11th March- Thunderball Prep

2012-03-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's a sunny Sunday afternoon, also 25 days away from the first race of the year "Yipieeeeee". Preparation has started in the garage today. Dad's been working on the valve lash and had a general sweep around the garage. It's all looking good so far. Everyone here at PLR are looking forward to getting back on the track, ready to put down some real times and build up some info and consistency. See you at Santa Pod!

2nd November - A Funny Weekend.

2012-01-13T06:44:00.000-08:00

After some heavy graft and lots of nights spent at the garage, dad Gary and the guys from Mark Flavell Racing did the impossible and got Uk Super Pro ET racer Jayne Kay back on the track:

"Shortly after the announcement that my FC was for sale Mark Flavell made us an offer to run Chevy. A few weeks later Mark, Steve, Mali and Dad had the hemi out and the Chevy in, just in time for the Flame and Thunder Show. Incredible!

Saturday started off with a bit of bad luck as the input shaft snapped on line. A few phone calls later Steve arranged and collected another shaft from Stan and Paula Atkin, which I am very grateful for. Mark then came straight from the airport to Santa Pod to help get it fixed for another try the next day.

Sunday was my last chance of the year to have a go at getting my licence. Instead I ended up facing the wall head-on after a slippy launch at about sixty-feet *eek* I shoved a full left lock on and smashed the throttle to steer it away from the wall, praying I wouldn't hit it. Not once did I use the footbrake, which Dad says was the right thing to do. To be honest I don't know what happened it took me a while to remember exactly what I had done, I suppose it came naturally. Well I had recovered the car, so I had another hit when I got the car straight to get a good feel of the car at launch, and it felt good!! Watch the Video

Knowing what I know now, and having the experience I think it had made me more confident as a funny car driver. I am also aware after the advise of some great pro drivers not to hit the throttle a second time because it can damage the engine, I'll put that mistake down to being a "pumped up driver"! However, I believe with every mistake you make you learn from them. They have made me a stronger, more experienced driver. And this by far was not my last mistake.

Again a massive thank you to Mark, Steve Mali and especially my Dad for their hard efforts. And to Peter an Alan for their continuous support. I am looking forward to racing closely with MFR next year."

Tales from the Track

11th March- Thunderball Prep

2nd November - A Funny Weekend.