E30 Race Car Blog with Video
- Thread starter Fishy Dave
- Start date
Cheers for the photo Tom, yes, modern cars are huge by comparison. That will be the second container of fuel going in, on top of the half tank I started with! Silverstone plus a straight six = lots of petrol used! I've started editing onboard video clips but am working away this week so it might not be finished for a while yet.
pHilli0 said:
That's brilliant, well done Phil. Tom passed his last week too
Good luck to pHilli0 who has his first ever races this weekend at Cadwell Park in PBMW.
Ah yes, I should know it's next week, if it were this weekend I could have been there :? 
My stickers arrived yesterday, although I've not got the windscreen strip still oh and not sure the white pbmw will show up on my car :roll: . The Trackday Trophy stickers are on, but look pretty horrible!
I taxed it this week so have had a couple of fun days driving it on the road. Anyone complaining that the ride in their M is firm should drive this!
My stickers arrived yesterday, although I've not got the windscreen strip still oh and not sure the white pbmw will show up on my car :roll: . The Trackday Trophy stickers are on, but look pretty horrible!
I taxed it this week so have had a couple of fun days driving it on the road. Anyone complaining that the ride in their M is firm should drive this!
pHilli0 said:Fishy Dave said:Good luck to pHilli0 who has his first ever races this weekend at Cadwell Park in PBMW.
Thanksits next weekend 23rd. I cant wait to give it a go. Nervous and excited
Good luck tomorrow Phil! Weather looks good for you too, I'm dreading my first will be in the pissing rain :lol:
Let us know how it goes
Thanks Gents! Had an amazing day yesterday! Headlines: qualified 13th race 1, 12th race 2 out of 26. Then finished both races 14th. Really chuffed as it was my debut and I was super nervous all day! The competition is fierce! But the actual racing was totally addictive, I wanted more! Pray for a dry day We got super lucky and it was glorious sunshine, I had to wear my shades, you can see how sunny it was in the in car vid.
Full write up, including YT vid of Race 2 in car footage on my blog: (hairy moments at 5:46 and 16:36)
http://www.phillynchracing.com/index.php/2017/04/24/pbmw-2017-cadwell-park-race-meet/
We got super lucky and it was glorious sunshine, I had to wear my shades, you can see how sunny it was in the in car vid.Full write up, including YT vid of Race 2 in car footage on my blog: (hairy moments at 5:46 and 16:36)
http://www.phillynchracing.com/index.php/2017/04/24/pbmw-2017-cadwell-park-race-meet/
My 1st races in the E30 are tomorrow at Brands on the GP circuit as part of the Toyo Tires Racing Saloons series, useful practice ahead of the two PBMW races on Sunday along with Phil. I'm a bit nervous as it's been a couple of years since I last race and don't know the GP at all well. 
Fishy Dave said:My 1st races in the E30 are tomorrow at Brands on the GP circuit as part of the Toyo Tires Racing Saloons series, useful practice ahead of the two PBMW races on Sunday along with Phil. I'm a bit nervous as it's been a couple of years since I last race and don't know the GP at all well.
It's all the build up. As soon as you are behind the wheel everything will make sense! I was massively nervous for Cadwell, for Brands I am excited with little nerves. What will be will be, and we will be having fun what ever times / positions we get. Being on the grid and actually racing takes so much effort, cash and commitment I am going to enjoy every second.
I'm not doing TTRS as I did the GP track day recently but I'll be at the circuit around 07:00 Sunday for some bacon.
Fishy Dave said:My 1st races in the E30 are tomorrow at Brands on the GP circuit as part of the Toyo Tires Racing Saloons series, useful practice ahead of the two PBMW races on Sunday along with Phil. I'm a bit nervous as it's been a couple of years since I last race and don't know the GP at all well.
Oh and good luck !!!
It's taken a few days to catch up and recover from the weekend.
Saturday: The car scrutineered with no problems and I took part in the TTRS qualifying session hoping for some dry running to help me remember which way the GP circuit went and also get used to the car in the dry. No luck, it started spitting almost from the start of the session, getting heavier towards the end with many cars diving for the pits after 5 laps, oh well. The time put me 3rd in class but way behind the class leader. I withdrew from the TTRS races to concentrate on the PBMW races the next day.
