Congratulations Rainer!
The last British Sports-Car Cup race of the season 2005 took place from the 30th September- 2nd October at the former F1 race-track Dijon-Prenois near the historical town of Dijon, France. Although the track is no-longer used for bigger race-sport events; Dijon-Prenois is nevertheless still an important stop on the racing calendar and one of the main events of the year with races in British Sports-Car Cup, Mini Race Challenge and Suzuki Grand Prix.
After the tendonitis of the elbow Rainer suffered from during the racing year 2004, which rendered him immobile for eight weeks and ruined his chances of a podium placement both in the season championship and on the race track Dijon-Prenois, his triumph 2005 was the ultimate victory. Rainer’s unbelievable race time took not only the media and the public by surprise but also himself.
Contrary to the late summer sun and 30° temperatures that marked the race weekend last year, the weather conditions 2005 were terrible. The weekend showed all signs of rainy autumn weather. It wasn’t just wet and drizzly, but rain poured down at times making the track slippery and dangerous. Driving in these conditions is difficult for everyone.
During the free training session on Friday afternoon, Rainer was involved in a crash with one of his opponents when the other car smashed into his HS Cobra. Neither Rainer nor his challenger were hurt. The incident was not without consequence however, and the damages his car obtained from the accident endangered his chances to race the following day. Yet Rainer looked at the crash as being only a slight setback. He made it quite clear to everyone on his team that he was determined not to let this episode stop him from participating in Saturday’s competition. He and his team set to work straight away (there was not a second to lose) and the damages were provisionally repaired. Rainer’s willpower and the team’s quick reaction and good work on the day enable Rainer to remain in the pursuit of a podium place in his category the so-called “Big Banger” class (motors over 2.5 litres) in Saturday’s race.
The race on Saturday did not get off to a good start for Rainer either. Right at the beginning he grazed one of the gates and was awarded a stop and go penalty of ten seconds. This complication however did not disturb either his concentration or determination, and he soon came out in front. Rainer went on to set the quickest lap time of the day with 2’12.95. He drove 3.4 seconds quicker than second place (Hansruedi Hager) and astounded media, public and opponents alike.
The win at Dijon-Prenois also boosted Rainer’s overall results for the season. He just missed out on a podium placement in the over 2500ccm category. Rainer improved his score from last year from 117 to 134 points and finished in 4th place. A sensational result! In the overall championship he jumped from 17th (final result 2004) to 15th position.
All in all 2005 has been a superb racing year for Rainer. We would like to congratulate him on his results and wish him all the best for next year’s competition.
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