News > Snetterton 27th March 2005
 
The Hot Hatch regulations were opened up over the winter, allowing throttle bodies, free gearboxes, LSD's, and a new compound tyre. It has had the effect of killing a few of the old XR2's that used to race and is bringing newer machinery into the championship, including 2 ex-class B touring cars.
 
I qualified 2nd and was very happy, considering these were the first laps I have completed of Snetterton, and the car was very different to Mallory at the end of last year due to the regulation changes.
 
The first race was wet and with the Esses covered in mud from the Formula Vee's it was somewhat tricky. Simon Harvey in his 306 made a good start and dragged alongside me going along the Revett Straight, only to out-brake himself at the Esses. After that I didn't really see another car, and came home 24 seconds ahead of the rest.
 
The second race was not so easy. I made a bad start and dropped back behind Simon. I followed for 2 laps before I lost 5th gear going down the Revett Straight and spent the rest of the race on the rev limiter in 4th along the front and back. In frustration I made a silly mistake at the Esses and gave Simon a 5 second lead. However, with 2 laps to go I had caught him. He has a lot of power in the 306 and keeping up in a straight line with 4 gears was almost impossible.
 
Despite this I found myself on his bumper going into Coram on the last lap, and saw a small gap into Russell. We both braked too late, but I managed to get out ahead and stayed ahead to the line.
 
It was a fantastic day, and having thought we may be off the pace with the same spec engine as last year, we were delighted!