MSV Formula 3 Racing Results : 2011

Silverstone | 30th September - 1st October 2011

Race Report Silverstone 30th September - 1st October 2011

54 cars went out in the qualifying session. With so many cars, with such a wide range of speeds, it was obvious to Dave that he would have to get out onto the track early, and would only have a couple of clear laps to set a qualifying time, before he would be mixed up with slower traffic and therefore unable to improve his times. His 2nd lap put him in provisional second place. His 3rd lap was slower due to having to pass many cars. Then on his 4th lap, as he went along Hanger Straight he was gaining on two Mono cars. One on the left hand side on the track was being passed by the one on the right. There was plenty of room between them, so Dave went through the gap. Just then, the right hand car came across the track to be on the right line to enter Stowe Corner. Unfortunately he came across the track without checking his mirrors and slammed into Dave's right rear wheel. With Karaskas doing an estimated 140mph, the impact was quite violent. The two cars spun to a halt.

Dave's fastest lap gave him 5th place on the grid for race one. His second fastest lap, his out lap was good enough to give him 10th place on the grid for race two. Race one was to be run at 3.00pm on Friday afternoon, but the damage to Dave's car was extensive and the race was on to get it fixed in time. Pete and Alistair of FISA Racing worked hard and managed to get the car fixed in time, so Karaskas was able to line up on the grid with 52 other cars. This was to be the largest single seater grid ever in this country.

With so many cars behind him, Dave needed to make sure he didn't stall on the grid; consequently he used too many revs at the start and got too much wheel spin. Although that meant he got away safely, he dropped two places into the first corner. On the first lap Karaskas was able to outbrake Nick Robinson into Stowe Corner. On the following lap, he passed Neil Harrison round the outside of Stowe. Dave was then passed by recovering drivers, Mark Robinson and Mark Terry. A collision between two Mono cars brought out the safety car. During this period, Mark Terry slowed and Karaskas passed him. When the race went 'green' again, Karaskas set off after Mark Harrison and Chris Needham. On the penultimate lap, Harrison attempted a pass at Vale but got crossed up, which allowed Karaskas down the inside of him at Club. This put Dave up into third place which he held until the finish, with Aaron Steele in first and Chris Needham in second.

The cars lined up on the grid on Saturday morning for race two. On this occasion, Karaskas made a great start and passed three cars away from the grid. Then on lap two he passed Neil Harrison. On the next lap, he passed Neil's brother Mark to put him into fourth. On lap 4 Dave's car slowed as the transmission tightened up and he was passed on the straight by Nick Robinson. Karaskas was able to repass him in a twisty section. The next lap saw Dave's transmission break completely and he coasted to a halt opposite the new 'Wing' pits building with no drive at all. It was very unfortunate because his car felt good and he was driving very well and was confident he could catch Mark Terry and Chris Needham ahead of him to score another podium.