With very few practise laps and months since I've been on GTR2 I opt'd for the safer 350z to get back into the swing of things.
Got a lap on the board in Qualifying and then sat back. I had no intention of trying to improve my time with Mike and Alex a good 5 secs in front. I went for a straight down the middle pitstop and aimed for a consistant lap.
The start went akward, last on the grid but as the lights went green I dumped the clutch and span on the line, so instantly was +9 secs behind. Although it wasn't planned it suited me and I could then race without distractions.
I soon came across Junkie who seemed to be having a lot of problems with his 350z, I overtook him but messed up and he took the place back. I caught him up again and due to luck of him spinning on another corner made my way up to third.
After this I saw nothing until Mike and Alex came around to lap me, I let both through but Alex made a mistake and I unlapped myself. After a few corners he was back on my tail so came off lie to let him pass, unfortunately Alex took longer than I expected to lap me and I ended up in the gravel before I could get back on line.
Approaching mid way my fronts where shot and came in, I opt'd to repair some nose damage I picked up while playing in the sand letting Alex through. Back in third I saw Mike cussing that he has a Stop and Go then his PC froze which was followed by Junkie losing a wheel and also losing his valient battle with that 350z.
This left me and Alex in the race. Deciding I would never catch him I just drove a steady pace, unfortunately the second set of boots weren't getting up to temperature which left me a bit off pace. For no known reason to me I then appeared to be in the lead* ....Alex was 9 secs behind me and in about 5 laps caught and passed me again when we both messed up on a corner, I ended up deeper in the gravel then Alex. This was short live however as Alex' stratergy was a two stopper and there was only 3 minutes of the race left. With Alex safely tucked in the pit lane with a tarten blanket on his knee and a copy of Country Life I was a clear 1 mintue in the lead when he decided to reappear.
With the race mine to lose and my tires still colder than an Eskimo's backside after winning the International Naked Muscial Chairs competition, I took my foot off the gas and made for a safe first victory.
Thanks to all for a good race and hopefully as good next time.
Mark
* Edit
After looking on the replay, Alex pitted in and then did some strange dance in his car while coming down the pit lane to re join