I had entered a BMW M3, which replaced the ageing 535 I used last year along with the Granada Estate for Richard Scotchmer to use. This was Richard's competition debut and at just sixteen and unable to hold a road licence, getting out on a sprint circuit seems like a good way to get in some driving experience.

I have not driven anything as quick as the M3, having only raced and sprinted a Ford Zodiac in the distant past, and then the 535 last year. It was certainly a surprise when I floored it off the line on the first practise run and ended up sideways until the straight. I managed to keep it going forward for the next two runs, missed a gear and a gate on the third, and spun in the wet on the final run, but I still had an enjoyable time.

Richard was pleased with his debut.  He missed a gate on the first practise run, got quicker on the next two, made some sort of error as the lights went to green on his fourth, never did discover the problem, and then spun in the same place as I did on his final run. He had a great time and is looking forward to his next event, Llandow we think at the end of May; a race circuit in an auto Granada should be interesting!

Many thanks to the marshals and officials who made the day go so smoothly despite the weather, look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Regards