PF triumph lays down 2013 marker
Dan Zelos served his rivals with signal of his intent for what will be his second season of Mini Max competition in 2013 by storming to a sublime victory as he nears the close of his rookie campaign in the classand what made his triumph all-the-more remarkable was that it was achieved in the torrential rain, conditions in which the talented young Norfolk speed demon had hitherto struggled in 2012.
Hot on the heels of clinching an impressive top ten championship finish in the fiercely-contested British Super 1 Series, Zelos travelled to PF International in Lincolnshirescene of many a past front-running performancepreparing to demonstrate his mettle amongst a high-calibre, capacity grid of 42 Mini Max contenders in the prestigious end-of-season Continental Cup. Whats more, he was fully aware that the meeting would likely represent something of a litmus test for what can be expected at national level next year.
I knew the opposition would be tough because there were some very quick drivers in the field, so the weekend was always going to act as a kind of form guide for 2013, mused the highly-rated Dereham-based ace. Ive got a strong record around PF, though, so I felt quietly confident.
I began my first heat race down in 23rd. I gained some places at the start, but there was a lot of pushing-and-shoving into the first corner and I had to avoid some spinners, which negated all the ground I had made up. After that, I just regrouped and focussed on fighting my way through.
I had worked my way up into the top ten with a couple of laps remaining, and although the drivers at the front are obviously a lot harder to pass, I still managed to overtake several more before the chequered flag to finish fifth. We were really pleased with that; to improve 18 places on our starting position was extremely encouraging, and I lapped third-fastest even whilst in traffic, which proved that our pace was strong.
The second heat was wet, and we were starting sixth. I got off the line well to snatch three spots by turn one, and then heading down to the first hairpin on the opening lap, I left my braking really late and snuck through into the lead. After that, I just concentrated on putting in good, consistent lap times and towards the end of the race, I had established enough of a gap over the others to be able to ease off a little and minimise the risk of making any mistakes.
A mature approach for a driver of just 14 years of age, Zelos mastered the treacherous conditions impeccably, and the result marked a genuine breakthrough for the Tooley Motorsport hotshot in terms of his wet weather prowess. No longer his Achilles heel, he lined up for the all-important final in second place on the gridand with renewed confidence in his ability to rein in the rain.
It was fully wet by then, but I was optimistic of being able to compete for the win, he affirmed. I also knew that being on the outside line going into the first corner at PF can be pretty precarious, but I kept out of trouble at the start and took the lead on the second lap.
After that, it was a similar story to heat two, to be honest, and although it isnt always easy to maintain your concentration when youre not in a direct battle, by getting my head down and posting a succession of solid and consistent lap times, I was able to pull away from the chasing pack.
Prevailing at a comparative canter and setting what was comfortably the races fastest lap for good measure, Zelos consummately conquered the conditions and made light of a situation in which grip was at a very real premium. As he revs up towards 2013, the Northgate High School pupil knows that he has thrown down the gauntlet to his adversariesand made it clear that they will need to be at the very top of their game if they wish to outdo him.
I was over-the-moon to win, and it meant we had beaten a lot of the drivers we will be racing against next season, which was really promising, he concluded. I feel very settled at Tooley, and its nice to have the continuity of staying with the same team into a second consecutive campaign, too. Its all really exciting. I just cant wait for next year now!
If you are interested in getting involved in life in the fast lane by sponsoring Dan, please contact his dad Andy at: andy.zelos@weselltyres.com