Sunday: Qualifying went ok although had a few moments getting a wheel on the grass, I qualified 13th out of 26 for both races. I had hoped for better but with no real testing it wasn't too bad. Phil from these parts got a better time and would start from 10th in race 1 and 11th in race 2. After qualifying many of the cars were checked for various things like open diff, weight, airbox parts and later washers on the rear beam. This caught a couple out with disqualifications. My car was a bit too heavy, actually maybe that's me, so I took out the lead ballast and re-weighed the car on the scales, much better although Garys flat floor set up was now ruined!
I had a reasonable start and made up a couple of places. Phil was just behind me on the second lap and had a good run out of Graham Hill Bend, I saw him approaching and kept the door open to tuck in behind. After we both passed another car Phil was pulling away until a mistake at Druids on lap 4 got me close behind again. A good exit from Graham Hill Bend and I planned to return the favour into Surtees making a pass up the inside.
What came next was a surprise to both of us with side to side contact and our wheels clashing. It spun Phil to the outside requiring a trip to the pits to check his car was ok before continuing, whilst I took to the grass certain the damage would be terminal such was the bang. I continued but could feel the car had changed with an increasing vibration, off centre steering wheel and different handling. As you can see from the video it loosened the camera mount. I finished 16th, Phil in 20th.
After the race we shook hands as I certain there was no malice intended. It's my first ever accident on track and of all the people I wouldn't have wanted to hit it was Phil. Not sure if you've had time since to work out what happened from you point of view Phil?
We were both quite surprised at the lack of visible damage to bodywork, with small scrapes/dents only. The force was taken by the wheels, with my front rim edge damaged and the rear wheel buckled, probably beyond repair. More serious was how loose the whole rear hub assembly was (discovered by TomK who kindly came down to watch and help), replacing the bearing at the track was not possible so we torqued up the nut and hoped for the best. Lowering the car off the jack we could see a problem when the damper wouldn't compress as expected. One of Gary Feakins mechanics kindly took a look and couldn't get the damper to move at all, so we suspect a bent shaft. To help reduce understeer I softened the front dampers, their didn't seem any point adjusting the rears now! Did the guys find any other damage to your car Phil?
All this took time and it was hot work under the sun, I skipped lunch and was soon being called to assemble for the second race. I went through a range of emotions including sadness, disbelief, frustration then resignation, especially when I thought the damage might stop me taking part in the 2nd race.
My head wasn't quite in the right place, I made a poor start and was intimidated out of the way on more than one occasion, especially witnessing one or two antics ahead. I found myself last at one stage, finally finishing 15th (3rd from last), an embarrassing performance. Despite the slightly wonky handling I improved my lap time (as did everyone else) due to getting to know the track that bit better. Phil had a storming result, finishing 8th, I never saw him after the start!
What I learned from the weekend, also known as racing excuses!
1. One make racing is very different from what I have done in the past. It is close and some of the experienced drivers are 'assertive' in their car positioning.
2. Testing and coaching makes a world of difference, it allows you to be on the pace quickly and also get your set up right from the beginning. Sadly time and money are against me on this, I have to use qualifying as testing!
3. I need to lower my expectations of results from this year and accept I have to re-learn how to drive this car.
Next meeting is Silverstone in ten days time! No time to get the damper or bearing sorted, so will have to hope for the best. It's also Toms first ever race in a 45 minute two driver 'Trackday Trophy' race, hoping this experience hasn't put him off?!
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS71g1XJITM
Superb photos from my CSCC photographer are here: http://www.davidstallardphotography.com/Petrol-Head/Cars/PBMWC-Brands-Hatch-21-05-17/
[youtube]sS71g1XJITM[/youtube]
Saturday: The car scrutineered with no problems and I took part in the TTRS qualifying session hoping for some dry running to help me remember which way the GP circuit went and also get used to the car in the dry. No luck, it started spitting almost from the start of the session, getting heavier towards the end with many cars diving for the pits after 5 laps, oh well. The time put me 3rd in class but way behind the class leader. I withdrew from the TTRS races to concentrate on the PBMW races the next day.
Sunday: Qualifying went ok although had a few moments getting a wheel on the grass, I qualified 13th out of 26 for both races. I had hoped for better but with no real testing it wasn't too bad. Phil from these parts got a better time and would start from 10th in race 1 and 11th in race 2. After qualifying many of the cars were checked for various things like open diff, weight, airbox parts and later washers on the rear beam. This caught a couple out with disqualifications. My car was a bit too heavy, actually maybe that's me, so I took out the lead ballast and re-weighed the car on the scales, much better although Garys flat floor set up was now ruined!
