So- the Megane is back with a new clutch assembly and a large bill. Just like Donald Duck really! Snetterton here we come.

Wow what a day. 30 degrees air temperature- and boy, was it hot in the car.

Snetterton is one of our more local circuits and so with the latish start we didn't need to be up before dawn. Having loaded the trailer the night before it was just a matter of out of bed have a quick coffee and away. Took a chance and left the wets behind so with the tow car much lighter we made good time. It was good news that we had our own LMA paddock with ample hardstanding. There was plenty of time to unload, sign on and get to scrutineering. Back in the paddock we now had time to wonder if the new clutch would behave. Perhaps the new pads and discs were padded in ok. We would soon see.
From where we were it was only a short walk to the back straight to watch the old F1 cars of the EuroBOSS series. Fantastic noise and speed, 185 mph and a 56 second lap for the fastest car. I'm sure that Trevor was tempted to get maximum boost on Rover to attempt the same.

Out we all went for our qualifying session and wow it was hot. After a tentative start I decided that it was all working properly although the track felt incredibly slippery. Talking to other drivers later it seemed everyone found it the same.Particularly Douglas Ellwood in the Marcos Mantis who had a major moment with power and steering at the Esses, but we managed to use all our combined skills (!!!!!!!!) and avoided each other. He was very apologetic afterwards. Also it appeared to be running slower than usual. Grid position was much as expected in 16th place. With Ian Craig and Jason Holmes in front it looked to be set for a good race. Jason Newman was unlucky to ventilate his block and had no prospect of racing. One or two others had problems and only 24 of the 27 would start.

Start time approached with the temperature rising steadily and tyre pressures were adjusted to suit. By guesswork of course. We were "gridded-up" and off for the rolling start. This time everything seemed to go ok. The pace was steady and when the pace car pulled off it appeared that we were all taking part in the same start for a change. Well done everyone!!!
I got an excellent start and got a couple of scalps including the Prodrive Mondeo. The charge for the first corner at Snetterton is usually good as Riches isn't too slow and there seems to be plenty of room. Had a small discussion with Matt Speakman and his Clio to decide who would go through first and he kindly suggested that I could. By the end of lap one I was in twelfth place and could still see Simon Taylor. Excellent. I put in a couple of good laps, much better than in qualifying and chased Jason in the Tomcat. By lap 4 I could really put him under pressure and eventually got up the inside into the Esses. Being a nice chap he let me through and with people dropping out by lap nine I was ninth overall. Lap ten was different. Through the Bombhole and into Corum all ok and then the slippery bit took over and it let go. I watched the sun appear and disappear as I rotated and then saw a large Tomcat coming in my direction. Well done Jason-you missed me. Into gear and away and only Jason and Ian Craig had got through. Not long to go and now the Modeo was up to speed and zoomed past.

The most exciting bit was yet to come as I caught Pongo and Jason Tarling in his Clio having a go at each other. Out of Russell we went and I pulled out to overtake Jason as he pulled out round Pongo. Up the straight about six inches away from the rear bumper of the Clio. It took him almost the whole straight to get past and I then got him into Riches. The chequered flag soon followed and brought the end to a good race. Thanks to everyone for a good competitive drive. Eleventh overall and the normal second in class. Well done Simon it was the closest yet.

Finished in time for a beer in the bar and then up and home.Orders now in to replace flat spotted tyres x2 and 1 wheel bearing. Thanks to Auriel and the girls in my fan club ( Jo and Liz ) for coming out to support me. See their photos in the gallery. I look forward to seeing everyone at Oulton Park on the 18th.