High Temperatures Make For A Difficult Weekend. But Still Two Podiums.
Zolder, a 2.49-mile undulating circuit, not unlike Spa Francorchamps in shape and atmosphere, promised record breaking temperatures over the weekend. And this was a prophecy delivered, full time. The organisers therefore had little option but to rearrange their schedule and Sunday’s one-hour semi-endurance race was split in two, thus providing four half hour sprints spread over the two days.
As always, Koopman Racing had Harry’s BMW M6 GT3 ready and waiting and with little to do practice laps were reduced to a minimum. The same rule applied for qualifying as by midday temperature was in the mid-thirties and rising. Harry went out, did the job of secured pole position and then rested the car. Unfortunately, things went awry in Race 1 when the differential failed. The team somehow managed to strip the rear axle and do a complete rebuild before Race 2. But only just. Harry forfeited pole, starting in last place. However, a determined drive saw him finish second, only missing out on victory by one tenth of a second. That, without working air conditioning.
Sunday morning again saw rapidly rising temperatures. Meanwhile Race 3 proved another disappointment when heat gremlins attacked the gear change module, sidelining a frustrated Harry whilst fighting for the lead. Of course, once cooled the unit worked perfectly! Before the final race a temporary pipe forced fresh air across the electrics. But to no avail. Two laps in, bang, a broken rear wishbone brought the weekend’s activity to a close.
Somehow, against all diversity the team still managed to salvage a pair of hard-earned podium places. It could have been worse.