I had a reasonable start and made up a couple of places. Phil was just behind me on the second lap and had a good run out of Graham Hill Bend, I saw him approaching and kept the door open to tuck in behind. After we both passed another car Phil was pulling away until a mistake at Druids on lap 4 got me close behind again. A good exit from Graham Hill Bend and I planned to return the favour into Surtees making a pass up the inside.
What came next was a surprise to both of us with side to side contact and our wheels clashing. It spun Phil to the outside requiring a trip to the pits to check his car was ok before continuing, whilst I took to the grass certain the damage would be terminal such was the bang. I continued but could feel the car had changed with an increasing vibration, off centre steering wheel and different handling. As you can see from the video it loosened the camera mount. I finished 16th, Phil in 20th.
After the race we shook hands as I certain there was no malice intended. It's my first ever accident on track and of all the people I wouldn't have wanted to hit it was Phil. Not sure if you've had time since to work out what happened from you point of view Phil?
We were both quite surprised at the lack of visible damage to bodywork, with small scrapes/dents only. The force was taken by the wheels, with my front rim edge damaged and the rear wheel buckled, probably beyond repair. More serious was how loose the whole rear hub assembly was (discovered by TomK who kindly came down to watch and help), replacing the bearing at the track was not possible so we torqued up the nut and hoped for the best. Lowering the car off the jack we could see a problem when the damper wouldn't compress as expected. One of Gary Feakins mechanics kindly took a look and couldn't get the damper to move at all, so we suspect a bent shaft. To help reduce understeer I softened the front dampers, their didn't seem any point adjusting the rears now! Did the guys find any other damage to your car Phil?
All this took time and it was hot work under the sun, I skipped lunch and was soon being called to assemble for the second race. I went through a range of emotions including sadness, disbelief, frustration then resignation, especially when I thought the damage might stop me taking part in the 2nd race.
My head wasn't quite in the right place, I made a poor start and was intimidated out of the way on more than one occasion, especially witnessing one or two antics ahead. I found myself last at one stage, finally finishing 15th (3rd from last), an embarrassing performance. Despite the slightly wonky handling I improved my lap time (as did everyone else) due to getting to know the track that bit better. Phil had a storming result, finishing 8th, I never saw him after the start!
What I learned from the weekend, also known as racing excuses!
1. One make racing is very different from what I have done in the past. It is close and some of the experienced drivers are 'assertive' in their car positioning.
2. Testing and coaching makes a world of difference, it allows you to be on the pace quickly and also get your set up right from the beginning. Sadly time and money are against me on this, I have to use qualifying as testing!
3. I need to lower my expectations of results from this year and accept I have to re-learn how to drive this car.
Next meeting is Silverstone in ten days time! No time to get the damper or bearing sorted, so will have to hope for the best. It's also Toms first ever race in a 45 minute two driver 'Trackday Trophy' race, hoping this experience hasn't put him off?!
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS71g1XJITM
Superb photos from my CSCC photographer are here: http://www.davidstallardphotography.com/Petrol-Head/Cars/PBMWC-Brands-Hatch-21-05-17/
[youtube]sS71g1XJITM[/youtube]
Fishy Dave said:It's taken a few days to catch up and recover from the weekend.
Saturday: The car scrutineered with no problems and I took part in the TTRS qualifying session hoping for some dry running to help me remember which way the GP circuit went and also get used to the car in the dry. No luck, it started spitting almost from the start of the session, getting heavier towards the end with many cars diving for the pits after 5 laps, oh well. The time put me 3rd in class but way behind the class leader. I withdrew from the TTRS races to concentrate on the PBMW races the next day.
Sunday: Qualifying went ok although had a few moments getting a wheel on the grass, I qualified 13th out of 26 for both races. I had hoped for better but with no real testing it wasn't too bad. Phil from these parts got a better time and would start from 10th in race 1 and 11th in race 2. After qualifying many of the cars were checked for various things like open diff, weight, airbox parts and later washers on the rear beam. This caught a couple out with disqualifications. My car was a bit too heavy, actually maybe that's me, so i took out the lead ballast and re-weighed the car on the scales, much better although Garys flat floor set up was now ruined!
