To highlight Nicolas' fine performance during his very first event of the year, here is his report on his weekend at the Bagnols-Sabran hill climb:
After months of hard work on the car, it was with great joy that we took our place in the paddock of Bagnol Sabran, kick-off of the French Mountain Championship.
Tests: I have a good first test run by immediately achieving the 2nd scratch time just behind Lionel REGAL. Unfortunately I was not able to take the start of the 2nd race because during the descent towards the starting line my 2nd gear broke. Not having a spare sprocket, so I put in longer first gears… a good part of mechanics then occupied our Saturday evening, I take this opportunity to thank my omnipresent father, but also my two mechanics for their work. outstanding.
Race: During the first round of the race, I started cautiously and achieved the 5th scratch time. During the second, I improve my time to return to 4th scratch position. And for the last round, I put on 4 new tires and tweaked some chassis settings: after a big attack, I set a very good time of 1'17'3 (3 tenths from Bernard CHAMBEROD's record) which allows me to 2nd place behind Lionel REGAL who set a new track record in 1'16'8.
Final podium: 1 / Lionel REGAL; 2 / Nicolas SCHATZ; 3 / Fabien FRANTZ.
I'm very satisfied to start the championship with a second scratch place, especially on this very selective track (a thought for Billy RITCHEN and Anthony NEVEU, both victims of going off the road).
Next race: The Chanaz hill climb (non-Championship event).
Millmatpro.com thanks Nicolas for his testimony and his photos. Congratulations and may such successes continue!
Next episode at the Chanaz hill climb on April 12 and 13.
#race #event #shatz #championship