Six races, six Fastest Laps!

After his Rockingham jaunt in the main Formula Renault championship, James returned to the BARC fold at Oulton Park, for the next round of the BARC series that he has started to dominate. It was a race that delivered a fighting 2nd place podium finish from an uncustomary lower grid slot, the fastest lap, a new class lap record, and an increased lead of 28-points in the championship title chase!

This was Jiggy's first visit to the Cheshire track and his acclimatisation was not helped by the fact that Friday dawned wet, conditions that left the track soaked. This would not have been too bad, apart from the fact that when qualifying came around on the following day, the track had dried out, leaving the championship leader with no dry weather data upon which to call.

Given the circumstances, and in spite of the fact that all the other drivers' were 'throwing' new tyres at their cars, James' team decided to stick with the older stuff from Croft throughout qualifying. To compound matters their was also an abundance of red flags, which cut down on James' track time, which would have simply meant using new tyres just for the sake if it. 

By the end of the timed qualifying session Jiggy was not too happy with his eventual 6th placed qualifying position on the grid. Given the circumstances, however, it was a strong result, especially on old tyres, and one that the team and driver could clearly improve upon as the day progressed towards the race in the afternoon.

The start was typically Gornall stuff and 6th became 5th by the first corner. What followed was one driver after another being pressured into a mistake, as James made up places with decisive precision, but with insufficient time to do anything about the leader who had a clear run from the front. With a clear track ahead of him though Jiggy immediately showed what he was capable of, as he set a new fastest lap (his sixth BARC race in succession!) and a new class lap record of 1:26.181s, at an average speed of 92.98mph.

His run though was not without its moments, although the manner in which he dealt-with one of his rivals, brought a cheer from the crowd along the pit straight, after he disposed of Nicky Wilson who had forced him onto the grass. At over 120mph and when still on the grass, James raised his fist and shook it at his aggressor, which led to the crowd cheering and no doubt adding a name to their "favourite driver" books. If spectators love anything they love a fighter who has the driving skills to match!

Snetterton in Norfolk next weekend is the next stopping point and it is a track that James' knows. An extension of his BARC championship lead is highly anticipated, together maybe with yet another fastest lap?