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20th March -
Knockhill Pre Season Test Day
report
from Steve McCall…
The driver we
had out for the day were reigning national champion Lee Fitzpatrick
and reigning Scottish Champion Ross Marshall. They were joined
on track by Darren Gaulton, David Dunter, John Marshall and
Kieren Murray with John Jon Higgins having a play in Steve
McCall's oval Legends Car
Darren Gaulton
used the day to shake down his rebuilt car and thought that
the day was well worthwhile.
Ross had a gear
change issue that turned out to be an engine problem so after
a quick engine change he went back out on circuit and was
happy with it after his car's Winter rebuild too.
John Marshall
had a great day. Everything went well for JM and he seemed
happy to be in his car again and is ready to add to his win
tally in the Scottish Championship this year. I think he would
do well to have a fresh engine installed for the first round
though.
I am sure Lee Fitzpatrick
was trying to break the lap record - he needed a bit of a
talking to but one thing we can say is that he well and truly
blew off the cobwebs and is ready to start the new season
next week.
David Hunter was
out in his rebuilt car and has already commented that testing
proved to be just that for him. His diff let go which was
not what we wanted to things need to get a bit tighter in
the Burnett camp for sure. Once that was sorted he had a misfire
which sadly we ran out of time trying to sort.
It was certainly
a busy run in to the new season with nine cars to be prepared
including one for newcomer Kieren Murray. He only passed his
ARDS race driver training / test on Monday - the delay being
because of the snow still laying at Knockhill. Kieren settled
in really well despite his lack of experience and he went
off onto the grass a couple of times but that's what these
sessions are for when you are a new driver. He's a rookie
but I do think he will get to grips with the Legends.
John Jon could
not shake his own car down due to his wrist and hand problems
- they were giving him some pain and quite rightly he did
not want to aggravate it as it might have meant he would have
to miss the opening round of the National Championship at
Oulton Park.
I had also hoped
to get Lance Gauld out in his rebuilt car but it was a late
decision and it was not going to be easy to get it finished.
Lance was there though offering support as ever which was
much appreciated by everyone. Incicentally, Lance if training
to be a Masters Powerboat racer so that might come in handy
when we get the wet weather up at Knockhill! Anyways, getting
back to his car, we should have that complete for him this
weekend.
So, all in all
it was a great afternoon testing for everyone. We all went
out for a meal afterwards which was great after such a busy
period and also helped us wind down after the testing. These
Winter breaks come to a halt very quickly and it looks like
this one will be a tough season more than ever. Our engineers
Jim and Colin are going to need plenty of rest as it's been
a busy time for both of them and their respective other halves
have young babies as well so that might add to the lack of
sleep as well!
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