Ford Rising Stars Racing

Today we were out at the track at the crack of dawn again. Last night was later than expected, when a cracked engine block was found on the number 77 car. The guys worked back late and didn't get home till 2.30am. These things happen from time to tme and there's nothing you can do except work through it.

Qualifying was from 10am, with the bottom half ofthe field heading out for the first 25 minutes, and the top half after that. Having driven what was a challenging car yesterday, Daniel (car 77) started to change his driving style when he got onto new tyres in qualifying, and improved his times greatly.

"At first it didn't feel right, but then when we put the green tyres on I started to change my driving style and the car felt really good. If I'd had another 2 laps I could have gone quicker, but I'm happy that I've found the extra speed in both myself and the car."

Daniel qualified 4th in the first qualifying, with the second lot of cars still to come out.

Traffic can really cause havoc when a driver is trying to put in a quick lap. If a driver has to pass someone on a quick lap you can pretty much kiss the lap good bye. It may be fast, but time will always be lost when you're passing someone. That's why it's essential to get out of the pits as fast as possible so there's no traffic on the circuit. It at least allows you to bank a quick safe lap straight up.

Car 777 (Michael Caruso) left the pits and was inside the top ten straight away, but the pace was hot as was the traffic, making it difficult to set consistently fast laps. Michael had to be satisfied with 6th on the grid, although he felt there was more speed to be found in the car.

Race one was to be a dry race, to the delight of the team. Wet races, although spectacular are often filled with carnage and leave the mechanics with a lot of work to do! Starting off 6th and 17th, Michael and Daniel rocketed off the start. By turn 1 Michael was into 4th where he was to stay. Daniel did not have any luck on his side, falling down the grid after a short off track excursion forcing him to pit. Although making a let comeback, a safety car period put his charge on hold. Michael's race was shortly to come to a premature end. In what was to be a last lap dash after the safety car pulled off the circuit, it wasn't to be. Michael's diff blew on the restart forcing him to retire.

Another long night ahead changing the rear end of the car and figuring out the best strategy for race 2 tomorrow morning. It's going to be dinner as usual with the team tonight followed by another early night (hopefully).

Stay tuned for the final episode!!