Johnson draws on the positives as he looks forward to Oulton Park
RUNCORN motor racing star Gavin Johnson took plenty of positives from his appearance at Rockingham in the BRSCC Porsche Championship despite his car having mechanical issues.
After qualifying ninth on the Northamptonshire circuit, Johnson was eager to get out and show what he could do in his Turn Eight Racing 1979 model Porsche 924.
He made up two places during the race, finishing seventh.
Race two came around and Johnson had a fantastic battle with Darren House.
The quicker Boxsters came through the field lapping the 924s and the traffic meant Johnson dropped back from House but he managed to get a better feel for the track, closing the gap to just six thousandths of a second by the end of the race.
Johnson said: “It was a good day of racing but I’m disappointed with the results.
“I was hoping to be battling for podiums but the car just didn’t feel right and while I improved during Saturday I just couldn’t quite catch the pack.”
Teammate Pip Hammond was on hand to assist with the car and it was at the end of the day on the Saturday that a few mechanical issues surfaced.
He said: “The car had a leaking wheel cylinder in the last round at Snetterton and replacing that threw out the adjustment of the rear brakes.
“We also stripped a stub axle at the rear, which needed replacing on Saturday evening.”
Some fixes and adjustments to the car on the Saturday left Johnson feeling more confident.
The reverse grid meant he started from the front and while the quicker cars soon stormed past he managed to keep his position behind them.
A great battle took place with Bearnie Printy, the two of them trading places a number of times before Johnson eventually came out on top finishing in seventh place.
Added Johnson: “There are so many positives to be taken from Rockingham.
“We’ve uncovered a number of issues with the car, which can now be fixed and despite these I was still able to consistently bring down my lap times.
“I was four seconds per lap quicker by the end of the weekend.
“I’m looking forward to my home race at Oulton Park and can’t wait for some proper battles with the other 924s.”
The team is confident the car will be back to top form by Outlon Park a week on Saturday, June 25. ● The Turn Eight Racing car is supported by Orion Rail, Compomotive Motorsport Wheels, Humberside Tints and Golf Guide.