BRSCC Formula 3 Racing Results : 2010

Snetterton | Round 1 | 19/03/2011 | 7th Place

Snetterton | Round 2 | 20/03/2011 | DNF

Snetterton 2011

Rounds one and two of the new MSV F3 Cup Series were held at the new circuit at Snetterton in March.

Snetterton had undergone an extensive redesign over the winter with six new corners added to the infield area and two existing corners radically changed. This has extended the circuit length from 2 miles to 3.

FISA Racing was at the circuit on Friday for a day's testing as part of Dave's pre race preparation. Unfortunately Dave had come down which a nasty cold. Nevertheless, the team carried out a full testing programme, important for Karaskas to learn the circuit modifications. Dave's lap times consistently improved, and by the end of the day he had recorded the third fastest time of all the F3 cars.

The following day, 16 cars took to the track for qualifying. Sadly Dave's cold had left him feeling tired and lacking concentration. Consequently, he felt he was just hanging on to the car rather than being able to push on aggressively. As a result, his best lap was over two seconds slower than he had set the day before, and he was classified in seventh place on the grid. One thing that had been worrying Dave was, how to get the car off the line at the start of the race. The new car has a ceramic clutch, a type that Karaskas was not familiar with. He ended up being called before the Clerk of the Course for doing an illegal practice start.

At the start of race one on Sunday morning, Dave predictably made a poor start and was beaten away by a fast starting Neil Harrison. Front row man Mark Terry made a slow start and came across the track to defend his position, but touched another cars tyre with his own and flew up into the air, landing upside down just as Karaskas went passed. The race was red flagged and there was a delay while Mark was carefully extracted from the car and taken to hospital complaining of back pain. He was later given the all clear and released to return to the circuit.

At the re start, Dave was again beaten off the line by Neil Harrison. Dave soon repassed him and set off after Steve Clegg. Clegg's car was leaking oil that was spraying onto Dave visor making it difficult for Karaskas to see anything. Steve and Dave were passed by a fast Matt Draper. Karaskas was able to follow Draper by Clegg into sixth place, but braked too late for the new ‘Murray's' corner and Clegg was able to out drag him down the start finish straight. Karaskas was now being held up by Steve. He could catch him, but was delayed several times by unsuccessful passing attempts. He finally got into Clegg's slipstream approaching the Esses. Steve defended the inside line but left just enough room for Karaskas to slip through under braking. By now there was so much oil on Dave's visor; he couldn't see the track enough to place the car accurately. On the penultimate lap, Dave turned into Riches too early and went over the inside curbs. This unsettled the car enough to allow Clegg through again to win a most enjoyable race long battle.

When it was time to warm the engine for race two that afternoon, the starter motor on Dave's car went faulty. Trying to push start the car proved problematical, the engine firing at the last possible chance. Karaskas lined up on the grid but at the green flag, Kat Impy in front of him was slow away and Dave stalled the engine. The marshals had a go at push starting it but were ordered to push the car off the grid. Unfortunately the resurfaced track left a steep ledge on the edge of the track,on which the car got grounded. The marshals were quite rough with the car causing some damage. Dave let them know his displeasure, for which he was again hauled up before the Clerk of the Course. They normally do a great job and don't need to have to deal with irate drivers as well.

The weekend was one of mixed fortunes for Karaskas. The first race dice with Steve Clegg was very enjoyable. The times Dave set were very promising. He will soon be racing for podiums once he's used to the new car. Missing the second race was disappointing, but it's going to be a long season with plenty of racing to come. Next race meeting will be at Donington Park on 2nd/3rd April.