I’ve had a few chats with VX owners about C1s, so I thought I write a few lines about last weekend.
A couple of weeks ago, Rob Welsh, an old racing mate called to offer a seat in the Rockingham C1 24 hour race. Not having received such an offer in the previous 54 years, it didn’t take long to commit.
Arrived Thursday night for a test day on Friday followed by day and night qualifying. The car had an AIM Solo fitted, a GPS lap timer. This is a brilliant device, showing a predictive time. You know immediately depending on which way the time is going, whether the last corner was an improvement or not. My first instruction was to drive until the times weren’t improving. Down to regular 2.25s we debriefed on the PC with the Solo data and camera recordings. Was clear that my lines were good (this was the International Super Sports circuit, same as BTTC, but with an extra part to join the banking earlier and the chicane at turn one) but seeking smoothness was not the way.
The low power and skinny buffed Nankangs were well matched, but the ideal method for the fast corners was brake if necessary, apply large aggressive steering input to bring the back end out, then correct around what was left of the corner with the right foot fully in. Not quite what I’m used to!
Qually instructions were to do the minimum three laps in the light and I’d go out last in the dark and hopefully become used to night racing in all the remaining session time. At the session end, we were on pole by a full second. 
There were other races and a three hour C1 race on Saturday, before the 24 started at 5. To bolster my experience I took a one hour slot in another car for the three hour. During the day the full team assembled and what a team it was. Two permanently on the pit wall with the board. Two fuellers (one fills, second holds extinguisher), four on tyres (two jacks, two with impact wrenches) a lollipop man and pit boss/manager.
Race plan was for me to take the second, day into night shift. Instructions were clear. Pit only when necessary for fuel. Do not pit early. Pit board would inform when fuel window was open, then wait for light to come on, five laps then in.
I really struggled in the dark. The cars have additional lights and mobile lighting units had been installed, but many of the turn points were blind and you can’t see through the corner. To add to the fun I had a collision passing a slower car, hit the outer wall when trying (and failing) to read the pit board and clouted a rear rim dropping the wheel over the curb. I was desperate for the light to come on and could hardly walk when I was pulled from the car. Completely mentally and physically drained.
I had a word with Rob and we agreed I would swap my next session due around 5 a.m. to avoid the night. I went off to bed – sleep being elusive at an active circuit.
When the sun came up I checked the live timing to see we were still well ahead and Chris Chadwick had achieved a 2.16 lap. I called in and was told I had 30 minutes to be ready. The bloody caterers hadn’t arrived and all I could find was some quiche and sausage rolls.
What mattered, is I felt good, the night was behind me and I was fresh again. In the car around 7.15. There were two safety cars in the first hour, the SC waves through the field until he picks up the leader, then we follow until he pits and away. Sitting behind the SC, knowing I was leading the race, running down the laps, saving fuel and taking it easy was a great feeling! When the SC pulled in, I had a clear circuit for ten or twenty laps and could get my head down. 2.18s were coming regularly, short periods in the 2.17s. I felt great and this time didn’t want the light to come on. 
The pit boss had extended the laps after light on from five to seven based upon fuel remaining. Four laps in, exiting Tarzan, I thought I had missed the gear, select second again, still no power fcuk! OUT OF GAS. Misspent youth came into play and severe weaving gave me spurts of revs to reach the pits. The team where running to meet me, naturally the car gave a burst of power as I neared the pitlane speed limit (I minute + 10 seconds per k over, stop/go, rigorously enforced). Hit the brakes, made the limit, back to box.
I was in for 2 hours 45, our longest session of the race, mainly due to three safety car periods, but also I can’t have my foot in as much as the rest of them. Complete opposite to my first session, I was elated, I’d done exactly what the team wanted, long session, quick laps and brought it home. 
My race was done, Janet arrived and we wandered around trying not to get too excited. We had good cause. With around three hours to go and a four lap lead, a driveshaft failed. Race over. Totally desolate.
). If you own the car, I'd guess a team of four with friends could race for under £1K. If your paying a pro team to provide the car and run, up to £3K. A lot of loot, but a pittance in the world of motorsport. One of the team is waiting for a Mini Challenge car to be delivered. That series is restricted to four tyres a meeting at the mere cost of £250 each...
