CC Racing Australian FF Oran Park race notes

Cathcart continues to push at Oran Park

19 August, 2003 - Ford KartStars graduate Clint Cathcart continued to push ahead in the Ford Racing Australian Formula Ford Championship last weekend at Sydney's Oran Park.

In a year that has been plagued by wretched luck the 24-year-old entered the round full of confidence following a mid season test at the venue. After finishing all three practice sessions for the first time in the Championship on the Friday Cathcart battled with a severe understeer problem during qualifying to be 25th fastest in the 32-car strong grid.

"No matter what I tried I just couldn't turn the car in which was forcing me wide on the exit," said Cathcart.

Following qualifying the Borland Racing team made some set up changes to the CC Racing Spectrum in an effort to aid Cathcart in moving up through the pack during the two 12-lap races.

Keeping his nose clean during the opening lap chaos in the first race Cathcart elevated himself up five positions on lap one. Still battling with a severe understeer problem he worked his way to be just outside the top 15 at the finish.

"There is something weird with the car it felt good here during testing but during Queensland I developed a mysterious push and it has seemed to continue this weekend," commented Cathcart.

Starting the second race from inside the ninth row Cathcart but unlike the first race he was unable to get a clean start and dropped 7 spots in the opening lap which he would spend the remainder of the race attempting to catch up. A mid race safety car gave Cathcart some hope when the field was bunched but as the tyres heated up the understeer problem continued to rear it's ugly head.

He battled on to record a 22nd place finish but was far from pleased with his efforts "I know this year is a learning curve but I just can't seem to crack the right formula for a good result. About the only good thing I can take from this weekend is that for the first time I finished all practice and qualifying sessions and both races without any damage or breakages," lamented Cathcart.

The next round of the Championship will be held at Mallala in South Australia next weekend August 30/31.