NEURASTHENIA

Another DNF in the HSO WEC series. After almost 1 hour of intense racing I got involved in another lapping incident. I got punted off, spun, and hit the wall a few times. If there was a larger runoff space I might have saved it. I was able to make it back to the pits and get repairs, and rejoined 10 laps behind the nearest guy. The car just didn't feel the same and I couldn't get up to the speeds I hit in practice. And so, being concerned that I was just being a nuisance on the track, after about 90 total minutes, I decided to park it.

Years ago, I would have carried on. But back then, with the cars we were racing with, the speed difference wasn't so great compared to the leaders. And I was younger, stronger, and crazier back then. I was getting lapped every 7-8 laps during the start of this race and I felt that it was just not worth it to be a mobile chicane. At least, the dead pedal I installed worked well.

I'll probably skip the final round of this series. I need more training before I try an endurance race again. And maybe I'll run a faster car next time, too. Anyway, it was a good learning experience.

Nick Bourne

For Round 6 of 1982 World Endurance Championship over at HSO, we head to the revered Fuji race track in Japan. The old 80's layout here is a bit different to the 21st century Formula One circuit that I am used to, and since I am running a BMW M1 in this event, the car and driving experience is dissimilar as well. I plan to practice, practice, practice in the coming days to try and get fit for this big event.

The last endurance race I did in Mugello I had to park it because my body broke down. I don't want that to ever happen again. I modded a dead pedal to my rig, to address the leg cramp problem that occurred the last time. Now the issue is my dodgy internet connection. I hope it holds all throughout the six hour race.

So, I will have to miss another round of the Grand Prix Series over at rFactor Racers. And just as I had moved up to 10th place in the points standings there, too. It is a schedule clash, and there is nothing I can do about that. Online Simulation Racing, as it is, is already something only a few people enjoy. When you add the Endurance factor, then it really becomes special. That's why right now this race is my priority.