Runner Up in Caterham Graduates Championship for Andy Molsom, and a new challenge for 2018.
At the recent Caterham Graduates Awards night at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge in Surrey, Molsom collected his Runner Up trophy in the Caterham Super-Graduates Championship 2017.
Molsom in his new Sigmax – photo credit – Chris Dicken – http://chrisdickenphotos.weebly.com/motorsport.htmlThe night started with a drinks reception in the ERA shed, where the ‘Fastest On Earth’ exhibition recalls the countless speed records achieved at Brooklands and pays tribute to the Brooklands drivers, riders, mechanics and engineers who claimed new records across the world.
The main event was in the Clubhouse, Geoff Lees handed out the Awards for the 5 classes. Geoff is an ex F1 driver, F2 champion and Le Mans driver. There was an interesting question and answer interview with him about his career. Molsom had 3 wins, 11 second places, and one DNF this year. He also had numerous fastest race laps, taking 2 new class lap records.
“All things considered we had a great year again, starting from the back of the grid 4 times due to car problems was a challenge and also great fun battling through the grid. Taking another 2 lap records means I now have 6 lap records in the Super-Graduate class.” Commented Andy Molsom.
After electrical and fuel problems with the car this year, Molsom took some time to consider his future in Motor Racing. His existing car is 16 years old, and Molsom had completed over 100 races in it. Discussions with fellow racers and his family, took him to the decision to change classes for next year to bring a new challenge.
At the recent Silverstone races, Molsom took delivery of a Sigmax class Caterham on the Friday. After getting the seating and pedal position sorted that night, Molsom then raced this car on Saturday and Sunday. Qualifying went well, having limited time in the car prior to this, starting both races 9th on the grid. The races were time to learn how the car handles, but Molsom still finished a creditable 12th in both races out of 21 entrants.
Molsom said “The second race was especially memorable with some great side by side racing, and finishing 1.6 seconds behind the leader albeit in 12th place. The Sigmax class is extremely competitive, and was shown in this race by the train of 15 cars vying for the lead of the race. It was a positive start in this car, with my fastest lap only a few tenths off the new lap record.
The car felt fantastic, faster, with more power and grip, and much stiffer suspension. The limited slip differential meant a change to my driving style, and there was too much understeer. I should be able dial the understeer out next year with changes to the setup, but we have the basis of a great car to have some truly great races.”
Molsom collecting his 2nd Place Trophy from Geoff Lees.
Caterham Graduates Racing Club www.graduates.org.uk
Molsom & Associates Optometrists www.molsom.co.uk
For further information, please contact:
Andy Molsom, Molsom & Associates Optometrists
Tel: 01775 713366