RB Xenon first run at the BRCA Nationals

The first round of the 1/8th BRCA National at Mendip took place last weekend with CML driver Chris Heath giving a first test run of the new RB Xenon engine. Chris' Review After a very tough and troubled Saturday practice I entered into Sunday with not much hope. Just took the car out for a 2 min practice run in the morning to check that everything was how it was when we left it on Saturday. The day was plagued with the same problem that I always have, of being in the 2nd from top qualifying heat. At least half of the heat is made up of very slow drivers which means I spend most of my time overtake other cars! Round 1 It was a steady run with my nerves high after a shaky Saturday run not inspiring any confidence. I did a 19/ 304.22 which was good enough to get me 7th in the top final. Round 2 After getting that banker in and the car/engine feeling so comfortable, I was a lot happier. I did a 19/ 302.97 which did loose me a position in the top final, down to 8th. But was a much stronger run with me pulling half a track lead on the 2nd place run in just 4 laps. I drove some of my best, clean and consistent driving in this run and still had at least 6 Laps where I was overtaking other cars. Round 3 I went into round three with nothing to loose and everything to gain. With out doubt the car was at its best in this run but it was a lost course. Finished this run with a 19/ 309.19 which was my worst of the day but without doubt should have been my best. It just seemed that I was having trouble with back markers on every single lap in this run. None of this matter as I had done enough and finish with position 8th in the A Final. A Final Justin and I both agreed after such a tough weekend that we would enter this final with the main intension of just finishing it. Everything was going to plan and even with me not pushing the car I was up to 5th in no time. Then 14.5 minutes into the race and I was just about to come in for a pit stop my car stop in front of the pit lane, but the engine was still running. Closer inspection showed that the Throttle/Brake servo had died. A massive shame but very happy to take the 93 points for finishing 8th after such a tough weekend. So the the new RB engine seems to have the pulling power to make it a serious contender. Even without any tuning Chris was able to put in some impressive performances and he is confident he can improve his times running the RB engine all season. Further details and all the latest race results can be found at www.brca.org