Mamba Motorsport - SRGTC Brands Race Report Page

SRGTC Brands Hatch

- Running in Podium Position until Punted out of Points

Author: Dave
Editor: Dave
Date: 16 July 2006

A disappointing result after an excellent start: a well-deserved podium position denied by back-marker mistake.

This was the first visit for the Mamba C23R to this historic and beautiful circuit - home of the British F1 GP up until the seventies.

As usual the preparation of the car was done prior to arrival and the only work done at the circuit was fitting an on-board camera so that we could capture the excitement of this superb mid-engined car. We're in the middle of preparing a DVD that shows the C23R in more detail - for details of how to order your free copy click here.

Scrutineering was the normal non-event and we headed for the 'noise check' and collecting area for a 10:00 practice. The 15 minute practice session was held under slightly overcast weather conditions and Ken struggled to get a really fast lap in to only finish in 7th position on the grid - in a lap time of almost exactly 56 seconds - but with only two other class B cars ahead of him. In between practice and the race the time was spent doing the normal activities giving the car a quick check over, re-fuelling both car and driver for the race and generally relaxing.

The "relaxing" included watching the first couple of races which turned out to be exciting affairs as the challenging circuit caught out several drivers - the kitty-litter was used in both races to good effect!

The weather had improved by 14:30 and the formation lap was under blue skies with an air temperature in the mid-20s, held low by the brisk SE breeze. The starter was wary of the temperature and only held them briefly on the line before the action started for the afternoon.

Picture Copyright Mamba Motorsport 2006

One of the strengths of the C23R is its traction away from the line and today was no exception as Ken made up one place off the grid, putting him into 5th position overall.

Ken was soon into an intense battle as 5 cars fought for 3rd to 7th place in close proximity on the circuit.

This SRGTC series is certainly producing some very close and enjoyable racing this season for both drivers and spectators alike.
Ken fought his way up to 4th place after his consistent pressure caused one of the Cobras to run very wide at the Druid's hairpin.

Then disaster struck, about mid-way through the race, as the C23R carved its way through the back markers. Just after Ken had exited Paddock Hill bend the back marker he was passing turned in on him, despite blue flags waving.

Scene of the crime at Paddock Hill, Brands Hatch

Unfortunately the slower car was heavier and the C23R span acrobatically down the hill. Ken called on all of his extensive experience to minimise the impact of this excursion and emerged onto the track after a neat spin on the grass in-field, but a couple of positions and 8 seconds down the field.

The rest of the race was spent playing catch up, but despite a superb fighting performance, Ken and the Mamba C23R could only finish in 6th position overall but still 4th in class: a disappointment after the great start and the 2 recent wins.

The after-race examination confirmed that there was no major damage to the car just body damage and a bent bracket - the C23R lives to fight another day and get back to its winning ways when next out in this series on 28Aug06 at Castle Combe.