Brands Hatch Race, August  28th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 17th out of 24, Finished 18th out of 24

I really enjoy Brands Indy Circuit. You don't get a second to think with a great variety of different speed corners from the awesome Paddock Hill to the hairpin at Druids. As we are now getting to grips with the set up on the car we were relatively confident of a top ten spot. After two laps Paul Lomax up ended his Clio against the barriers at Surtees and out came the Red flags. As we returned to the pits I prayed for rain as I was lying 5th. The session resumed and I held 10th right up until the dying laps when I had rear wheel bearing collapse which put me back to a disappointing 17th but only 0.9 seconds off pole. Was this going to be a close race!

For the race its self, rain, and then more rain, and then clearing skies. What tyre choice? I opted for slicks and this was eventually followed by everyone else. The race started on a drying track and I had soon made a couple of places up when on lap 2 I was tapped into a spin at Graham Hill. I rejoined in almost last and latched on a recovering Bob Smith and Dave Pierce. We steadily made our way through the traffic and I then passed Dave and Paul Lomax. As I exited Druids I was hit fairly hard by Paul from behind which sent the car spinning backwards with great force into the barriers. I kept it running and rejoined with a much shorter car and minus most of the exhaust. Fearing much worse damage I returned to the pits where I was given the all clear to rejoin the race.

Despite the noise I was enjoying myself and passed several cars before the exhaust fumes started to be a problem. With streaming eyes I crossed the finish line 18th and not last.

Well off to the body shop to prepare for Oulton in two weeks.

Snetterton Race, July 8th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 23rd out of 28, Finished 17th out of 28

Report yet to be filed.

Brett Lloyd Payne
Where are my infra red goggles?

Night racing is still quiet new to Motorsport at this level, so there was a lot of anticipation in the both the teams and the crowd, for last years event had a lot to live up to. This year seemed to sway between loads to do (a practice, a qualifying session and the race all within 24 hours) and some rather strange quiet periods. Still, at least I picked up a triple word score in scrabble, therefore allowing me to beat someone for a change! 
The race was also a new experience for the preparation team, as HPL Racing have enlisted the kind support of Suffolk Motorsport, who are helping us out with the set ups for the remainder of the season. Robin Dale, our compatriot for the past races continues to work with Steve Smith of Motorsport Engineering, and we wish them all the luck for the future. So we had some interesting conversations with Suffolk Motorsport in regards to car setup, especially as they had only got hold of it four days before hand! The race its self had a few spills and thrills, as always, and it did mean a safety car being pulled out. At this point we were actually up to 14th, but the problem with safety cars, corners and the night time darkness is you cant see when the lights go out!!! So unfortunately, we dropped a couple of places on the last few laps.  Now we look forward to Donington, to put into practice what we learnt at Snetterton.  

Silverstone Race, June 11th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 27th out of 28, Finished 20th out of 28

Report yet to be filed. 

Brett Lloyd Payne
Taking in the suns rays

Good day at Silverstone from a business perspective, not so good from a racing perspective. Both Graham and Robin not happy at all with the results, and the other racing wasn't as good as it has been in the past. Thirty six or so guests in attendance, which keeps everyone happy. And there wasn't just issues with the cars, but also my mountain bike which decided to snap its chain as far away from the pits as is practically possible! And of course, I wasn't doing anything serious, so did I have my fixing kit on me? Nope!

Oulton Park Race, May 29th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 20th out of 27, Finished 17th out of 27

Well I am certainly making life difficult for myself this year. I just don't seem to get the best from qualifying and once again I found myself in 20th on the grid.

Steve told me to make one of my famed starts and make up as many places as possible on the opening laps. The first part went to plan and as the lights changed I was off making up two rows before the first corner. I tucked in behind Simon Clarke into the first corner and thought great no bumps and I am clear, just then I was aware of a Andy Thompson's car at ninety degrees to the pack and heading straight towards me. The impact was hard and in the drivers door, I was collected by Chris Armefetis and spun backwards into the barriers. As the dust settled I was on my own and the pack was heading into the distance.

I set off in pursuit and soon started to make progress as I caught the slower cars and several drivers decided to explore the scenery. Soon the safety car was out to recover Jan Prowse car and I was able to close up on the main pack. After another safety car incident I was once again behind Simon Clarke. We quickly caught Dennis Bunning but he wasn't making it easy for Simon to get by. Two laps from the end and I was in 12th, not bad from a disastrous start. However I was just a little over enthusiastic and I had just about shot my brakes on the penultimate lap when the car got away from me and I spun at Lodge and back to 17th after all that hard work, I could of kicked myself, but at that moment I would have probably missed.

With a lot of damage sustained Steve was going to be kept busy. On closer inspection the impact had broken the roll cage just behind the drivers seat. Scary Stuff!!!!!!

Brett Lloyd Payne
Taking Auditions

Well it seems that my Knockhill Ballerina Audition comment was taken a little to seriously by the teams last week. The whole race consisted of spins, spins and more spins. Eighteen at the last count! Rather a strange day though, I think the weather fooled everyone, as the crowds seem to stay away. The paddock seemed like an early sunday morning qualification period! Grahams not over happy about losing five places on the last lap, and Robin wasn't to pleased with the bumper car experience. Still, at least the two cars still match, as the damage was in the same place on both cars!

