Schedule Update for Saturday
Qualifying 9:50 BST/3:50 CST
Race 1 11:30 BST/5:30 CST
Race 2 15:50 BST/9:50 CST
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Bicester, England – Where to even begin? As I mentioned in the last newsletter, each month here in England seems to be busier than the last, and September thus far has been no exception. Each week comes up with new opportunities, people to meet, and other unexpected events.

The tour began in the lobby that he had the audacity to apologize for, as all the trophies were strewn about the Renault R25 sitting on display. One of the most visually iconic cars of it’s era (2005), the R25 brought Fernando Alonso to his first of two World Drivers’ Championship titles and won the World Constructors Championship the same year. Years later, the team was sold to Lotus, then back to Renault, and then in 2021 rebranded as Alpine, while remaining in the Renault Group.

We moved into the main building, where a fleet of 150 designers were all modeling unique and intricate parts for the next iteration of their car. On display there was the floor of a wind tunnel car that, being from the ground effect era, was mindbogglingly complicated. From there I was able to see the chassis being prepped for the next round at Azerbaijan, and I was able to get up close to both the 2023 and 2024 cars, looking at the differences and similarities between the two. Eventually I got lost and could no longer tell what each section and each building was for, but eventually my eyes set on the Ops Room, something I was really hoping to see. Like a war room, this was where the majority of the team would operate during the race, making strategy calls and watching their rivals with countless screens and data flowing in. Even though I should have expected it, I was amazed at the level of detail and thoughtfulness that went into every part of the team.

Being able to tour Alpine was particularly emotional for me, as Renault was my favorite team during its time. At the first GP I went to in Montreal, I got a Renault team shirt. At the time I just loved their colors, but looking back on that era now, they would be a favorite regardless.

After spending some time on the Formula One side, I made the call to head to Donington Park Circuit for the British GT event. British GT is supported by a number of series that are on my radar, so there was no shortage of hands to shake in this paddock. I had the chance to speak to teams in GB4, GB3, British F4(who weren’t even racing), GT3, and GT4. And this is what makes living in the UK, rather than only coming for the races, so valuable. Being able to make last minute decisions to go to tracks and events, not being bound by a deadline or a schedule, is the best way to meet people. This time it was Aston Martin, who introduced me to their Young Drivers Program, and opened another opportunity for next season.

The second day I went to Donington was…less smooth. I woke up to no power, and in my morning tiredness chalked it up as no big deal as the weather was bad and I assumed it was a power cut, so I left for the track. Mid day however, I received a phone call from my landlord telling me that we were the only ones on the street, and in the city for that matter, without power. While the inability to use appliances, open the fridge, or see at night was gone, I didn’t have to worry about charging my phone, as that too had broken! The charging port stopped working suddenly, so regardless of if I had power, my phone would stay dead. I was able to make it home from Donington where the sun was setting, and still we had no power. Finally, once it was completely dark, the electric company arrived, and as is tradition in England, I offered them a cup of tea, Builders’ Tea. After another hour of waiting, a massive generator arrived, and finally, we had power again. Unfortunately, to fix the problem properly, they must dig up the driveway in the next few days, which should at least be exciting.

Luckily, I won’t be around for that, as we look forward to racing at Brands Hatch for the second time this year. The last race at Brands Hatch was intense, and while we were very fast, the cards did not play in our favor. It was also the scene of our largest field, and this time we will have a full 30 car grid as we near the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in October. We look to pick up where we left off last time, and make amends with the podium we nearly had. As was the case at Castle Combe, we look to close in on first once again, and perhaps take the lead of the championship before we move into the final rounds at Snetterton. Now more than ever, momentum is on our side and I can’t wait to be there.

See you at the track,

Jason

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