Race Report: Panasonic Toyota Racing Team

[DiMoose]

[Qual]
Due to way too little tracktime, we opted to go for a 2 stopper where we suspected most to do a 3 stopper. And to the few cars at the grid we didn't go out to set a time either, to conserve fuel.

[Race - stint 1]
Got off the line very well, and was first a few corners later, put was kept under pressure the whole time, out braked myself and lost 2 positions.
Was fighting a bit with Terence, but the car just didn't have the griplevels it should have. Spun a couple of times and lost some valuable time.

[Race - stint 2]
Started out well, and was pushing to the max, and just when I though I was doing alright, the car spun again.
A lap later, I was really lacking motivation, and lost concentration, and went backwards into the wall, lossing rearwing and getting a flat rear tyre.
Stumbled to the pits.

[Race - Stint 3]
After almost a minute in the pits due to repairs, I came out and could now feel what the pace would've been like if we would have opted to go for a 3 stopper in the beginning. Was catching the guys in front, even though it was pointless since we were a lap down.

[Race - Stint 4]
Made a short last stint with several 34's, even though doing the discussed chicane the "proper" way.
Finished 4th, but unlapped Terence, which in the end was my only motivation.

A race to forget really for my part, but after a great season, claiming the WDC forthe 2nd time in a row, I can't really be too unhappy.
It's a sad day as well as the Panasonic Toyota Racing Team will dissolve now, it's been great during the last 2 seasons. But the current world economy, and that Toyota only builds boring cars doesn't really help either  doesn't seem to permit them to keep going on, since the management can't upgrade their 37'th luxury yacht, nor buying their 18'th luxury chateau nor buying their 132'nd supercar due to bonus cutbacks!

Many thanks to all of you guys who have raced in the league this year, and some huge thanx to MS7 for hosting it!
It's a really great league with it's more  "arcade" like physics, making it really fun to drive! I hope to see you guys in 2010!

[david carney]

I thought you were a machine but you are a mortal like the rest of us!

that chicane was odd.  I practiced by following the racing line then someone broght up how are we to take it.

during the race I did take the blackened line afew times and the otherway most of the time. I found that the times were not much difference and set my fastest lap taking it how it probably should be as you could go deep before you had to brake where as you had to brake early to cut and would have to negotiate the bumps...