“Bit of a wet one at Brands Hatch last Sunday, but I did get a half-decent session in the afternoon with a drying line on the track.

“I managed to get a 2^nd in qualifying due to the heavens opening up and putting my class on a relatively level playing field. 

“Unfortunately for me, in the final session the weather cleared and a dry line appeared on the track and that snatched a podium finish for me – 1.6 seconds away from an Evo with 800bhp that had turned up!

“The Apollo-series 4-piston caliper has been a significant upgrade over the standard Evo Brembo caliper. This also has the benefit of being lighter than the OEM equivalent, saving 0.4kg per corner of unsprung weight.

“Progressing from the RP-X to SR-11 and on to the SR-21 race pad compound, this setup is very effective at stopping a relatively heavy (1400kg) car quickly. Coupled with the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing BF307+ brake fluid, I can confidently say there has been absolutely zero brake fade and really does inspire confidence coming up to Paddock Hill Bend at around 125mph, or at Snetterton approaching Brundle at 135+mph.

“The energy the brakes are coping with is incredible; so much so that the wheels have changed colour due to the heat, but the brakes have stopped the car every time without a fuss.

“Since fitting the RP-X & SR-11 pads, almost every event I have been beating my personal best times, this Is due to the confidence I have in the brakes.�

“As the cars lined up on the grid to take to the super-fast Cadwell circuit, again the fog came down before they could be released onto the green flag lap. MSVR organisers did everything they could to get the day flowing but unfortunately, it was just in the hands of the gods, with no other decision but to abandon the meeting.

“Justin said ‘after watching back a couple of qualifying laps, I can’t actually believe we were driving in those conditions; visibility was desperate and dangerous but you’re just trying to put a very fast time in no matter what. Nicole and I were extremely gutted the race didn’t go ahead as we were very hopeful of a strong result, but the MSV made the correct decision.’

“The duo next head off to Spain for the penultimate round, taking with them a strong 20-point championship lead. Circuito de Navarra will see several English championships head out there for the October meeting.�

Warm-Up

“We used this session to make sure the new brakes were ok and just generally get back into the swing of it.�

Practice

“We did a couple of laps on the middle boost setting. We then came in, checked/adjusted the tyre pressures and turned it up to full boost. We then went back out to get a feel for things. After the session, we discussed what the car was doing, then made some alterations to the front and rear suspension settings.�

Qualifying

“I managed two laps before the red flag was out. The session was cancelled so I didn’t really get to push on in the car, so was unable to feel whether the changes had improved things or not.�

Final

“We swapped the front tyres side-to-side, so the fresher tyre was on the passenger front (seeing as this was a clockwise circuit). We sort of went in blind as the suspension adjustments could have gone either way – worse than before or better! After two warm-up laps, I just went for it. Lap times were coming down and I finally got a clear lap and banged in a 1.17.6. The car felt brilliant; the best it’s felt since owning it. Hats off to Dad – we discussed what changes to make, did them and it worked! 

“There were laps where the car felt quicker but traffic was a problem (this was the same for others too). 

“Unfortunately, a few minutes before the end, with confidence growing, the car decided to throw up an ABS fault. I had a massive lock up going into Old Hairpin, killing off a Trofeo tyre in the process. Looks like now we have play in both lower swivels! Thanks to Motion Motorsport for checking the car over. 

“We had a really good day, got our fastest lap ever around Donington Park, beating last year’s time and beating other OHW (One-Hit Wonder) FWD cars and a few others in class. Respectable times considering some machinery in the class.

“One thing I’ll add – I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been overly confident with the brakes, even trying different pads, but this new setup really gives me the confidence to brake later and harder. The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing RP-X pads are mega coupled with our new discs.â€