As usual, striking a pose before going out to the track for practice and not forgetting to give a thumb up sign.
Again, new to the track and Alvis has to grab every opportunity to discover the best racing line possible. Though following the local racers will help but the little racer will still love to explore out of the local racing line. I guess this is where Alvis learns and get the ability to adapt to different circuits fast.
Photo courtesy of Patrick Lascombes
Alvis made good progress during the practice session. This time round, Antoine was not with us and I was trying my luck with the setting up of the kart with some helps from other mechanics onsite.
Photo courtesy of Stéphane Agnus
Being the youngest in his category, Alvis surprised many during the chrono laps clocking the 4th fastest although with limited times on the track. 2nd row on the grid during the qualification and maintained his position till the checkered flag before we break for lunch.
Photo courtesy of Stéphane Agnus
History kind of repeated itself from the first race. Things wasn't going the way as the morning as the afternoon is getting hotter. During the pre-final, Alvis was going steadily during the formation lap and keeping close to the front row. When the red lights off to sign a start of the race, Alvis pressed on the throttle but only to experience a slow in respond from the engine. Dropping from 4th to 11th after the first corner and gained back 2 places to finish 9th. Was feeling uneasy while trying to meddle with the carburettor before the final and told Alvis to complete the race no matter what happen to the kart. True enough, the kart lost power and Alvis fighting hard to maintain his position but only to see that his position was dropping and was the last to cross the finishing line.
Nevertheless, it was an exciting race for us both as a racer and a mechanic. There are plenty for us to learn, try and put to use on the right moment. Alvis made a few more friends and was welcomed by the the locals to practice together with them. We thank them for the invitations and will certainly find time to meet up though it is more than 3 hours drive away.
