GT CUP - Round 3 - Snetterton
27th June 2010
Following the good test session in March, the Manup Racing X-Bow pitched up for the test day prior to Round 3 in a positive mood. Alas, the first 2 sessions were disappointing with a misfiring engine and "knackered" tyres. However, with new boots fitted the last 2 sessions were much better and times came back into the 1.13s.
Saturday was boiling with the temperature in the low 30s which was not good for the turbo cars. This was proven in the first practice session with a best time of 1.15.2. Practice 2 was better with a more representative time of 1.13.3
Qualifying went well with Colin and Sam netting P4 for Class 2 in their respective sessions. Times were pretty close with father and son seperated by 0.125 secs
Race 1
Colin started the first race and got involved in the best scrap of the race between the top 4 Class 2 cars and who were running 6th to 10th overall. At the 15 min mark, Colin was sitting very comfortably behind the 2 BMs and Porsche in spite of the X-Bow's lack of grunt down the Revett straight. This was proven when he slipped into P3 and was winding up for a pass on the leading duo with 5 mins to go. Alas, Action man was a little eager on the gas going into Russels and gave both the commentator and the following BMW a heart stopping moment. A great recovery meant that he only lost the one position to finish where he started in P4 but a stunning 9th overall from 31starters and 24 finishers.
Race 2
Unfortunately for Sam, there was not so much action in the second race and with a number of the quick boys who DNF in the first race back for this one, it was going to be tough. In spite of this, Sam drove at a very quick pace and still bagged P5 in class and 12 overall finishing in front of some pretty quick cars and drivers.
Consistent places and a reliable car are all important which is proven by the fact that after 3 rounds, the team from Mona's Isle are lying 3rd in Class 2 only 1 point behind the Ferrari 360 Challenge car of Michael Dwaine and 13 points off the rapid Webster E36 BMW.
Next round is on the Brands GP circuit at the end of July.
