BTCC Snetterton — August 13-14
Snetterton in Norfolk — very hot and very dry and dusty. During qualifying we seemed to be suffering with an engine issue that left us down on power and that ultimately left us down on top speed. This is an issue at Snetterton where there are two very long straights on each lap.
Despite assurances from M-Sport (the engine suppliers) before the session, it was clear that all was not as it should be. There is nothing we can do during a session about this, but we worked with them to put things right before Race 1 on the Sunday.
So for qualifying, we had Aiden in 19th and Dexter in 21st with a real feeling of ‘what might have been’.
Race 1
As the lights went out on Race 1, we were looking competitive with both cars up a couple of places early on before a safety car for the stranded Vauxhall of Michael Crees stacked all of the cars up as the marshals ran out on track with the fire extinguishers due to the hot weather.
Once we restarted, Aiden was soon back on it until he was savagely hit by Josh Cook and sent flying off into the barriers severely damaging his car and resulting in another safety car. Back racing again and we were in for another shock. It was Lap 13 and Dexter was able to take 17th after a great move down the Bentley straight and into the bomb hole. But following a big hit from the back from Rory Butcher, Dexter was thrown off balance and, in the process, lost 2 places to end 19th.
Back in the pit lane the level of damage to both cars was shocking and two very annoyed and innocent drivers had to go and sit in the paddling pool to cool down.
Race 2
After a fabulous effort by all the team personnel, both cars were back out on circuit to take their places on the grid for Race 2. Dexter started on 20th and Aiden in 26th. Dexter came into the pits after four laps with a power steering issue and despite going back out, had to retire the car shortly afterwards. Aiden was having better luck and the car was able to gain a few places during the early part of the race before retiring on lap 9.
Race 3
What a fantastic job the team had done to get the cars back out for Race 3 and both Aiden and Dexter had a fantastic race with the boys making up 21 places during the race!
Pride of place had to go to Aiden who having started 29th made up 12 places to finish a magnificent 17th. With brilliant driving and some breath-taking overtakes he showed us just what he was made of and the massive crowd were going wild. There seemed to be Laser Tools Racing fans all over and they were loving it!
Dexter meanwhile was also turning it on for the crowd, going from 28th on the grid to 19th at the finish to show just what the team is all about. He is certainly proving his potential at this level and that was definitely a mature race for him.
The team are so proud of that last race achievement after the way that today panned out and rightly so. It was a fantastic testament to the strength of character that the entire team shows week in and week out. This was a disappointing weekend due entirely to other people’s actions, but we came through it with our heads held high as always. Well done team!
