First and foremost, I would like to express thanks to
@GTP_Dutchy and
@PASM, and all stewards and officials involved for the creation and administration of this event. It was a monumental effort and has passed with some but only few problems, namely the disconnects which, were beyond the control of organisation. Congrats guys, a very fitting tribute to the WRS at 15 years young.
That was my first endurance race and, despite my practice and preparation, I feel exhausted and relieved its over!
The race had some disappointment’s, namely losing
@Aderrrm and
@Crispy74 to disconnects. It also provided drama and tactical astuteness to be expected of a true race.
It was great to be able to line up with
@Nicktune,
@mr_lab_rat and
@Argon in the 911's. I knew it would be a tough battle with these guys. Nick had shown great pace and provided an eye opener to the 4-lap stint which, I hadn’t considered beforehand, in the final practice/qualifying race. I had no idea if I could spin that one out but, after considering the race length opted to give it a go as my plan A. Both Mike and Mike have also shown to be hardened racers and the initial strategy felt like the wrong option early on.
With Nick disappearing down the road at a fair rate, on the same strategy as myself and the Mike's hot on my tail, I was relieved to see them both jump into the pits after three laps. I still wasn't comfortable with the strategy; where and how to save fuel whilst keeping up the pace. I knew though that I would be making one less stop from this point on and relaxed a little to try and find a groove.
Ultimately, I settled on short shifting and running fuel map 2 for the final half of the race. This was after a close dice with the lab_rat. In sacrificing lap times for economy, Mike made the jump on me and took track position. I opted to stay behind and try and take advantage of the tow and to wait for his stop before clearing. I didn’t however want to see any kind of accident on track which, eventually did occur whilst we were being lapped by the LMP1 cars.
While drafting Mike, the LMP's came roaring up and I duly got out of there! Perhaps, locked in their own battle, with tension running high, Mike wasn't as fortunate and, from my viewpoint, appeared to get slammed of the track. This was certainly my worst point of the race. It broke my concentration and after making the pass, dropped it myself. I felt better for it and resumed the lap behind Mike until his stop.
With all the strategies in play, I'd lost track of where Nick was at this point and this helped me get my head down and pick up the groove. Knowing I wasn’t going to back down or accept 2nd lightly, I dug in and pushed on. At some point during the second half of the race, i got a time check on Nick and was pleased to see I was only 25 seconds behind and closing. With one stop to make, my goal was to get within 15-20 seconds.
I was down to 20 seconds when I made my last pit stop and well clear of the chasing Mike's. I kind of figured that Nick had gone ultra-conservative with his fuel and so, anticipating an18 lap race and with two to go, kept the tyres and juiced up for three laps with a view to attacking. With fuel map 1 on it felt great to open up the taps and push it for the first time since the practice runs.
Thinking Nick was running eco-mode, I had 45 seconds to chase him down and save a bit of face for letting him get decent lead early on. The time was tumbling down, a second here and there. And then, the unimaginable, big gains! I shouldn't take delight in another's misfortune but, I think perhaps a 5 lap stint was a lap too far and Nick ran out of fuel. I took the lead and there was no chance of a comeback.
The Erazer came flying past and took the flag and scrubbed off my 18th lap and that was that. Room A Class victory.
Well done all for seeing out the distance. I really struggled in the latter quarter of the race with comfort and my right foot and leg were becoming numb. I did read up on the finish procedure but, as the first to cross the line after the Winner, I kept on going, hesitantly, until the time ran down. I swiftly jumped out of the seat and got myself the large G&T that had served me well in the practice races. Cheers everyone.
Dan
!
, but put my head down and as I came up into Adenauer Forrest I was not displeased to see you trying to back out after an "off" . If you had waited, like you had before in previous stints, and just motored by me when I made the inevitable error, the race was yours as you were at least 4 seconds a lap faster on sheer pace. It was indeed a great dice, perhaps the longest strategic duel I have ever had the pleasure to be in. I seriously doubt if I could beat you a second time. But "Remember old age and treachery ( cunning?) will always overcome youthful exuberance and a surplus of testosterone" 
without hitting armco) and lots and lots more. @nico4711 and me had about the same pace, but he was way cooler and made perhaps 2 little mistakes so I finished dead last where I should be in this race.
.
RETIRED 2 laps to go...
(is there anyway to get rid of that?!). I lost about another 4 seconds and was surprised to see Bart and then most if not all the other 919s pit at the end of lap 3. Whilst trying to figure out why you guys pitted after 3 laps especially after small formation parade on lap 1 I dsconnected just as I joined the Nordschleife.
Thats a good idea! but only on the condition that Jordan provides me with an fulltime employment 
