Due to the current restricted race budget while new sponsorship is being sourced unfortunately no testing was conducted this weekend however we arrived at Silverstone on Friday 22nd June none the less and watched other competitors progress then in the evening Chloe completed a walking lap of the track to familiarise herself.
This weekend would see one fifteen minute qualifying session on Saturday morning before two fifteen minute races Saturday afternoon.
Fridays weather of clear sunny sky’s and dry track conditions returned for Saturdays qualifying. Chloe made a pit stop after the opening few laps commenting that the car was strongly pulling to the right. The team made their checks and changed some tyres pressures before she headed back out to complete a smooth uneventful session with a best lap time of 1.10.33 on lap eleven placing her 8th on the grid for race one.
Before the afternoon, adjustments were made to the cars tracking and suspension. Chloe’s 30Kg balase was also removed following instruction from the scrutineers. With two new front tyres curtsy of WDB transport Chloe’s aim for race one was to push hard and try to climb the field.
On her first lap Chloe was held up by No 8 who spun meanings she had to run over the grass to avoid him however she pushed on the gain some ground and another place. No 53 retiring mid way through moved Chloe up another space leading to a strong battle with the other female driver in this class (Sami Bowler) which continued over a couple of laps before Chloe passed between corpse and maggots holding the position to finish 4th. Her best lap time of 1.09.27 again came on lap eleven.
Following the success of race 1 Chloe was given a balase of 20kg to add back to her car and finishing positions four to six from race one were drawn for a pole starting spot which Chloe won. She now had a great opportunity and after settling into the car during race one and gaining confidence no changes were made.
The whole field was slightly delayed reaching the assembly area so preparations were slightly rushed and an unfortunate technical issue setting up the cars camera system unsettled Chloe’s pre race routine causing her some distress and districting focus. Having said this she started well and held onto first place for a good lap and a half but was unable to start pulling away before she was caught. Lack of confidence following events preceding the race meant Chloe gradually fell and despite her best time of 1.09.05 on lap 7 fell through the field finishing 6th.
Following the successful race one once again Chloe proved to have the pace meaning besides the unfortunate events at the start of race one lack of trace time was her only real issue arising from this weekend therefore fingers crossed for success in the ongoing sponsorship efforts to enable some testing at the next session, Oulton Park 21st July.
Thanks to WDB transportation for providing tyres and SRR racing for their assistance with mechanics and race advise over the weekend. Chloe..
