BROMSGROVE racer James Cater pulled out all the stops to record his highest ever finish at the latest round of the Ravenol Formula Vee Championship at Anglesey Coastal Circuit over the weekend.
With the ever-changing weather conditions, Cater learned the circuit and qualified in a respectable 18th and 17th place respectively – the fastest of the drivers who had never seen the 2.1-mile course before.
After dodging a multi-car accident on the first lap of a very wet first race on Saturday, Cater pushed hard as the circuit dried out and pulled away from his challengers to finish 12th overall and fourth in Class B.
In the scorching sun for the following day’s race, Cater was involved in a race-long scrap with fellow Class B drivers and after a strong performance, he finished fifth in class and 16th overall.
However, this race felt more like a victory for Cater as he got his 1300cc Sheane drifting around the circuit on the edge of traction.
“I actually managed to get the car moving around the corners and was really pushing myself to the limit,” he said.
“The second race felt like a victory because I was running with the top B Class drivers and was pushed really hard by Martin Snarey.
“Once I managed to pass him it was a case of staying ahead of him which I did and that was an indicator to me that I was at the right pace.
“Glenn Hay managed to mess around with the set-up of the car for the race and it’s probably the best it’s ever been.
“We’ve got some slight gearbox issues ahead of next month’s race but that should be sorted in time.”
Cater returns to racing action on Saturday, August 20 at Silverstone and he’s hoping to improve on last year’s 17th place finish.
“There was 42 cars in the race last year so I expect there to be even more this time around,” he said.
“A top 20 finish is my realistic target but I’d like to try and beat last year’s finish and also I’d like a trophy in my class.
“I’d love to get on the podium as I’ve had a few fourth place finishes but not quite cracked the top three.”
Cater’s 1300cc Sheance will also be displayed at the Dubtoberfest on July 30 and July 31 at Throckmarton near Pershore.
Anybody wishing to be displayed as a sponsor should contact Cater through his website www.jamescaterracing.com
Race videos courtesy of James Cater.
