Oh wow, what a rally it was! Wales is a really strange one, it's more physical than any other in DR, it gets me real sweaty and there is hardly any moment to relax - think you're save and have everything under control, bam - next tree or ditch welcomes you gladly
As always, saturday morning - Rally Time! I was well prepared, confident in my training, had a good setup (thanks Ivy for your damper und suspension settings, they worked very well, even smoother and easier to handle with a bit of damage to them), good nights rest, a shower and on we got!
Started with great caution and care, no damaged windscreen as goal for the first service. Made it without any big mistakes to service one, and had to take a break - wasn't planned though, but my playseat decided to get a bit loose after all the training, and the main screw untightend itself during stage 8 in the last fast sector - so my pedals keept moving further and further away from my feet, this was tricky, lucky it happend at the end of the stage.
So, tightend up the screw, had another coffee and with no further incidents made it through to the last one - Sweet Lamb, and sweet it was - although quite a bit of internal damage, the engine light was not on, the radiator sounded as ever, after 19 stages, but not the tractor noise and not the air-vent noise. Had one of those moments where you're totally into the stage, came out of the forest on to the more open area, asking myself, how the hell did I get here, and why does everything feels so smooth and easy?!? With a big smile finished the rest of this beautiful stage in under 6 minutes - which is always pleasing for me, meant no errors, as I wasnt quite sure at the end if there where any - love this feeling!
The itineray of this event was just expectional, I love long strechtes without service, keeps me flowing and concentrated, for me just the right amount of repairs available - my Subaru felt sometimes really easy and smooth to handle, not quite the speed rocket, but steady and stable, and lovely to drive. The setup of the stages with the perfect matching of conditions made it a real pleasure to drive - the 5 long ones in the middle, followed by the rainy night stages, a real challenge but gladly accepted hrr - and some sun at the end to enjoy, couldnt be any better.
A big THANKS to all involved organizing this amazing Event, it brought the fun and competition back for me in DR, a goal to reach, lots a good drivers to compete against, loved my trainings, fiddling with the setups etc. - it was REAL fun to participate here! Sadly, thats it now
My hopes that DR4 will get VR arent lost yet, so maybe, if possible, surely Saison 9 will be even better!
And this time, I managed to get some pictures taken - last stage pictures, car looks almost as new