Knockhill Race, May 14th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 15th out of 24, Finished 14th out of 24 

I always enjoy visiting Knockhill as the circuit, while tight, is exciting and challenging. The test on Friday went well and I was only 0.8 seconds down on the fastest lap and I had high hopes for the race. 

Qualifying was as expected very close and I initially ran in the top ten but with a lot of traffic it was difficult to get a clear lap. I ended up a disappointing 15th exactly a second off pole. With only 6 or 7 hundreds of a second down to 11th place it was going to be close race. The one thing that was hard to understand about the whole weekend was the weather. We were in Scotland and the sun hadn't stopped shinning for four days!!!

As we lined up for on the grid it was impossible to see the start lights and I had to rely on going when everyone else went. My tactics were to get the first lap out of the way and then start to work up the field.
However this was not to be as exiting the Chicane on the first lap the rear end lost traction and sent me spinning across the grass. Each time I went around I could see Robin in my mirrors doing his best to copy me.
A couple of witnesses came up after the race and confirmed that I had in fact been touched by the following car causing the spin.

So the end of the first lap saw me in 23rd!!! I was determined to fight my way back up the field which at that point were nearly half a lap ahead. I quickly reeled in a couple of cars and passed them, and with two retirements I was now in 19th. A lap or two later and a couple mere cars down I caught David Pierce who was having a three way battle with Andy Thompson and Matt Johnson. Matt ducked out in spectacular style nearly taking me with him as his wildly gyrating car came back across the circuit. This let David pull out 4 or 5 car lengths again but I quickly
caught him. David was making his car as wide as possible on the already tight track and whilst I was clearly a lot faster he was making it extremely difficult to get by, in fact at one point he weaved so much up the start finish straight I thought he making a rug.

At one point I drew along side him and had the inside line into the first corner but he shut the door so firmly that had I not backed out we would have both been off.

At the chequered flag I was back up to 14th. Disappointed with the position I took consolation with my lap times and the fact that I had made a lot of ground up on the top ten.

Brett Lloyd Payne
Skyving

Unfortunately I was not able to make the Knockhill race as I was stopped by the border police and refused an entry visa. Something about disparaging comments regarding the weather or something. Anyhow, looks like the lads had an interesting day, and took the opportunity to practice some ballet. 
Rather useful actually as they have got a Prima Donna for a manager.

Thruxton Race, May 1st 2000

Graham Holmes
Did Not Enter due to Damage from Donington

Life From The Other Side

Whilst I would have dearly loved to have been racing at Thruxton we just couldn't get the car together in time, what with shell only arriving on the Thursday. However I did want to attend the meeting and do all I could to help and cheer Robin on. I wasn't sure how I would feel not being able to take part, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it and I still felt very nervous come race day.

Qualifying was particularly exciting, especially as Robin was doing extremely well lying in 9th for most of the session. I dashed back and forth relaying his position to Steve and his crew who posted it on the pit board. As Robin came in for tyres we all got to work to make sure he got out quickly, but all was not well and he returned two laps later complaining of fuel starvation through the terrifyingly quick Thruxton corners. The result was that he dropped back down the field and ended up 16th. Robin whilst disappointed pointed out that this was his best qualifying yet.

So to race day and I chose to watch from the complex and this proved to be a good choice. The Clio's are terrific to watch and the whole race was exciting. Simon Clarke must be feeling sore after a big crash right in front of me and whilst the Doctor was attending the scene I witnessed some stupidity as one driver decided to overtake several cars amidst waved yellow and white flags. Robin meanwhile had climbed to 12th and was having an excellent drive only to have a coming together with Dennis Bunning which saw him spin back to 16th. He charged back though and claimed 15th at the finish. I now look forward to returning to the action back behind the wheel at Knockhill on the 14th May.

Brett Lloyd Payne
Just call me Vesta, Swan Vesta.

Thruxton always brings the good weather, and yet again, this meeting was no exception. Days like this are what racing is all about. Suntan lotion, motor racing, a good crowd and good racing. Most impressed with Robins qualifying session, especially as he had never raced or driven the circuit before. Pole position averaged a speed of 100mph...thats quick! However, the various teams had to cope with fuel surges and extra tyre wear, with the extreme measure being taken of splitting some races into two for safety reasons. The tyres could not cope! We were all shouting our support for Robin during the race, (sorry if you standing behind me) Its a shame there was a little tap which involved Robin dropping a couple of spots, but thats racing. (or so I'm told!) 
So onwards to Knockhill, where my sun tan should recover,  where, as Travis says, "Why does it rain on me?". 
Because you live in Scotland mate.         

