Mobara Japan 25-26th July 09

Twin Circuit Mobara – Round 4 JAF All Japan Championship

Jon and Mike arrived at the track on Thursday morning 23rd with the Birel Parilla Racing Team and set about preparing the kart for the afternoon practice session The first engine was fitted and run in and a quick change the race motor was fitted and Jon started to push on the track to see what his lap times were.

Friday - More running and trying to find the quick lines around the circuit, but it was proving to be difficult as the team manager had told all the drivers to stay off the very high curbs, as this would damage the chassis and would be better to wait for the race on Sunday. The track is normally used for car so kerbing is very high, so on the Saturday Jon was given permission to try climbing over the kerbs. He was struggling to find out how you take them as you have to fly the kart and as he learnt when go get it wrong you land on 1 wheel doing over 100 kms. Saturday afternoon we were still 1 second of the pace, so we could only hope for more luck in Qualifying on Sunday morning.

Sunday

Qualifying and Race day Driving the Birel RY-31 S1 Jon managed to qualify 0, 4 tenth of the first driver but was still down the pack, but at least we were going in the right direction. Heat 1 made a good start and was up with the pack and was fighting for position, but just could not get ahead of the bunch, now he had closed the gap to 0,2 tenths off the pass, so moving close, so we were ready for the final.

Final

Another good start, maybe too good, as they were four abreast going for the first corner and all had to brake, when the driver from the back came shooting through and took out Jon, damaging his front end. The back driver then carried on and took out 2 other drivers half way around the track (how happened to be his team mates) Jon had to retire on the next lap as the damage to the kart made it undrivable, so better luck next time, but at least Jon proved he is more on the pace and can fight for positions.

Next race Rd 5 Multi Course Sugo September 5th-6th