and a Row 5 grid slot.
Benjamin did a great job clocking a 1.37.42 to qualify P7 in Class 2 with only the usual leading runners of Symons, Webster, Pullen and returneee Colin Broster ahead.
RACE 1
The opening lap was always going to be fraught but even we did not anticipate what was to transpire. The pole sitting Porsche and second placed TVR Tuscan both went off at Paddock and the Class 2 pole sitter spun 2 corners later at Surtees taking out a couple of Porsches in the process. With all the exitement done in 30 secs, the race settled down with the only other drama involving Colin Broster being taken out by Marco Pullen's 360. Ben drove a steady race keeping out of trouble but lapping quicker as the race progressed to finish P4 in class.
RACE 2
In testament to the X-Bow's strength and race pedigree, the 77 car was repaired having replaced the N/S front top suspension arm, radiator, side diffuser and rear hoods in time for the 4pm start of the second race. Sam was pilot in this race.
By comparison, it was a quiet race with no dramas. Following comforting words from Dad & Mum, who had flown over with his siblings for this race, Sam made a good start and maintained position but was slowly reeled in by the 2 BMs and very rapid 996 of Colin Broster to finish P4 in class. Ben again drove a good race setting quicker times as the race wore on and actually setting his fastest lap on the last tour in 1.35.9
So to the next round at Oulton Park in Sept where ABG will be running the Porsche of Colin Broster, as well as the X-Bows.
