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On Thursday 7 July 2005 TKR came to Manfeild to do Hot Laps for their supporters and sponsors. I was one who had no hesitation in booking a lap in the V8 Supercar – the Perkins chassis the team used in 2003 with the 18 degree engine. Heading out to the track the sky was looking a bit dodgy and I was hoping the rain wouldn’t come down as had been forecast as I thought there would be no laps in the rain – until I got to the track and saw the pile of wet tyres stacked up (the rain never came until well after the day was over). First thing to do for the day was to go and sign the usual indemnity form, just in case something went wrong – no hesitation in signing that, except for the pen running out ;) I was informed I was first up for the day in the Supercar (TKR also run laps in the ‘Hot Lap’ car at these days), so that was great – no real time for nerves! Soon it was time to get a helmet on, and jump in the car with Paul Radisich. The seat is surprisingly comfortable and soon I am all strapped in and we are off. As we cruise down pit lane I am testing my hold on the roll cage. Since it is the first run of the day, Paul took it easy round the first few corners, a few wiggles from side to side to warm up the tyres, but as soon as we hit the back straight he was off (and I decided that roll cage hold wasn’t needed at all) – the braking going into the Dunlop sweeper wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, then we were flying down the front straight (as you can see in the video). The stopping at the end of this one was much harder on the brakes! Then it was full on through the rest of the lap…. Excellent, one more to go I thought, but we were pulling in to pit lane – hmmmm… Oops, we missed a lap – you say I will have to go out again later? Really? Damn, that would be a shame ;) For anyone who thinks that you don’t get to go quick in these laps, let me tell you, you’re wrong. Martin Collins (team manager), says that Paul only has two speeds, stop, and flat out! And from the times he was doing through the day he was certainly doing that! Much quicker than the NZV8 qualifying times with a passenger certainly isn’t slow!! A bit later on Paul was carrying on the laps when on the back straight there was a bang, and a very rough sounding engine, and a few anxious glances over the fence, Paul creeps into pit lane, engine still running, makes a few gestures and leaps out – ‘We’re out of go-go juice’ – Oops – LOL. Apparently the car goes through about 1.5l of fuel per lap at Manfeild (which is a 3.03km track). As the day wore on and the tyres got more and more worn, the car was going sideways very well through the castrol corners, and the final corner onto the front straight giving all the passengers a thrill! The next set of tyres had to come out eventually, and then it was almost time for my next go….. I think Paul and the team must be very pleased that there was no AVESCO radar gun at the end of pitlane when we exited this time, as I think the race pitlane speed limit of 40kph was exceeded just a little and had it been a race weekend severe penalties would have been applied ;) I was holding the camera for the first lap to give an inside view this time – was harder than I thought to hold a camera – as you will see if you look at the video – lol, so after the first lap I stopped filming to just totally enjoy the experience of racing around Manfeild as quickly (top speed around 240kph) - and a little bit sideways - as possible. Did I feel safe – absolutely – Did it feel quick – Hell Yes! Did I want to keep going – definitely, but unfortunately all great things have to come to an end, and this did with a slow rumble down pitlane. I guess it’s hard to explain the sound of the car and the feeling of the g-forces as you fly around the corners, and accelerate and brake, but trust me – it is an experience you will never forget. If you are thinking about having a hot lap with TKR – stop thinking and DO IT! The experience is totally awesome! In fact I would love to have a go at Pukekohe, with the long back straight so we can go faster!! Then the tight hairpin at the end, and coming up over the ‘mountain’ onto the front straight would be fantastic! I would just like to say a huge thank you to Paul, Martin, David, Bernie, Gene, Hadyn and Jackie for making the day a great relaxed experience, and for making everyone feel welcome. Oh, and next time we catch up Paul – can I please have my sharpie pen back ;) |
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