This was to be our first outing of 2014, where we would be contesting a full season in the BARC’s “Classic Thunder” Championship. Being a local circuit to the team, support was high and with the event being televised for a live “Motors TV” programme, the attendance figures where much higher than usual.
Race Report:
As expected the event at Donington had attracted inflated grid sizes, with 15 of the quickest and most powerful race cars entered into the “Classic Thunder” event.
Issues with the turbo’s wastegate saw an early finish to the qualifying session, but thankfully this was an easy fix and not the end of the racing as originally feared. In spite of taking part in only a few laps, the early pace of the Impreza had netted a 4th place on the grid and only just missing out on 3rd.
Race 1:
Starting in 4th place, the Impreza lined up on the outside for “Redgate”, alongside Andy Robinsons Ford Falcon Australian Touring car and behind Piers Grange XR8 and Dave Cockell’s Escort Cosworth.
With a greasy track, tyre choice was critical and several of the cars opted for slicks, which would be a costly mistake. Running on scrubbed wets, the Impreza hooked up as the lights went out and quickly jumped to 2nd place. A couple of laps later and the lead was taken from Cockell who was unable to mount a comeback as his tyres overheated.
Vaughan controlled the pace of the race from here on in to take the win.
Race 2:
Race 2 was run on a dry track which favoured the extra power of the Cosworth, however fighting hard in 2nd place, Fletcher set a blistering pace to record a new lap record for the championship, as well as posting the fastest lap time of any driver over the whole weekend!
A fantastic start to the 2014 season, with much promise shown for future rounds.
Thanks from the team go out to all of our sponsors, friends and supporters for their help and involvement.
We will next be out at Croft on the 26th & 27th of April
Words: www.VF-Racing.co.uk
Pictures: MOTORV8 MEDIA