Jamie-Lea Hawley has just had her final races of her 2017 Fiesta Junior season. Here she tells us the story of the weekend;
Friday – overall Friday was a good day, learning the track and finding a setup which I felt comfortable with. I was setting quick laps and was confident for the weekend ahead. The car felt great and I had settled back in nicely for the weekend ahead.
Saturday first practice- practice was an early start as we were the first session out. I went out and tried to find were the grip was on a very greasy circuit. As the car came up to temperature the lap times came tumbling down and the car felt great to drive. There were a few adjustments which needed to be made to the car for the next session but overall it was a good positive start to the day.
Saturday second practice – As the day had progressed, the temperature was much warmer than in the morning session. I felt that the car would handle much better now and we would get even better lap times. I went out and warmed the car up for a couple of laps and the gave it my all for a couple of laps before a quick stop in the pit to change tyres. I found a huge amount of time on the lap I did on the new tyres and this made me even more confident for the weekend ahead.
Qualifying – I went out to qualify with hope I would place high on the grid. I started to set quick sectors and each lap the time would drop. The grid was so close on the times which were being set and there were only tenths between the field. I dropped down to 9th with only 100th of a second between us. I tried to improve on the lap for two more laps but the car just got to hot and I made the decision to come in and save my tyres for the race instead.
Race one – I started ninth on the grid for race one but was confident I could make up places due to how close the cars were on lap times. I had a great start and made ground on the cars in front. The track was very greasy and there was light rain in the air. As well as trying to make places up I had to think about the best place on the track for the most grip too and try to find an advantage over the other drivers. One by one I made the places up and was looking very strong out on track. I had the support on the pit wall cheering me on and I was loving every minute in the car. I ended the race finishing fourth and very pleased to improve on my best finish of the season so far. i came off the track knowing that I gave it my all and I knew I had improved all throughout the weekend.
Race two – I was starting fourth in race two on the second row of the grid. I was so excited to be starting here for the first time and my confidence levels shot up. I was looking forward to the race and was looking for a podium finish to end the season of on a high. The start wasn’t my best as I just created a little too much wheel spin. I dropped a couple places but made them back again by the second corner. The car was getting better every lap and was looking for a top 3 finish. A few laps in to the race unfortunately I had a crash and the race was red flagged. I was taken to the medical centre and had to go to hospital. There I was told that I have broken my arm. I was gutted that I can’t be back in the car for a while I just can’t wait to be racing again. Thank you to all the drivers and families for your best wishes it means a lot. Good luck to all in the future.
I would like to say a huge thank you too all the marshals who do an amazing job at the side of the track and for helping me get out of the car as quickly as possible. The Brscc who do an amazing job at running the fiesta junior championship. Specialized motorsport for an amazing car all year and getting me where I am today. A massive thank you to Brian because without you I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this and I am so grateful for all you have done for me this year. we make a good team my mum and dad for getting me to the tracks every meeting. last but not least everyone who has supported me throughout the year. By Jamie-Lea Hawley