After the last sprint at 'Combe my finances have dried up a bit more than expected because I've been doing other things. I had to withdraw my entry for the Colerne sprint, and I was away for the final 2 events of the year at Wiscombe.

 

In a non-competetive role though I've been to the Nurburgring in the car, where it was hugely impressive, although the relatively low ultimate power output meant some of the gradients were a bit of a struggle. However, without really trying the car was easily quicker than the Megane I took last year. Much of the time we spent there was wet as well, which meant a very quiet track, but the 'ring is ultra slippery in the wet, almost as bad as silverstone, so braking is a problem. It did mean I got more in touch with the wet weather dynamics of the car, and so I should be much better equipped at a future wet trackday or sprint.

 

I've entered the Bristol Pegasus sprint at Castle Combe on the 18th October, which stands more than a good chance of being wet! I'm hoping to fit 4 point harnesses in the car before the event, at least on the driver's side, which should help my performance as the secure feeling they give makes it far easier to control the car at the limit, since you don't have to hold on, you can just concentrate on driving.

 

Over the winter I've still got some upgrades planned, although it's going to be more limited than originally planned since I have decided to try and save a little bit for a possile future racing season. I'll certainly fit 4 point harnesses, and I need to change tyres, probably to a different make from the OEM bridgestones, and a slightly wider front profile. Hopefully my budget will still stretch to adjustable dampers, and I think that this will make the car fairly competetive next year.