After a much-delayed start to the Caterham Graduates Racing Club season, Spalding racer Andy Molsom enjoyed a promising return to the track at Croft.
As it was the first proper outing of the year, Molsom tested at the circuit prior to the meet.
The first session was difficult as he was troubled with braking issues, with the right front locking up very easily.
Some work on the brakes after the first session ensured that they were behaving impeccably, however.
Qualifying on the Saturday didn’t go to plan, so his full potential wasn’t realised – but Molsom qualified in 11th, 10th and 10th for the three races in the 35-car mixed grid.
The opening first race saw a first corner incident, the result of cars backing up into the fast Clairvaux corner, which meant the two cars in front and one behind Molsom found their way to the Armco.
But the Spalding speedster avoided the incident, albeit losing places along the way.
A frustrating race followed, where he placed eighth in his class and 11th on the road.
On Sunday, race two saw Molsom get a reasonable start without incident and he started working his way through the field steadily lap by lap.
By the fifth of the 14-lapper, Molsom was up to fifth on the road and third in his class.
After battling hard, he finally finished seventh on the road, which was good enough for fourth in the class.
He did, however, claim the fastest lap of the race on both lap two and lap six – which was not beaten until the winner took it on the last lap.
Molsom said: “After Saturday’s disappointing race, the race this afternoon was great.
“I had more confidence on the brakes, and could really push early on. Although I narrowly missed a podium, it was a massive step forward for the me and the car.
“I’ve been having a number of problems with the car over the past two seasons, but it finally seems that we have it sorted.”
The final event of the day was a 25-minute race and again Molsom was battling hard all the way to the chequered flag, finishing ninth on the road, and fifth in class.
He added: “It was great to get back on the track after an unusually long break. Due to pressures of work during lockdown, where I was working six days a week to ensure that my customers were well looked after, it was a nice break.
“Although I think after such a difficult time for everyone, my results were affected by my energy levels.”
Molsom, of Molsom & Associates Optometrists, spent most of his summer giving advice for emergency and essential eyecare to his customers.
