We get onto the grid. The lights are on red. Literally a second later they go off! Unbelievable, usually we get a 5minute board and a countdown. I have a false start, never mind, to late to complain, focus, drive, race! I block McGarthy who was trying to sneak on me.
26 seconds into the race as we approach Brave corner dust rises into the air…something is up. Half a second later Wager is spinning in the middle of the track maybe 3 car lengths in front of me. Fleming avoids him in extremis; I am already on his tail. He has claimed the rest of the track and has 2 wheels on the grass.
My last 2 accidents flash in my mind…not again! My heart is pumping like crazy. I take the grass, it feels like skiing. I’m not traveling fast but I have no grip with the ground. I am watching my own race slo-mo in my head. I must be very careful to slowly brake and turn the car. Nothing sudden or I will spin into running cars and the concrete wall ahead. Don’t accelerate through the high kerb or your car will be in pieces. No don’t brake either… Balance, awareness and finesse are required here. You can do it, rejoin the track but not across the kerb or the car will not make it, I already told you!!!
By the skin of my teeth I get back onto the tacmac unharmed. I’ve survived the incident but find myself at the back of the pack. Again!!! At that stage am I 20th? 22nd? Who knows? Who cares? Are the other drivers conspiring to take turns and spin in front of me? Do I just attract bad luck?
No, in my heart I know that I need to get quicker, to move beyond the mid pack as to avoid being in a tussle in every race. This is deja vu, I need to perform some stunts to get back up. Frustrating, challenging but so much fun! Come on wake up! Be wild! The long hard climb to Mount Everest is upon me.
Wager is behind me and hungry, so am I. Once again I have nothing to loose, be at your best Karim, I say my mantras, relax my mind and get into the zone.
I make a few overtaking moves and I am happy with the progression. Last time I saw Kevin’s board he was indicating 10 / P14. 10 for my car number and P14 for my position in the race. I still have plenty of time to grab a few places.
9’25” the Yellow flag is out. Great I think, I’ll catch up with the pack ahead and that will make it easier for me.
I see Guy’s car in the wall, it looks pretty smashed up. I hope he’s alright.
Unfortunately we finish the race under Yellow flag…disappointing! Butterfly and I are unharmed and live to fight another day.
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