Belinda Challis is an ex-BDC driver competing in Driftcup with the aim to gain her BDC license after a few years out of competition.This is her take on Driftcup Round 3.
In the run upto the event my turbo failed, Barry at Exclusive tuning was a great help and fitted a new turbo with a few says to spare, thanks to Bud Recovery Hertfordshire for transporting my car for its last minute repairs.
Fellow competitor, Danny Grundy, an ex-Driftcup driver, close friend and neighbour took the time out to transport my R32 to 3 Sisters Race Circuit. The car ran effortlessly thought practice although it was difficult at times with the changing weather conditions and a few scrappy laps. When the weather stayed consistent I felt like I was on the judged line, hitting all the clips and committing to fast entries.
My confidence built up following practice when I watched back a few of my runs, confiming what I was doing right on the track, I was feeling good heading into qualifying.
Having the confidence with the new Westlakes tyres on the front, I went in on my first practice run into the 1st bend, getting caught out by a deep puddle between clips 1 & 2. I put 2 (possibly 3) wheels on the grass / off track scoring me a zero.
With no safe run in the 1st attempt I decided to go hard in my second run attempting an manji entry (hoping to get the extra points that were awarded) entered clip 1-2 with caution. I was determined that I wouldn’t be caught out by the puddle this time but got extra grip on the exit of the corner. I gave the car a little “clutch kick” and I heard the horrific noise of the gearbox main input shaft giving in.
Until this point it had been a very faithful gear box, lasting me well over 5 years. I walked away smiling (well got towed off track) and obviously scoring minimal points for making it to clip 3. It was back to the pits to retire for this round.
I watched the rest of the day’s battles, supporting the other competitiors in championship, I am looking forward to heading to Teesside at the end of the month to the track I got my initial BDC semi pro licence in 2008.
I didn’t expect my 1st year back in competition to be easy after my time out. The level of driving is immense and the bars lifted so I have to up my game to keep up.
I know what I am capable of, as long as the “comp nerves” don’t curse me.
I am however proud to be a part of Driftcup, such a well run feeder series for which drivers can get their first taste of competition and test the waters to what is the next level in BDC where it gets more serious.
