BRITCAR TESTING

Saturday 10th November at Silverstone was the first time out testing in the 2008 Clio Cup Car.

Mike just stayed for the morning session, and left the team more time to play with the initial set up, but further sessions are planned before the end of the year. Basically. the car handled very well in the damp conditions, possibly a little too stiff at the rear for the days conditions. The 200bhp was enough to keep up with Porsche 911 GT3 and BMW M3's om the Michelin rubber, but infuture it will have to run Dunlops. Most of the 2007 contenders were at Brands Hatch for the Night race, hich was eventually won by Lord Grayson and Jonny Cocker (who was Mikes ARDS examiner).
http://www.jonathancocker.co.uk/news_52.htm

Mike said after his run that the car had very positive brakes, which allowed the car to be later than any other on the track, plus on the International circuit, it was very nimble through the bends. It had more power than the cars he had previously driven, but for a front wheel drive car, it got the power down very well. After his drives in the SAXMAX at Brands and the Fiesta XR2 at Donington, Mike preferred the rear end drive from the Ginetta at Rockingham, but this was something else, and Mike left the track excited about the prospects of further track time with Matt Ash and Owen.

This route into cars seems to be the best option for 2008, as it allows Mike to guage his performance against the other experienced race drives and against others in the field driving much faster and more expensive equipment. Options that could naturally follow in 2009 could be Clio Cup or Ginetta G20 subject to funding. The advantage of having a couple of drivers in a team is shared costs, and if its a 24 hour race you should still get plenty of tracktime.

Mike passes on his thanks to the team, and to Rob the teams driving coach for his words of encouragement. Pictures should follow.