Blast

Racing on the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch, the weekend had a race card packed with a wide and varied program of races.

The VW Racing Cup was to be one of the most dramatic series of the weekend with an amazing 31 cars lining up on the starting grid. Claire put in a steady qualifying session to start 24th but was adamant she would be able to better her starting position, a promise she lived up to.

Strong start

Claire made a strong start in race one and was part of a race long battle. Claire scythed through the opposition to make up eleven places, finishing 13th overall.

"I was battling hard for every second of the race" said Claire afterwards, "there was never a moments let up.  I was able to get passed many cars and for much of the race was in a very close battle with Wyhinny in the Caddy, Quartermaine in the Vento and Bliss in the Beetle. It was an excellent race. I felt very comfortable and confident throughout so was looking forward to race two."

Her placing in Race One determined her grid slot for Race Two, 13th, and with high hopes for a top ten finish in the second race Claire elected to play her joker.

Disaster strikes!

However, Claire was set to become an innocent victim of a first corner pile up.  As the pack approached Druids, Craig Inskip went into the back of Wyhinny's Caddy which was forced into Claire's Golf.

A crash ends Claire's interest in the second race

The heavy impact left Claire dazed and winded, as the rear of the driver's side took the brunt of the force.  Unbeknown to Claire her car was seeping petrol as the fuel tank was ruptured in the crash.

A momentarily confused Claire made her way to safety as the marshals removed her stricken car.  We are pleased to say despite a sore neck, headache and general stiffness, Claire is otherwise okay. Perhaps the largest bruise is that to the hopes she had for Race Two.

"To be taken out at any time is bad enough" said Claire, "but it was extra disappointing and annoying when it came at a time when our hopes were so high. It can't take away from the achievement and promise of the first race but it will be chalked down in my memory as a big 'what if?'."

Article by Rebecca Hobbs

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