Mixed fortunes but a podium for Randon in latest GT outing
SAM Randon was back on the podium after the latest round of the Britcar Championship at Snetterton.
He recovered from a frustrating qualifying session and then mechanical problems in race one to finish second in the following two-hour endurance race.
Randon was driving the Team Hard sister car rather than the one he won in at Donington in the previous round, alongside Simon Rudd.
At Snetterton, Rudd was back with Tom Barley, while Randon was paired up with a late substitute driver, 18-year-old Angus Daley.
Qualifying was disappointing as neither driver really got a clear lap and they ended up 13th and fourth in class. They were a long way behind Rudd/barley, their closest comparison.
Conditions were dry for race one and the team decided Randon should take the rolling start before a midway pit stop to hand over to Dudley.
After a good start – Randon moved up to second in class behind the sister car on the first lap – a driveshaft failed coming out of the Agostini bend and the Ashbourne driver had to park up.
The situation looked grim as the required repairs would normally take a day to carry out.
But the team rose to the challenge and the car was ready within minutes of the gate closing for the twohour endurance race.
Although starting from the back of the grid, Randon channelled all his frustration into a spectacular first lap.
“One advantage of starting in last place was that I could really weave about on my own and get the car up to temperature,” said Randon.
“I also held back a little at the start and got a good run into the first corner.”
His determination ensured he moved up eight places after the first two corners.
“I was just determined to get back into it,” he added.
“I knew my tyres were fresher than everyone else’s as we didn’t do any laps in race one so I made the most of that advantage and worked my way up to the back of Simon Rudd in the sister car.”
Dudley took over and was first for a while but a late surge by the KTM Crossbow team of Mike Mccollum and Sean Cooper claimed first place, with Randon/dudley second and Rudd/barley third.
“I am pleased with that,” said Randon.
“After the disappointment in qualifying and then in race one, I am just so grateful to Team Hard for getting us back out there. This was for them.
“Angus and I worked well together and were very similar speed so that is something we also need to explore together”.
It’s still not certain what the rest of this season will bring for Randon as discussions continue with Team Hard.