Formula Vee - Bishopscourt - May 17/18 - with Colm Blackburn

We set out for Bishopscourt knowing it was a track I could win at, and especially now that I had a place in the most experienced team on the grid, I really fancied my chances.

Paul took the car after Round 2 at Kirkistown and whatever changes he applied, had made it really easy to drive. In previous races, I found every corner required patience with the throttle and a gentle hand on the steering wheel. Not my style, but to get around the track the way the car was, this is what was required.

After the first practice session, it was clear Paul had put in many hours to help me get back to winning ways. I could get on the throttle much earlier, and I didn’t have to fight the car at every corner. It was clear that the car was lying dormant for years, and it needed the attention of the man who built it originally.

We topped the times for Saturday qualifying and I went to bed that night a happy man.

In Race 1, it was clear Gavin had more pace on the straights as he beat me to turn 1 every time, even though I reacted to the lights first. I think the engine is tired now after last year's racing and could do with a rebuild. Nonetheless, with the improvements on the brakes and handling made by Paul, I was able to get by my opponents and get the lead soon enough.

Once I got the lead, I was able to rely on my experience and race craft to hold off the rest of a hungry pack of drivers, including a number looking for their first win.

Race 2 was more of the same. The car was especially fast through the last corner compared to last year, where it was very difficult for me.

The Leastone was also very quick through the first chicane, where I made most of the gap to the lads behind. After this initial weekend of running with Leastone, I am hoping that having Paul prepare the car and run it at the track is going to make all the difference this year. The wealth of knowledge and experience he brings to Formula Vee Racing is second to none.

I’m looking forward to Mondello on June 7th, where I feel like I should have a car that handles and brakes really well, which in turn gives me a lot of confidence.