CEA had to settle for second place in the first race of their class this weekend in the Grand Prix Racing League. Engine trouble meant a loss of power however, dogged determination saw the team holding on to take second place.
Racing off in pole position, Thomas “The Rain Master” Raldorf got off to an uncharacteristically sluggish start losing his first place before the initial corner.
The lead was regained on the main kilometre long straight and CEA pushed ahead for two more laps gaining a comfortable three second lead.
In lap three however, portended by the poor start, it was now clear that the CEA car was suffering engine troubles.
With the logistics team vehicle now handicapped by a slight lack of power, Khun Sorn in his number 7 car closed the gap and a gritty scrap for first place ensued.
For the next three laps the two racers were on each others tails resulting in position switching on a number of occasions.
Starting Off Infront
The battle lasted right up until the very last corner just meters before the finish line, where the CEA man had second thoughts on an overtaking manoeuvre therefore accepted his fate of second place.
It was a valiant fight while being somewhat underpowered and also high testament to the extreme skill of Thomas that he still kept the running quite so close.
A thorough inspection of the engine will be taking place over night and all being well CEA can return to the track tomorrow with a fully powered engine.
Race 2 tomorrow starts at 3:20pm. As ever this may be subject to changes.