With only two weeks between Snetterton and Donington we did not have an opportunity to make many changes that we could then test so, for the first time we went to a race weekend with the car the same as the previous round…..well almost.
We did have time to make some changes to the downshift, firstly ensuring that the gearshift lever was returning to the correct neutral position and making a few changes to the ECU to allow the downshift to be made at higher revs.
Qualifying…
To secure our 2nd place in the championship we had to finish in the top three of at least one round, so qualifying was taken at a steady pace – but as we discovered, partly due to the downshift problem still being evident!
The races…
A very leisurely start, (another problem still to be resolved) followed by a controlled drive to secure the points we needed. Race two, a few small set-up changes to dampers and another very ‘gentle’ get way, followed by James being able to ‘push’ for the first time in quite a while. However, no matter what he tried the downshift issue was as bad as ever, nonetheless he enjoyed being able unleash a bit more power whilst keeping an eye on temps, pressures etc.
Into Winter…
As annoying, difficult, frustrating as the beginning of the season was, during the last few rounds this year we have made solid progress, so as tempting as it was to enter the Tiedeman Trophy rounds we made the decision to concentrate on testing instead. We must find solutions to the two main issues…the time it is taking to downshift multiple gears and to find out why we have problems getting off the line…more help from Sam at Mana, Greg at RRR and Jamie at Jamsport needed I am afraid!
We did have time to make some changes to the downshift, firstly ensuring that the gearshift lever was returning to the correct neutral position and making a few changes to the ECU to allow the downshift to be made at higher revs.
Qualifying…
To secure our 2nd place in the championship we had to finish in the top three of at least one round, so qualifying was taken at a steady pace – but as we discovered, partly due to the downshift problem still being evident!
The races…
A very leisurely start, (another problem still to be resolved) followed by a controlled drive to secure the points we needed. Race two, a few small set-up changes to dampers and another very ‘gentle’ get way, followed by James being able to ‘push’ for the first time in quite a while. However, no matter what he tried the downshift issue was as bad as ever, nonetheless he enjoyed being able unleash a bit more power whilst keeping an eye on temps, pressures etc.
Into Winter…
As annoying, difficult, frustrating as the beginning of the season was, during the last few rounds this year we have made solid progress, so as tempting as it was to enter the Tiedeman Trophy rounds we made the decision to concentrate on testing instead. We must find solutions to the two main issues…the time it is taking to downshift multiple gears and to find out why we have problems getting off the line…more help from Sam at Mana, Greg at RRR and Jamie at Jamsport needed I am afraid!