I had a reasonable start and made up a couple of places. Phil was just behind me on the second lap and had a good run out of Graham Hill Bend, I saw him approaching and kept the door open to tuck in behind. After we both passed another car Phil was pulling away until a mistake at Druids on lap 4 got me close behind again. A good exit from Graham Hill Bend and I planned to return the favour into Surtees making a pass up the inside.
What came next was a surprise to both of us with side to side contact and our wheels clashing. It spun Phil to the outside requiring a trip to the pits to check his car was ok before continuing, whilst I took to the grass certain the damage would be terminal such was the bang. I continued but could feel the car had changed with an increasing vibration, off centre steering wheel and different handling. As you can see from the video it loosened the camera mount. I finished 16th, Phil in 20th.
After the race we shook hands as I certain there was no malice intended. It's my first ever accident on track and of all the people I wouldn't have wanted to hit it was Phil. Not sure if you've had time since to work out what happened from you point of view Phil?
We were both quite surprised at the lack of visible damage to bodywork, with small scrapes/dents only. The force was taken by the wheels, with my front rim edge damaged and the rear wheel buckled, probably beyond repair. More serious was how loose the whole rear hub assembly was (discovered by TomK who kindly came down to watch and help), replacing the bearing at the track was not possible so we torqued up the nut and hoped for the best. Lowering the car off the jack we could see a problem when the damper wouldn't compress as expected. One of Gary Feakins mechanics kindly took a look and couldn't get the damper to move at all, so we suspect a bent shaft. To help reduce understeer I softened the front dampers, their didn't seem any point adjusting the rears now! Did the guys find any other damage to your car Phil?
All this took time and it was hot work under the sun, I skipped lunch and was soon being called to assemble for the second race. I went through a range of emotions including sadness, disbelief, frustration then resignation, especially when I thought the damage might stop me taking part in the 2nd race.
My head wasn't quite in the right place, I made a poor start and was intimidated out of the way on more than one occasion, especially witnessing one or two antics ahead. I found myself last at one stage, finally finishing 15th (3rd from last), an embarrassing performance. Despite the slightly wonky handling i improved my lap time (as did everyone else) due to getting to know the track that bit better. Phil had a storming result, finishing 8th, I never saw him after the start!
What I learned from the weekend, also known as racing excuses!
1. One make racing is very different from what i have done in the past. It is close and some of the experienced drivers are 'assertive' in their car positioning.
2. Testing and coaching makes a world of difference, it allows you to be on the pace quickly and also get your set up right from the beginning. Sadly time and money are against me on this, I will have to use qualifying as testing!
3. I need to lower my expectations of results from this year and accept I have to re-learn how to drive this car.
Next meeting is Silverstone in ten days time! No time to get the damper or bearing sorted, so will have to hope for the best. It's also Toms first ever race in a 45 minute two driver 'Trackday Trophy' race, hoping this experience hasn't put him off?!
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS71g1XJITM
Superb photos from my CSCC photographer are here: http://www.davidstallardphotography.com/Petrol-Head/Cars/PBMWC-Brands-Hatch-21-05-17/
[youtube]sS71g1XJITM[/youtube]
Evening. First, I am really sorry there was contact between our cars! :thumbsdown: Looking through your footage I can now see how you moved out to pass me. I am usually pretty vigilant in my mirrors but either your passing angle was just wide enough to be out of sight or I wasn't aware enough of the move. I have virtually zero experience racing with other cars around me, and from your footage I would suspect a better experienced racer would have naturally opened the line to give you a bit more room on the inside. Sadly that corner had been the bane of my day at the previous track day and I had been trying to put the coaching into practice and get it right, following the best line. Coupled with not seeing where you were meant our cars were destined to come together. Gutted.
The impact felt pretty bad to my inexperienced mind, and my steering wheel went out of my hands as I went into the gravel trap. I was pretty much last so thought nothing to loose to get the car visually checked imagining some panel damage or maybe a bent arch? Gary was a bit surprised when I rocked up and stopped in the pit lane, as there was nothing much to see, he sent me back out. I rejoined the circuit and tried to get a time. Completely failed. My head was messed up, I was rethinking the incident and I was nowhere on pace. In fact I screwed up worse and ended up being reported for speeding in the pit lane! The clerk of the course called me in for a "chat" and I apologised for the second time of the day and promised to be careful in future. I had no idea the speed limit was 60 kph and I have never been in the pits in a race before so gotta be careful in future.
The guys in GFR did check the car out before race 2 and there was nothing that obviously broken. The front wheel has a load of white paint where we touched, and the rear arch is scratched and damaged at one section. I am yet to hear if after a more thorough investigation there are a few bits that need replacing. In race 2 the car felt OK, steering was normal.
So from my review of the day, Sunday scruitineering was no problem. Qualification was a bit frustrating. My times were the same (in the 1.53s) as on the track day with random slow traffic and James Foard in the car. I was hoping for at least one 1.52. I was pretty disponadant wondering where my pace had gone.
Race 1, the car setup didn't feel right. I had understeer through druids, and clearways. I think that contributed to the mistake I made in druids allowing you to catch up prior to our contact. Looking at your vid my car looks to be leaning more than I would have expected.
So before race 2 I asked GFR to make some changes to the dampers, after some chatting, we agreed to harden up the rears a fair bit and 1 click harder on the front. This made a massive difference to race 2, and suddenly the front end was back, and I had the confidence to push. The first thing I was aware of was Ian Sheppard's car was gushing fuel at every left hander! It kept happening and he laid down a trail on surtees which I lost traction on and I had to correct. I was thinking not the same corner in both races please FFS. After two laps, the marshalls had cottended on and he was called in for spilling fluids. Sadly his race was over.
After a few laps I somehow had enough pace to catch the train of front runners and ended up running 9th at the back of the pack. I had a few cautious tustles and tried to get up to 8th but couldn't make it stick, no way was I going to "go for a move" after everything else before. On the last lap Sam Strong had a big moment around westfield and went off track. He slid sideways and I held my breath praying I wasn't about to have a big one as he span back across the circuit. Sam's skill was great and he managed to hold on just enough to keep the car out of the way and we all went past safely. After his mishap I was bumped up to 8th which is where I finished.
I checked my footage of race 2 and as if my some work of the technology devil I have footage of me leaving the holding area, lining up on the grid and poof nothing. Space left on the SD card and I pressed nothing obviously to stop it, but it decided to miss my best race and come back to life recording all of the parc ferme......
With everything else that happened I just mark that down to Sod's law. This is the reality of racing, you prep and prep but its all about the dice on the day. Overall I have mixed feelings. I felt like a massive rookie, and that showed in many areas. Plus feeling sad I wasn't able to do more to prevent the contact. Silverstone National for me is go like mad in qually and be really careful in the races to try and have a less eventful meet.
Really interesting to read and watch, it looks like great fun (albeit with an unfortunate racing incident between two Z4-forum teammates!).
I would love to have the time and money to do this. Although, I suspect that single mark racing against experienced drivers would make me realise how much of my trackday hero antics are due to a combination of bravery and having a 100+ bhp more than many of the other cars in my ///M or 500+ fewer kg in my Westfield, rather than any true racing skill
Keep the updates coming. I'd love to come and watch you guys race when I'm back in the UK this summer
I would love to have the time and money to do this. Although, I suspect that single mark racing against experienced drivers would make me realise how much of my trackday hero antics are due to a combination of bravery and having a 100+ bhp more than many of the other cars in my ///M or 500+ fewer kg in my Westfield, rather than any true racing skill
Keep the updates coming. I'd love to come and watch you guys race when I'm back in the UK this summer
What a super read, thanks for that, looking forwards to your next race, and have book marked your blog . Looks super fun, and super close. 
Would it be rude to ask what sort of cash you'd have to lay down for the season to compete?
Wish they had something like that here. :|
thanks for that, looking forwards to your next race, and have book marked your blog . Looks super fun, and super close. Would it be rude to ask what sort of cash you'd have to lay down for the season to compete?
Wish they had something like that here. :|
Vanne said:What a super read,
Would it be rude to ask what sort of cash you'd have to lay down for the season to compete?
Wish they had something like that here. :|
Thanks for checking out the blog
Cost wise it's classed as one of the most budget race championships but its still a lot of cash!!!
If you buy a road E30 they are £2-3000 on condition. Then add around £2000 to turn it into a race car.
If you buy a PBMW race car that is up to the current regs and has some form they are £6-7500.
