Another Challenging weekend for Andy Molsom of Molsom & Associates Optometrists at Snetterton in Norfolk.
Rounds 12 and 13 of the Caterham Graduates Super Championship met in Norfolk at Snetterton supporting the British Truck Racing Championship.
In qualifying, Molsom was on track early to gain track position, which was a great move as the rain was imminent. A quick warm up lap, Molsom was well ahead of everyone else, and thought he could get 2 quick laps in before the rains came. Unfortunately, half way round the first lap, his car stopped revving freely. Molsom slowly made it back to the pits, where the problem seemed to solve itself once the car was restarted. However the problem returned at the end of the next lap, another stop in the pits and on track to restart the car, it eventually behaved itself and Molsom got his minimum 3 laps in to qualify for the race. Unfortunately the rain had started and the opportunity for a good start position was gone.
“Qualifying was another nightmare, I only just got the 3 laps in that I required to qualify for the race. The car is getting old now, and is causing these intermittent problems that are difficult to diagnose. Rockey Racing have done a great job, spending hours trying everything possible to solve the issue.” said Andy Molsom.
Both races on Sunday were from the back of the grid, the first race started well, with Molsom making up places and being within reach of the class leader. Briant however, Molsom’s main rival for the championship, made a disastrous start and was at the back of the grid by the first corner. Unfortunately, the same problem recurred for Molsom on the back straight, the car lost power and despite all efforts would not resolve itself. Molsom found a safe place to stop, and watched the remainder of the race, which White won, with Briant recovering into 2nd place.
After much hard work and deliberation by Rockey Racing, the problem seemed to come down to the fuel pressure regulator, which was fixed in time for the afternoon race. Molsom was very tentative with the car, and made his way into 2nd place, not able to catch Briant ahead, who started 10 places ahead. Molsom also claimed the fastest race lap for his class.
“After the non finish in race one, I really didn’t think the car would be fit for race 2. All credit for Rockey Racing to get the car working to complete the second race. I was just utterly relieved to finish the race, uncertain at every corner whether the car was going to behave. More work needs to be done, as the throttle response wasn’t great, but at least I finished strongly.”
Molsom leaves Snetterton guaranteed second place in the championship, only 6 points behind Briant. The next race weekend is early October at Silverstone, where anything could happen in the Championship battle.
Photo Caption – Andy Molsom on the podium after his 2nd place.
Caterham Graduates Racing Club www.graduates.org.uk
Molsom & Associates Optometrists www.molsom.co.uk