Last weekend, Ethian Symonds faced a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges as he competed in a thrilling double-header race event. Despite early setbacks, Ethian showcased his resilience and driving prowess, culminating in an impressive top 5 finish on Sunday, setting the stage for an exciting season finale at Donington.
Saturday: A Tough Start with an Unfortunate Early Exit
The weekend kicked off with high hopes as Ethian took to the track for the first race on Saturday. Qualifying in P6, Ethian was less than a second off the pole position, demonstrating his competitive edge right from the start. His 5th flying lap in qualifying was a testament to his skill and determination, placing him in a strong position for the race.
As the race began, Ethian battled fiercely, making strategic moves to climb up the field. However, on the 7th lap, disaster struck. A competitor misjudged their braking point and collided with Ethians’ car, forcing him into the pits for an unscheduled stop and damage assessment. The team worked tirelessly to get the car back on track, but unfortunately, the damage was too severe, leading to Ethians’ first DNF of the season. It was a bitter blow, but Ethian and the team knew they had to regroup quickly for the next day’s race.
Sunday: Redemption in Club Endurance
Sunday marked a new opportunity for Ethian as he made his debut in the Club Endurance Championship race, determined to put the previous day’s disappointment behind him. With a repaired and meticulously cleaned car, Ethian took to the track for qualifying. On just his 3rd lap, he secured an impressive P2 which after the full 30 minute session ended as 4th. Opting to end his qualifying session early, Ethian wisely preserved his tyres and energy, setting the stage for a strong race performance.
As the race commenced, Ethian wasted no time in making his mark. By the 5th lap, he had already made significant progress, climbing through the field and positioning himself as a strong contender for the win. However, just as things were looking up, a power issue forced Ethian into the garage for emergency repairs. The team identified a failed coil pack as the culprit, and in a remarkable display of teamwork and efficiency, they had the car back on track in just a few minutes.
Shortly after returning to the race, a safety car was deployed due to a broken-down vehicle on the circuit. This gave Ethian the opportunity to rejoin the pack and continue his charge. Over the next two hours, in what proved to be a hot and grueling endurance race, Ethian steadily climbed through the field. Despite the earlier setback, he maintained a consistent pace, lapping within half a second of his best times throughout the entire race.
In the end, Ethian crossed the finish line in a commendable 5th place. His debut in the Club Endurance category left a lasting impression on both the team and the spectators, proving his ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead: Donington Park Awaits
With the weekend behind him, Ethian and the team now turn their attention to the final round at Donington Park. The lessons learned and the resilience demonstrated this weekend will undoubtedly fuel Ethians’ drive for success in the upcoming races. Fans and team members alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and competitive finale.
Stay tuned as Ethian Symonds continues to improve and looks to round the year out with silverware!