Unfortunately the Club2000 April Meeting at Red Lodge continued where we left off in March, in other words not great. Despite arriving at 7.35am we couldn’t get our trailer opening into the awning space behind Rob’s van but we got set quickly. The new DEP exhaust was added quickly before scrutineering, a new regulation requirement from this month. Transponder check was uneventful but Dad got mixed up, reading the wrong time against Sam’s name. It looked like a good 3s off the pace but in fact he was fine just lots clocking the same kind of time. Conditions were nice and dry so for the first time this year we were on SL3 slicks straight off.

For us there was then a long wait, Sam was placed in Heat 3, 4 and 5 so all our racing would be in the afternoon despite the early start.

Heats 3 and 4 saw Sam starting mid-pack and unfortunately lose places after gains off the start. Discipline in holding the racing line and hence being able defend position seemed to be a key learning this weekend.

Heat 5 started well with Sam making a blinding start beating one of the front runners into turn 1 and 2 only to be apparently deliberately punted off by that same experienced racer. This was made worse by Sam getting a warning for contact when I fact he was just the middle domino in a series of contact caused by the kart to Sam’s rear. A visit later to the Clerk of the Course initiated by Sam had us clarifying the incident, all part of racing they say.

For the first time in the last three races Sam found himself back in the B final. Starting from P9 and looking for a top 4 finish to get into the A Final it looked to be a tall order. Off the start Sam was up to P5 with one more place get but sadly an error meant an off and places lost. Frustration reigned and eventually 12th was the best we could muster although the silver lining was PB lap of 47.98s. When we first came to Red Lodge and lapped in 55s in the warm & dry 47s seemed impossible. Yet here we are and 47s it is! However, Sam was very disappointed and it showed, we stayed to watch the A Final for some inspiration but not much helped.

So May next (unless we get to Kimbolton)  see you there!