The decision to road-trip to Simola seemed aligned with the spirit of the event. In reality, it exposed another layer of unpreparedness.
250km took most of the day. The wrong fuel pump had been fitted, leading to constant stops and adjustments. The car dictated the pace, not the plan.
And yet, for the first time:
Arrived on time.
Passed scrutineering.
Completed the event.
That shouldn’t have been a milestone, but it was.
1:04.8 — the best time so far.
More importantly, it was the first time things worked well enough to allow focus on driving instead of survival.
This was the turning point. Not because of performance, but because the baseline had finally been established.