Equipment - helmet, hans, overalls, gloves, boots, nomex underwear. I spent £1,500 for everything new.
PBMW championship costs - Around £2,000 for 2017 season. 15 min qually & 2 x 15 or 20 minute races at the countries prime circuits.
Race support - if you DIY everything, costs for various parts, trailer, tires, fuel, fluids, etc. I guess £3000 minimum for a season?
I am paying Gary Feakins Racing to take care of it for me. Plus as a novice I wanted testing or track days for 2017 to improve. Year 1 costs are big, proper big. But once you are up and running things become less insane in following years.
So cheapest year 1 costs would be:
DIY option: ARDS & medical (£300), car (5-6k), race entry fees (2k), full racing kit (1k), costs pre and post races inc fuel and tires (3k minimum) - £11 - £12k
Any damage to the car is on top of that.
Year 2 costs
DIY option: ARDS & medical (£300), race entry fees (2k), costs pre and post races inc fuel and tires (3k minimum) - £5k
Any damage to the car is on top of that.
If you have a clean season in 2018, 5k is really really good value for such a great championship as PBMW. If you have a big accident in race 1, you could have a 4k bill if getting someone to repair all the bodywork and internals, or a 2k bill if you do a load of the work yourself.
The PBMW community is full of people in their 3rd or even 6th season. They are comfortable at each circuit, have lots of close wheel to wheel racing and mostly don't have any contact with anyone all year. They love it and it doesn't financially destroy them. That to me is the sweet spot. The novice has a load of year 1 costs that are very big, and needs the most coaching, and makes the biggest mistakes, it all makes for a much more uncertain outcome from year 1. My aim is to get to the end of the year with a car that is as close to the condition it was at the start. Then commit to the 2018 season hoping for much less coaching support, and therefore cash outlay.
Round 3 of the Production BMW Championship @ Silverstone National is now over, and one word: fantastic!
Headlines: I qualified 5th for Race 1, 6th for Race 2. I finished race one 6th (after fighting for a podium 3rd) and race two 7th out of 25!. Beyond expectations!!! Full TSL Results for the day are here. http://www.phillynchracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pbmw_silvnatresults.pdf
The weekend started on the Friday, my first test day. It was pretty clear the car was understeering during the first session, so we stiffened the rear and the front dampers quite a lot. By the end of testing I had done a 1:31:1 which I was fairly happy with. Rob Cooper had managed a 1:12:6, a great time and something I could not equal. We assumed the front runners would be in the low 1:12s so I was hopeful for 10th qually. The bad news was the engine had developed an overheating problem, and was getting to the red line during a long run. GFR put in some K seal to try and fix any micro crack that might be present and get the car stable enough for the racing.
Sunday came around quick and we were chatting with Matt Swaffer about his best time on Friday; 1:12:4. Wow, not as fast as feared and something in reach if I can get the perfect lap. Qually started and with the circuit being so small and with so many cars we were all struggling for space. I did a 1:13:3 on my final lap and I jumped from 7th to 5th. I was so happy with that, a big jump in performance from Brands and I was finally getting in contention with the really fast guys.
Race 1 was an absolute blast. I had a great scrap with Owen Darch and Andy Gay for 3rd place for most of the race, then the rain that had been threatening finally came. I was worried about the grip levels so we were cautious. I made a small mistake running a car length wide and opened the door to Mark Palmer, who had been really close behind me for laps. We were side by side down the straight and round Copse, Mark eventually passing as I left enough room to avoid an incident. I finished 6th. The team were thrilled, I had demonstrated I can race in a fast pack, defend where necessary and keep cool and consistent. Fighting for a podium is a dream for my third ever race meet.
The race was followed by a very long period in the scrutineers as they checked my cams were stock. Eventually I got the all clear and had a late lunch. After a 30 min rest in my car I was ready for race 2.
The race started well enough, but the engine hesitation that had dogged me at Cadwell at the beginning of the year was back, this time showing itself on the straights lap after lap. This was just enough of a pace disadvantage to allow Dave to close really close and eventually pass. The engine then behaved for a few laps and we had a really close fight all the way to the line. Dave was managing some oversteer and me a little understeer. I finished 7th, Dave 6th and we shook hands. It was great to have no contact and a fair scrap, we both had loads of fun.
