20 October, the day of the penguin ……..

At last. The first test of her current rear axle …… in the wet, wet, wet and WET.

Planning to be on schedule for our usual early morning and then …… Fossa does not get traction to get onto her trailer. It is raining and we use block and tackle to pull Fossa onto her trailer – result: We get soaked. We arrive wet at Zwartkops Raceway at about 06h40.

Some off our visitors arrive, Ben and Judy Booysen and a little while later Shane Venter and Philip Pritchard bringing some more parts. It has been a while since we have had family attend and it was cool to have Ben and Judy there for their first ever introduction to historic racing.

We and all the arrivals contemplate whether the day will continue. I keep on telling myself it’s not that bad, really wanting to do some testing but at the same time pretty nervous. And then suddenly without warning the first road cars enter the track.

It’s our turn and Fossa comes up with a new trick, her battery is down. A bit of running around and we have her started with our external power source.

Fossa, swimming lessons 101

Fossa, swimming lessons 101

We join the track, it is slippery when wet. Like using smooth leather soled shoes on an ice rink. We have our first spin-out on lap two, onto the inside of corner two. And Fossa does not start. A quick run start and we are on the way again. For the whole day the rain comes down just varying in volume. After our spin I have a feel for the available traction and apply that to the rest of our stints. Run Fossa down the straights, turn early in the corners and have her drift towards the outside of the track with careful steering, counter steer, steering, counter ………. and with vary precise throttle control.

Fossa, swimming lessons 102

Fossa, swimming lessons 102

Fossa behaves well and in some weird way I am surprised at the grip offered by the semi slicks. I have been told that at times she has her left front in the air on the exit of corner eight …….. WHAT? I have to be proud yet again of what we have achieved with that Anglia that came into our lives just over a year and a half ago.

Fossa, swimming lessons 103

Fossa, swimming lessons 103

Both Ben and Judy opt for a suicide ride and after paying the track and signing indemnities, Ben is the first to take the plunge. He says a few things but I am concentrating to keep Fossa in one piece. Judy takes her ride and though very quiet during the ride quite verbal as we pull into the pits. Her words not suitable as I do not want our website marked for language!

Fossa, swimming lessons 104

Fossa, swimming lessons 104

We were scheduled to meet with someone who said they would sponsor us two sets of tires for 2014, but unfortunately he was a no show.

We have two weekends free before our final points race for 2013 and are currently leading Pre66 class U with only 3.5 points. That will take place on the 9th of November on the Zwartkops Raceway. The provisional program have us qualifying at 07h30, first heat at 10h00 and the second at 13h40. Calling all Fossa’s fans!