With Knockhill being the only Scottish round of the 2016 season and my most local circuit, the countdown to the weekend began wayyy back in February when I was announced as the TCT Scholarship winner. Having been a spectator at the track for many years, it has always been on my bucket list to finally drive it.
I was so excited to venture out onto the Scottish tarmac for practice on Friday. Unfortunately my time on track was short lived and the accumulation of several small mistakes on a greasy track led to disaster. On entry to the blind chicane, the rear of the car flicked round putting the car side on to the gravel. Consequently the tyres dug in to the gravel which caused the car to roll until landing on top of the foam barrier at the far end of the gravel trap. Not what I had planned for my big Knockhill debut to say the least...
I was cleared by the medics after the event and left with nothing but a stiff neck – a testament to the safety of my Orex built car. Unfortunately, even though the car protected me, it was unable to protect itself and sustained damage that was irreparable trackside. Not being able to race was incredibly difficult but it was nice to be there all weekend to support my friends from the sidelines. Watching the JSCC races from the pit wall rather than the driver’s seat was odd but also very entertaining! A superb show.
A massive thank you must be said to the marshals and medics at Knockhill who were fantastic throughout. Due to the angle at which my car was balanced on the barrier, a lot of man power was required to hold the car in position whilst I climbed out! They were so friendly and put up well with my “but how’s the car?!” at perhaps not the most convenient moments...
All drivers, teams and families were incredibly supportive over the weekend and a true credit to the Junior Saloon Car Championship. Many people have told me that I mustn’t give up off the back of this bad result – for me this was never an option. Yes the weekend was undoubtedly tough but I am determined to learn from it and come back refreshed, refocused and stronger. The same mistakes will not be made. I haven’t been put off by the event and am looking forward to getting back out there as soon as possible.
Thank you to my team - Dave, Andy and Kieran – for being all-round amazing. Thank you to my sponsors for this opportunity to learn and improve in my career - Vantage Motor Group, Junction1 Graphics, Purple M Photo, OREX Competition, Custom Cages, GAZ Shocks, Fuel Safe, Silverstone, Haymarket Media Group, Tockwith Motorsports, PhotoBox, Yokohama Tyres Europe, House of Hearing, Fabletics, Ian J Brown and Company, Walero Motorsports and Jays Racewear!
This year is certainly a learning curve. We’ll be back. Watch this space.