Overall a great weekend, my target is qually 3rd-5th at Silverstone GP in 4 weeks. I have asked GFR to resolve the engine issue, not sure how bad that will be, there are 2 issues at the moment so it’s gotta be resolved as I have 8 races to go this season. Sooner rather than later I am going to grab a cheeky podium, I just need to push 100% everywhere.
I managed to get some great footage of both races.
Production BMW Silverstone National – Round 3 – Race 1
https://youtu.be/GFXVXNUW860
Production BMW Silverstone National – Round 3 – Race 2
https://youtu.be/R6sBpdkk23s
Headlines: I qualified 5th for Race 1, 6th for Race 2. I finished race one 6th (after fighting for a podium 3rd) and race two 7th out of 25!. Beyond expectations!!! Full TSL Results for the day are here. http://www.phillynchracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pbmw_silvnatresults.pdf
The weekend started on the Friday, my first test day. It was pretty clear the car was understeering during the first session, so we stiffened the rear and the front dampers quite a lot. By the end of testing I had done a 1:31:1 which I was fairly happy with. Rob Cooper had managed a 1:12:6, a great time and something I could not equal. We assumed the front runners would be in the low 1:12s so I was hopeful for 10th qually. The bad news was the engine had developed an overheating problem, and was getting to the red line during a long run. GFR put in some K seal to try and fix any micro crack that might be present and get the car stable enough for the racing.
Sunday came around quick and we were chatting with Matt Swaffer about his best time on Friday; 1:12:4. Wow, not as fast as feared and something in reach if I can get the perfect lap. Qually started and with the circuit being so small and with so many cars we were all struggling for space. I did a 1:13:3 on my final lap and I jumped from 7th to 5th. I was so happy with that, a big jump in performance from Brands and I was finally getting in contention with the really fast guys.
Race 1 was an absolute blast. I had a great scrap with Owen Darch and Andy Gay for 3rd place for most of the race, then the rain that had been threatening finally came. I was worried about the grip levels so we were cautious. I made a small mistake running a car length wide and opened the door to Mark Palmer, who had been really close behind me for laps. We were side by side down the straight and round Copse, Mark eventually passing as I left enough room to avoid an incident. I finished 6th. The team were thrilled, I had demonstrated I can race in a fast pack, defend where necessary and keep cool and consistent. Fighting for a podium is a dream for my third ever race meet.
The race was followed by a very long period in the scrutineers as they checked my cams were stock. Eventually I got the all clear and had a late lunch. After a 30 min rest in my car I was ready for race 2.
The race started well enough, but the engine hesitation that had dogged me at Cadwell at the beginning of the year was back, this time showing itself on the straights lap after lap. This was just enough of a pace disadvantage to allow Dave to close really close and eventually pass. The engine then behaved for a few laps and we had a really close fight all the way to the line. Dave was managing some oversteer and me a little understeer. I finished 7th, Dave 6th and we shook hands. It was great to have no contact and a fair scrap, we both had loads of fun.
Overall a great weekend, my target is qually 3rd-5th at Silverstone GP in 4 weeks. I have asked GFR to resolve the engine issue, not sure how bad that will be, there are 2 issues at the moment so it’s gotta be resolved as I have 8 races to go this season. Sooner rather than later I am going to grab a cheeky podium, I just need to push 100% everywhere.
I managed to get some great footage of both races.
Production BMW Silverstone National – Round 3 – Race 1
https://youtu.be/GFXVXNUW860
Production BMW Silverstone National – Round 3 – Race 2
https://youtu.be/R6sBpdkk23s
Well done Phil, you look pretty comfortable in the car now. Keep on pushing, I'm sure there's a podium in there for you, an impressive aim/result for your first year!
Good to see the Z4 forum guys battling it out.. Cleanly this time
Dave kindly let me drive his car with him in the trackday trophy race the day before. What a great experience! I envy you both being able to take part in a full season, best of luck to you both.
I'm eagerly awaiting dave's video of our race I think he will be posting. No sniggering at the back please, it was my first time :dizzy:
Good to see the Z4 forum guys battling it out.. Cleanly this time
Dave kindly let me drive his car with him in the trackday trophy race the day before. What a great experience! I envy you both being able to take part in a full season, best of luck to you both.
I'm eagerly awaiting dave's video of our race I think he will be posting. No sniggering at the back please, it was my first time :dizzy: