Kat's Tale at Anglesey

Kat Impey gives us a "behind the wheel" view of Anglesey.

Friday practice -
 
I was really excited about getting back in the seat after a six month gap. I didn't compete in the first round at Snetterton so I was pleasantly surprised to be setting the pace in Friday practice. Chris Woodhouse looked to be my main rival, knocking off time in every session. My Dad and I worked together throughout the day altering the car setup for every session and by the last test I was very confident I had a very good handling, quick car. All was going to plan, so all I needed to do was get pole and win on Saturday... if only it was that easy!!!
 
Saturday Qualifying -
 
In the morning, I was out of bed like a jack in the box, I couldn't wait for the day ahead of me! It was obvious to all I felt confident but nervous about qualifying. In my cockpit in the holding area, I felt weak with adrenaline and nerves. Once out on track, I got everything up to temperature and started pushing hard. Traffic was an issue, it was virtually impossible to get a clear lap. Chris Woodhouse used his head and got behind me and started chasing, using me as a target. I slowed up but knew he wouldn't pass, therefore I decided to try break away from him. I started putting in some qualifying laps but every time I set the bench mark, Chris would match it. This was benefiting him because not only was I the target, I was also the first person to approach slower cars, which meant I was also opening the door in the traffic. I had the bit between my teeth, pushing the car to the absolute limit. Once qualifying was over, there was an anxious wait to hear who had pole for the race. It turned out that Chris managed to pip me by two tenths. It was a disappointment to not get pole but I knew it was still anyone's race and it would be a close battle.
 
Saturday Race 1 -
 
In the holding area, I was in the zone, planning my perfect start. We formed up on the grid, ready for the warm up lap. Chris gave me the thumbs up on the line. The green flag was waved and I dropped the clutch, spinning up the rears and laying down plenty of rubber in my grid box. Warming up everything and doing all the necessary checks on the way round the lap. Back towards my grid slot, my heart started to race, adrenaline pumping through my veins. The 30second board came out and the red lights came on. My eyes were locked on them and as they started to dim, I dropped the clutch. I jumped off the line but then bogged down and for a moment I thought I was going to stall. Luckily I got away and managed to defend my second place. I was then fixated on Chris who was just ahead of me. I managed to start closing the gap back down and it wasn't long before I was under his rear wing. The car was on a knife edge, moving, twitching under me through the quick corners but I managed to keep my foot hard on the throttle and I could visibly see that's where I was making my biggest gain. I got back with him and then the yellow flags and safety car boards came out due to an accident further back. The safety car picked up Chris, the leader and it wasn't long before the field was bunched up again. I tried my best to keep the brakes, tyres etc up to temperature ready for the restart, however as I exited turn two, my throttle jammed open which caused me to lock up trying to slow the car down, I had to quickly turn off the engine to stop the rear wheels from driving and pull off the track. My heart sank.. I knew exactly what the problem was, as I had a hairy moment in practice due to the same problem. A stone managed to get lodged under the throttle stop, therefore the peddle couldn't come back down. I couldn't believe it, twice in one weekend, and the first time I've ever had the problem in all the years I've been racing. Anyway the marshals were very accommodating at their post whilst I was waiting for the race to finish, so that perked me up a bit, hehe.
 
Sunday Qualifying -
 
In qualifying things weren't exactly going to plan. I was suffering with severe understeer, every lap it was progressively getting worse. I looked in my mirrors and like yesterday Chris was chasing me but today he was gradually pulling me in. Trying to stay cool, I came in to make an adjustment to the car and went back out, and I altered my driving as best as I could to get around the problem. I managed to qualify in second again which I felt relieved about as I was still on the front row. Dad and me went through the car, checking our setup etc before the race. It soon became apparent that I had a wheel bearing problem on the left front, but unfortunately we didn't have the spares to change it at the meeting. For the race we both knew realistically I wouldn't be able to challenge Chris, so I had to hope I could get second and gain a handful of points.
 
Sunday Race -
 
I put the problem with my car to the back of my mind and focused on having a good race. I felt pumped up and full of energy, I was so excited. On the start line, I was fired up and ready to race. I learnt from my mistake yesterday and got a good start but Chris also got a blinding start. He was the first through turn one followed closely by me and Steve Brooks who was hot on my tail. I was doing everything I could to stay with Chris but it wasn't enough and it didn't take long before he started pulling away. I checked in my mirrors and I also had managed to make a gap on third place man Steve Brooks. The understeer was awful and it wasn't long before my left front tyre started to shred. I made it to the end of the race though and was pleased with second. 

Kat Impey

Left front beginning to show signs of wear

Pictures by Andrew Cliffe and Simon Davey

We look forward to an update at Mallory where the battle of the young bloods will continue
 
 

Kat collects her Sunday award

Ready to go

Arm up, throttle jammed on Saturday

Chris Woodhouse pursued by our correspondent

In action