That was great fun.
April drove superbly. as did Simon.
Freddy in the GT3 did so well to fight off GT2 and GT1.
Jim and Dewald all lowered their PBs.
I had a poor start as my gearing had 1st gear set to be useable on the track rather than for the start.
Frankly I was pleased to still be hanging on to the group for the first lap (except April who had bolted) even though I was in a GTR .
The GTR had a slight acelleration and braking advantage but not much top speed unless you had Cossimos setup who went like a fighter jet on take off on the long straights. I must have had a lot more wing (3/30) due to my struggles in the twisty bits.
Then the skill and experience of the top drivers negated any cornering advantage so it was a close racing.
I was pleasantly surprised to then find my way past the cars and be in P2 and in the rightful place for a moment for one of 3 GT1 cars.
Cosimmo was chasing and on the long final straight I entered with 5 sec lead and it was 2.5 sec by the braking zone! We had a duel. I pitted and rejoined +34 sec, Cosimmo pitted and I passed him as he exited. I was finding the horn to do a friendly "toot" and messed T1 and made it a closer battle. I was doing OK in the twisy bits and Cossimo would gain on the straights. I made a big error in S1 and he was through and gone.
A couple of times I misjudged the carousel and got that nasty thing where it spits you out 1/2 way and you have to crawl around the level part instead of the banking. That cost me a couple O fplaces in the end.
Freddy and I duelled albeit 2 car classes apart! in the final lap and my offs cost me that battle. We entered the final straight appr 2 sec apart and it took forever to catch him despite being in GT1 vs GT3 I had a move available in the big braking zone but it seemed a "cheap shot" after Freddys giant killing GT3 drive so I held position.
3 days ago I hadnt driven the Nordscheife since Forza 2, 7 years ago. So I was happy.
Anyone notice how great the ISI GTs are these days!!!
Thanks all.
PS
Well done
@Jim Brailsford on yr PB (practice pit stops esp when such a wierd entry)
and 11 drivers in the end.
Thats why we should never sign out due to low numbers as it never helps the situation.