FIAGTC 2020-2021 Exhibition Season
Manufacturers Series
Race #8 - Gr3 / Tokyo Expressway - East Inner Loop
After all the buildup to this one, I knew I had to put in a good performance. I had put in a solid 2:07.5 in FP after getting all my lift points and max min cornering speeds figured out. The Cayman would finally be at an advantage at the Tokyo race. And I drew #18 in the lobby... as the only Porsche driver! It was just up to me.
Qualified 7th, without much of a tow, which was good enough, given that I knew that some would have to pit and that I could save more fuel and have more pace than the field. It was a QUIET grid introduction! Everyone had done their homework. I blipped the throttle to rub it in a bit that I wasn't going to have to be as careful! I have to say, also: it was one of the best looking grids that I've seen in a while... excellent work on the custom liveries, guys!
But in reality, I was too careful... started at Fuel Position 2, but lost two spots before the first turn, then another over the next lap. But I figured the Vettes and Vipers were just going all out expecting to pit, so I didn't sweat it. I eventually let
@afc5150 past as well, before I calculated that I could light the wick again after the fourth lap. (sorry to learn his race was ruined, in the chat after... for what's worth, I've had an issue with him as well, though I don't think he means to drive dirty, he's been over-zealous around me too, I was recalling that as I approached him without knowing he hit you earlier....)
But by then I had lost the draft, and it took me a full lap at full fuel to catch up to it again, then started to pick my way up the grid, as others pitted as well. Made a textbook slipstream pass into T1, outbraking a BMW M4 who smoked his tires... it was a fun moment and we both raced super clean but super hard for a moment. He was clearly managing fuel though, so I was able to gap him after that, and then worked up to 4th place.
I made a couple of very minor mistakes, my first real driving mistakes all race, while chasing a Viper ahead on the last lap, who himself was on the tail of 2nd place. Anything could happened. I might have gotten caught up in the moment and as a result I only made it to his bumper at the line. I finished with too much fuel as well... I should have kept it at 1 on the first lap, defended my position, and I'm sure I would have had another win, which I admit really sucks to know... maybe I should have run a practice race instead of so many FP laps.
But after a rough season, I'll take the 4th place, the 141 FIA points, and the 1000 or so DR points. But I'm happy enough with it, and glad to call it a round while looking ahead at the RBJr race this weekend (my FP time has me in the top 100 so far... hoping I am good on pace and merit a good result there, too). I may just give it a go on my Alt account... the DR is the same as my main account, so it may be a fun challenge even though I haven't run any FIA races on it this season.
Everything lined up but I dropped the ball... otherwise would have had a win!
AFC-R6N and his BA-looking Aston... nice livery! We look like teammates. Sorry about your race... good luck if you go again.
Putting the great Porsche brakes, my new brake pedal sensor, a light fuel load, and a great tow to work to make pass for position late in race.
Porsche 911 RSR (991) '17
Qualified: 7th
Race Finish: 4th (141 pts)
Door #18 (+1094 DR... needed that... been flirting with losing A rating again!)