Donington Race, April 24th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 20th out of 29, Finished 6th out of 29

Well I do like to give myself some work to do. Having made a mess of qualifying I had it all to do in the race. With only 1.9 seconds covering the top 20 it was set to be a really close race. So as the race got nearer the skies gave no comfort with several light showers. Our plan was to make the best start possible and make the most of any first lap chaos. As the lights went to green, I made a clean getaway and was able to slot in in front of Dennis Bunning taking the inside line for Redgate corner. There was a little bumping going on ahead, but I was able to come through without any contact and made up a few place instantly. On the run down through the awesome Craner Curves and into the braking area I again took some more places, a feat repeated at the next corner. At the end of the first lap I was up to 12th and by the second I was 7th. 

The next three laps were run behind the pace car as they cleared Daniel Buxton's and Peter Somersby's cars from the track. As the pace car turned in we once again started racing and I was up to 6th on the next lap, 5th place came on lap 7 as I passed Jim Edwards Snr. The next four laps were extremely exciting as we exchanged places during each lap but I always crossed the line ahead in 5th. The racing was close but no contact was made. Our fighting allowed Andy Thompson to catch up and he and Jim passed me on lap 10 relegating me back to 7th. I repassed Jim next lap and by now Ray Macdowell had joined us making it a three way scrap.

As we headed for the start/finish line on the 12th lap Jim was in front with Ray alongside Jim, I don't know how or why but Ray came violently across hitting both myself and Jim. The immediate effect was that I plunged off the circuit at 45 degrees and into the concrete retaining wall, ricocheting back into the middle of the track. Ray went the opposite direction and hit the pit wall hard. The race was immediately stopped and the result declared on the previous lap giving me a 6th place but with a heavily damaged car.

I suppose I have mixed feelings, I was elated to have run so competitively for all the race but also the car was damaged and I dreaded the thought of the bill I was to get. The team have been working very hard the last few days to re-shell the car and get it ready for this weekends race at Thruxton. I fear though that the task is too big in too short a time. But rest assured we will be back for Knockhill in just over two weeks. In the meantime back to the task of raising funds to pay the bills that are coming from this weekends crash.  

Brett Lloyd Payne
Even more stressed, this time with mixed emotions.

Motor racing has its ups and downs. One of the downs is having to cope with the prospect of one of your team mates being injured in a "race accident" or even worse. You often hear spectators make comments about a driver being slow, or not taking the corner properly etc etc. But what people sometimes forget is that everytime those drivers take to the track and "slowly" drive past you at 120 MPH+ they are risking their lives. And yes, they are taking that risk themselves, but also they are taking that risk for our entertainment. Graham had a "race accident". This is an accident where the race was stopped and the emergency vehicles were on the scene in seconds. I, Grahams wife, daughter and the rest of the team have to walk over over to the medi centre with no idea of what has happened to our friend. As it turns out, Grahams well, the car is not so well and Grahams daughter could now give a technical breakdown of a helicopter as I was trying to distract her from the real goings on. 

Grahams drive was fantastic. 20th to 6th, and I reckon a couple more should the race have continued was a proud achievement. Robins support was unwavering. His only concern was for Graham. It does look like Thruxton is off for Graham, but he will be there, and of course we shall all be cheering for Robin. 

People.....watch these two drivers.    

Brands Hatch Race, April 9th 2000

Graham Holmes
Qualified 17th out of 28, Finished 10th out of 28 

After miss judging our fuel level in qualifying it was up to me to make amends in the race from our lowly 17th starting spot. From the moment I woke on Sunday my stomach was doing somersaults, and the fact that it had rained hard that night added to the tension as we now faced a damp track.
 
As the grid assembled I was really fired up and eagerly awaited the start. The warm up lap brought relief as the track had virtually dried with only a few damp spots off line. So we formed up and the five second board came out followed by the red light and then the green. I made a better start than David Gibson just in front of me (last years Fiesta Champion) and he had to block my attempted pass down the inside on the approach to Paddock Hill Bend. Well as we rounded the corner all hell broke loose with two cars spinning mid pack. I took full advantage and pressed on with three more spinning at Graham Hill. So we settled down into a three car race with myself David Gibson and Bob Smith in close company. I had just weighed up where my passing opportunity would come and had this planned as we started lap six when the red flags came out for a rolled car at Clearways. 

10th out of 28 a good solid start to the season. This has certainly restored my confidence after last years Vectra experience. Thanks to Steve Smith, Sammy and the rest of the Motorsport Engineering crew who were overjoyed at our success. Roll on Donnington 

Brett Lloyd Payne
Rather stressed, but very happy! 
The day was a lot colder than expected, not to mention damp. However the Classic F1 cars are great track dryers, so conditions were good. 25 HPL Team guests had come down to support both Graham and Robin. Most of the support was situated on Paddock Bend, so the first corner of the race was much anticipated. The first time I saw Graham race the serious stuff was at Oulton Park. I have often described the occasion similar to "a father having a baby". Well this time it was twins!! I'm very proud of our results, and long may they continue. As an aside, later in the day one of our guests (you know who you are!) advised me that he nearly went into racing....but didn't enter the Clios as he was looking for and easier and less expensive option. I smiled. No I didnt, I laughed! When you find that series, give me shout. We will be there!!!!