The Porsche was sold before the end of the season and it
was time to take a step backwards, or sideways to see where
we were going for 2006.
It was decided that we both wanted to continue racing but
what ever we were going to drive was going to be a little
bit different.
Three years in the British Gts has been a privilege for us
both but we sensed it was time to move on. Steve and Stuart
are amateur drivers and have competed as true amateurs at
the top end of what is a championship for professionals. The
podium finish at Castle Combe was a fantastic result for the
team but was also one that was never to be repeated again
as the competition just got better and better.
We had been looking at American V8s for the Porsche replacement
and had watched a few Grand Heritage races as a possibility
as they were supporting the touring cars at some of the toca
meetings. This was the direction we were going until a few
weeks ago. The Porsche replacement was found in Dusseldorf,
Germany and it was to be a V8, not American, but a V8 Star
Jaguar.
The V8 Star Jaguar arrived in the UK a few weeks ago and
is the only one in the United Kingdom at the moment.
The car was delivered to Mike Jordan's Team Eurotech last
week and made it's British track debut at Donington Park on
Thursday with Mike Jordan, Steve and Stuart giving it, it's
first track outing since 2002.
What was going to be just a shake down became a test session
with some very competitive times being set by the three drivers.
Steve was speechless, " awesome machine and the fastest car
I have ever driven".
Mike was also singing it praises but, as Stuart found, the
seat was very uncomfortable.
The Jaguar V8 will compete next year in the Dunlop V8 Supercar
Challenge which will top the bill at the Dunlop Motorsport
Festival Race Weekends.
Both Steve and Stuart are looking forward to a challenge
outside British GTs next year and think that have found it
with the Jaguar V8.
The second test at Silverstone on a very cold, and in places
icy circuit was the Jaguars last test this year before it
goes into Steve's & Stuart's bodyshop for a repaint .
The livery is a closely guarded secret but as with the Beetle,
Golf and Porsches that Stuart has owned it will no doubt be
very striking.
The next time the car appears will hopefully will be at Autosport
in January next year, followed by testing in Portugal later
on in the year in March.
