*kicks cat across the hallway
What a bloody race, one of the most enjoyable and exciting races I've ever taken part in at ROOZ, and a great way to bring up the 200 mark. I was massively annoyed to DSC right at the very end, I would have loved to have saved the replay.
Despite starting from the middle of the pack, I performed the most perfect of launches and miraculously was leading after just 1 lap, it was like my birthday, easter, holidays and christmas had all come at once! With the main suspects suffering out back, I had to push hard to make a gap. I was high on confidence but Mustafur had also a great start and we spent the first stint battling hard, along with Slambo in tow. I was very surprised to see Mus pit early, I didn't think that strategy would work.
The stop was straight forward, only 5L to ease the burden later on. A poor mistake as fuel really does have an effect on a cars speed and unfortunately I ran the majority of the race with too much fuel. To my surprise CAGM had managed to be up with me after I left the pits, and managed to overtake me a lap later. Mustafur had dropped off the face of the earth and was well back. This started a 50 lap battle between us. I felt faster but I just couldn't find a way past. With the aliens still struggling I could not simply let a golden opportunity like this slip away.
I eventually got a great run and chucked it up the inside at Turn 1 to retake the lead. The gap was not increasing however. It was rather irritating as I had fresher tyres on the car. I had to make my car pretty wide, especially into turn 1, no way was I letting anyone overtake me there. Eventually, I pulled out roughly a 3.5 second gap before CAGM pitted again. 25 litres was too much when I came in a lap later, and again I running heavy. GT6 really needs an option to pre plan your pit stops.
We battled again for another 25 laps. Unfortunately our fighting meant warrior, who had cleared Seth and Mustafur, was gaining fast. Beau had disconnected at this stage so he had a clear run at us. With 35 minutes to go, it had suddenly turned from a "hold off CAGM to win" race to "FFS, warrior's going to clear us both and win again" race. As warrior caught CAGM, it allowed me to pull out a 1.5 second lead before CAGM went for the undercut again. I stayed out, wanting to pit on the same lap as warrior. He began flashing me to let him past, which from a teams point yes, but I got admittedly selfish as an opportunity like this comes around once in a blue moon, and I wasn't about to roll over and give up just yet.
I pitted one lap earlier than warrior in the hope we'd both catch CAGM at the end. My short run into my box hurt, as the fuel slider couldn't make up its mind on its scrolling speed. I was already up on my jacks before I had selected the fuel level, 2 precious seconds gone to waste. 40L was again far too much fuel, so it was no surprise to come out well behind CAGM and to see Warrior come out in front of me too. I was riddled with disappointment. All was not lost though, as warrior caught CAGM I was catching them. I was still in this as long as they were slowing each other down. Painfully, CAGM lost it all on his own at the final complex and the fat lady had sung. On older tyres, and a heavier fuel load, I didn't have a ghost of a chance of winning now. I could only pray warrior of all people would make an error, just something so I could win!
But it wasn't to be. I could only sit back and watch the gap to the first place I held on for so long grow, and grow, and grow. Doom and gloom is not on the agenda though, a double points 1-2 for NSW is absolute perfection in ending a season. Congrats Warrior on a stunning victory, yet another reminder of why you're the best driver here. And well done CAGM on a great drive, certainly spiced up the race for me, when all I wanted to do was be left alone!
On reflection, I'd like to thank you all for turning up to race and making Series 4 of Origin another resounding success. I've learnt a lot this time around on how to deal with the stresses or running a popular and expanding series. I must express my disappointment at the failure of any Tasmanian drivers to attend a race, that was a massive shame. I believe for next season the regulations regarding drivers in teams need to be more stringent, I am not comfortable with having 8 drivers in one team with just 3/4 in another. This may see the introduction of a second outsiders team, and could very much result in an expansion into 3 rooms, hopefully allowing closer results. I can't imagine driving around getting lapped by drivers you're not used to racing against would be a very pleasurable experience. The racing this season has been truly exceptional, and I'm very pleased. With these plans, Series 5 should be even better! Although a win would be welcome (damn you Warrior!!)
Cheers and Many Thanks, Jono
Last edited: Apr 18, 2015