Hockenheim, October 16th 2009; the season finale of the international sports car challenge

The wet and cold was definitely going to make the last race for 2009 a challenge!

The first race began in the pouring rain and chaos was pre-programmed. Three of the race cars tried to simultaneously get through the first curve causing each car to hit the others. Rainer saw his chance and took it, improving his spot in the race by three positions. Amongst the driver’s overtaken was the overall champion 2008. The next curve proved to have the same effect, with cars swerving and turning in all directions on the slippery cold surface. A few participants were knocked out of the race entirely. Heinz Grau used the confusion to overtake Rainer but his advantage was short lived. A few rounds later he was forced, like so many others, to retire due to a technical defect.
Rainer’s defensive strategy for the race proved to be correct as he made into 2nd place with ease, thus securing a large advantage for the second race of the day as well as many well needed points.

The afternoon held much of the same. The field had been reduced dramatically with many drivers having been eliminated earlier in the day. Beat Eggimann, who had to retire from the race in the morning due to motor failure, coached Rainer for the remainder of the day. Now was not the time for daredevil tactics; this race had to be driven with careful planning, rational thinking and with the goal of the much needed points. Despite a defensive strategy Rainer missed a curve on the now dry raceway, driving into the gravel. The rain tyres were over heated and smeared. Despite all, Rainer was able to start his car again and find his way back onto the track. But the damage had been done and Rainer’s hope for points was shattered.
Nevertheless, the stars were shining on Rainer and his diligence and careful planning and driving brought him back up to second place, giving him an overall position of third in the 2009 general tableau! A wonderful result!