Glynn Allen Blogspot: RAC Woodcote Trophy (Spa 6hrs) 2011

Our paddock from next F1 building

Jag section

Qualifying:-

Car:- Aston Martin DB2 Le Mans Lightweight 1951 (spec)

Friday 40 min Qualifying 9.30am

Weather Clear and cool, Bright with no wind.

Best Lap: 3.31

Grid Position: 31

Car handled very well but would not rev past about 4,500 in 3rd and would not pull in 4th gear so the two big straights caused major damage to lap times.

Race 1 hour (1 or 2 drivers):-

A long way back 31st on grid of 34.

10.30am warm, bright, no wind.

Best Lap:- 3.24

Finishing Position:- 23rd

Class Position:- 7th

Getting closer again

The car ran very well but a little slow picking up in 3rd gear I did not bother with 4th as the car is not powerful enough.

I over took several cars on the first lap with the intention of catching up with the other Astons as I had a slow qualifying time. By the end of the first lap I was right behind an Aston 2/4 but could not get past. I was faster in the slower windy parts of the track but could not keep up along the straights.

I finally decided to go for it coming into Les Combe but braked too late and missed the corner although I got passed I gave the position back. I continued to press but with no success.

I pitted in lap 10 but when I came out I was about 1500m behind with Aston I had been chasing so over the last 7 or 8 laps I slowly closed in and finally got within about 100m by the chequered flag.

Pit stop Steve asking about lunch

I lost the 12secs in 3 areas a slow in lap by me a fast out lap by the Aston driver and a slower pit stop all of which added up to12 secs and made it hard but enjoyable work to try and catch up.

I pressed the car in the windy parts as much as I could to make up for the lack of power down the straights and this has helped me to understand the car better.

Overall a very enjoyable race with my best lap time in the DB2 Le Mans.

Thanks to all the Wren Sport Team for their race support and encouragement.

Finally I was glad to see that like me Steve also waves to the apex of a corner as it goes by ( video and photographic evidence available by request).

On Track and Pit shots:-