I had to change my approach. Thinking about the championship and points, and focusing on others, meant I went into Donington the wrong way. I think my dad got it wrong too, which he admits. We had talked about outcomes and points, and it all got in the way of my driving.
I went to Donington thinking about off-track stuff, and it almost bit me. I had to change for Snetterton. I let others dictate my performance, and that was not going to happen again.
So, I went back to basics. We got the sim rig to the team, and I took myself back to school. Focus on every corner, set a time, match it back-to-back, then improve, and repeat. Look at different combinations of track grip and car setup. Get myself ready, just focusing on me.
I needed three perfect moments: pole, Race 1 win, Race 2 win. Take everything away from my rivals. Take back control.
In practice, I never stopped pushing myself. Every possible lap, I was learning and pushing. Then onto the footage and data. I was in my bubble, and no one could disrupt me.
I spent the night looking at one corner entry, getting it visualised and perfect.
Race day. I make my notes, and I go and deliver. I take control on track. I have the pace, and I know there is more to come, too. I got pole, but I wanted more. I went back to my data and my notes. The car was working perfectly; it was just about me executing my plans.
BRSCC Classic 2CV Racing Club 24 Hours, 21st/23rd August, Snetterton
Snetterton 200, Geoff Page Engineering Super Classic Formula Ford Championship
Race 1 starts. I stick to my plan, and I get the win. Thirty minutes to smile and enjoy it, then I start to build again for Race 2.
It is so vital that I shut down any talk about the championship. It’s me vs. my rivals on a track. That’s it.
I get in the car, we strap in, and I start it. There is nothing else now. It’s me vs. the track, with drivers in the way.
BRSCC Classic 2CV Racing Club 24 Hours, 21st/23rd August, Snetterton
Snetterton 200, Geoff Page Engineering Super Classic Formula Ford Championship
The start is good, but my rival’s is better. We race hard for 15 minutes. I lead, he leads, but I cannot make it stick, and he takes the win. Initially, I was frustrated. I wanted that win, but not at any cost. Both cars were perfect, and there was no contact at all.
BRSCC Classic 2CV Racing Club 24 Hours, 21st/23rd August, Snetterton
Snetterton 200, Geoff Page Engineering Super Classic Formula Ford Championship
I get back to the awning. I hear the championship update for the first time. It is good. Very good. I’m so close to becoming the champion.
I went looking for three perfect moments and got two of them.
But maybe the more important thing was getting myself back.
