Event date: 15 November 2020

As the Victorian Covid lockdown continued with no sign of easing, a song from my youth with the lyrics adjusted for our plight kept coming into my mind:

Me: "Am I ever gonna get to race again?"
Premier "No way get f... f .... off!"

Eric my beloved E30 318i had had a roll cage installed in preparation for some door to door racing one day. At one stage it looked like that would never happen so why did we bother?! Eventually an entry for a sprint at Winton showed up and I was entered and looking forward to getting on the track again. Returning to race COVID style!

Days before, I went through the checklist - shoes, socks, fireproof underwear, race suit, hans, helmet. Where is my balaclava? It has to be here somewhere? Oh well, it'll turn up. Where's my licence gone - right there where I left it. OK all set.

Early starts are a part of racing life it seems and I don't mind. I couldn't remember the last time the alarm went off at 4am since I haven't travelled for work for so long. Anyway, all packed up, fire up the mighty M10 and we're on our way up the Hume to Winton.

Could I beat my best time there from August? Oooh the anticipation.

Eventually we got out on the track and Graeme Bell kindly let me tag along behind him and Rod Martin for the first session. Bit rusty but it was great to be out there heel toeing again, turning in, opening up and having a blast.

I pulled back in and a few minutes later Graeme poped over to my carport to give some well appreciated advice on how to go faster! My own personal coach! Awesome.

A few more sessions and it was home time. Given the temperature I must be honest to say it was tougher than I remember, and no, didn't get close to my best time there. I blame the hot day and reduced engine performance but it was probably the lockdown exercise program (none) and the diet (lots of easy bad comfort food) that slowed me down.

Thanks to our good friends at AROCA Vic for letting us come and play, and can't wait 'til the next one - Phillip Island!

Darryl O'Neill | Member #52
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne