Snetterton Race Report
12th April 2004
Overheating in qualifying so pulled up after out-lap, leaving me back in 68th. Thanks to Stuart Pearson's team and Al Boulton, who help with fixing the car. This put me 30th on the grid for heat 1, beside Mark Webber.
Race start and I manage to get a jump on the row in front, passing between James Mansfield and Shaun Turner, glad to put a couple of cars between myself and the Aussie superstar. I get around the left of Mike Wright to tuck in behind Jason Nind, then back to the right to set up for Sear, but I get a bash from Bob Fossey, that I have to deal with before resuming the pursuit down Revett Straight. Through Coram I pass Kev Hutton and then a couple of 205s out of Russell. By the end of lap 2 I take a limping XR2, leaving me in pursuit of Paul Johnson. John Townshend spins in the Esses on lap 3, and by lap 4 I'm onto Johnson in Russell Bend, but cannot pass. I get a chance in Sear, which I take. By lap 7 ill 205, XSi and XR2 passed, then Matt Urlwin tangles with a car that is rejoining the track. He holds position, but goes wide exiting Russell. I pass and hold 9th to put me into the final. Matt Lewis wins heat 1, with Phil Smith taking heat 2 after a strong challenge from Simon Howard.
The final, I start well, tuck in behind Pearson. Championship leader Craig Shepherd is limping down back straight. Pearson passes Boulton in Corum, I'm politely avoiding hitting either of them, especially as they helped fix the car earlier, get a clear chance on Boulton on lap 2 and pass. Terry Roughton passes me into Esses on same lap. Catch Scot Kerlew by lap 4, have a light brush in Sear, but lose momentum, and by the end of Revett, Kerlew is away and Taylor and Boulton are through. I re-take Boulton on lap 5 after getting better momentum through Russell, but by the Esses he is back in front. I chase, and then on lap 9 the rain starts. I pass Roughton and Howard, busy exploring the scenery. I settle for 20th. Paul Taylor wins by a country mile, Andy Burgess and Maurice Hayden making up the top three.