Snetterton round of the 2005 Jaguar saloon car championship racing series

European Motorsport race report

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Jaguar Racing's newsletter
April 3rd 2005

A die-hard crowd braved the 'traditional' bank holiday weather to attend the first races of 2005 at Snetterton. Snetterton is almost two miles in length and has some of the fastest corners of any circuits in the UK. A wide variety of marques, from single seaters to Porsches and Jaguars were thrilling the crowds with their exploits, none more so than the Jaguar saloons!

QUALIFYING

The rain on Sunday night meant that the track was treacherous on Monday morning for the qualifying sessions. There would only be one qualifying session that would decide the grid positions for both of the Jaguar races.

This would be the first time Howard had a chance to drive the new Jaguar saloon as the race car had only been completed that previous week! In fact the steering and suspension on Howard's car still needs to be replaced, so, Howard would have to drive the car 'as is' and hope for the best!!

The Jaguar saloons made their way round during the qualifying session without major drama and the EuropeanMotorSport (EMS) team nervously awaited the results.

Simon managed pole with Jim close behind him, this meant that EMS had two cars on the front row of the grid. Howard had a clutch problem which made selecting the correct gear a challenge, but he still managed third row of the grid. Considering that the car is still being developed and that this was the first time Howard had been in the car he was relatively pleased! Howard commented, "The car is very difficult to drive in its current form, but now I have some data to work from I can start to get the correct set up. Once the other work has been finished the car can be a front runner".

RACE 1

Whilst somewhat overcast the track had dried out completely for the start of the first race. The red starting lights went out and a cacophony of sound assaulted the crowd's ears as the Jags stormed towards the first right hander (Riches). Jim had a terrific start and Simon had an avearge start, this resulted in Jim taking the lead. Howard also had a poor start due to the clutch problem, which unbeknownst to him would get worse! This resulted in Howard dropping a couple of places by the 2nd corner (Sear). However, Howard loves a challenge and he started to attack the cars in front of him to regain the lost places.

Meanwhile, Simon and Jim were starting to pull away from the pack and opened up a small lead. Simon constantly 'harassed' Jim waiting for the slightest mistake, which happened on lap 3 when Jim ran wide at Sear and Simon took the lead. Howard continued to fight hard for 6 or 7 laps and got past a couple of cars and finished fifth, this was a great result considering the problems that he had.

Jim could not catch Simon and they crossed the line only half a second apart!, with Simon taking 1st overall and Jim taking 2nd place. Class B positions were also 1st for Simon and 2nd for Jim. Jim had a consolation prize and picked up one extra point for 'fastest lap', and the "driver of the race' award.

RACE 2

The grid positions were identical for the 2nd Jaguar race. Once again, Jim beat Simon off the line and led in to the first corner. Simon's excuse this time was that he was looking at a bird (feathered variety) on the side of the track and did not see the lights change!! This is excuse number 118 in the racing drivers book 'Reasons why I did not win'! available in all good bookshops. Howard now realized that his clutch was slipping as he could not get his car off the line! This did not stop him battling during the race and at one time he was 3rd in Class B. He continued to fight on lap after lap with his car struggling to deliver the power!

Jim and Simon again had opened up a lead from the following pack and they battled every lap. On lap 5 Simon managed to overtake Jim coming in to the hard left hander, The Esses: this time though Jim stayed off the brakes and dived back in front of Simon to take back the lead! For the next 5 laps Simon stuck to Jim's bumper and had several attacks, but could not wrestle the lead from Jim.

Just before the finish line on the final lap Howard's clutch gave out and he had to retire without finishing the race!

Jim took the chequered flag, this time with Simon right behind him by fractions of a second! So, positions were completely opposite to race 1, with Jim 1st overall and Simon 2nd. This time Simon had the consolation prize of the 'fastest lap' and that valuable extra point and 'Driver of the race' award.

At the prize giving Simon and Jim received their laurels, trophies and a bottle of Nyetimber 1996 Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. Nyetimber are the latest advertising partner for EuropeanMotorSport, and have generously donated a magnum of their sparkling wine to the race winners. You can read more about Nyetimber's superb wines at www.nyetimber-vineyard.com or call them on 01798 813989. CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION

Simon leads the overall championship with Jim second, only one point behind. Howard is in 4th, following his retirement from race 2.

We look forward to seeing you at the next race at Snetterton on April 23 & 24th.
Regards,
European MotorSport.

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