With the second race of the TRD86 Cup around the corner, one rookie driver is gearing up for his second ever race weekend.
Dutch driver Tom Verkooijen held his own at the first two races in the 12-race competition in December, placing third in race one and fourth in race two.
Verkooijen, who drives under the team name Arcade Racing, told Abu Dhabi Week: “I’m just a guy who likes cars and driving fast. The first race weekend was the first in my life. I’ve done track days but there’s a big difference between doing a couple of laps versus competing.
“I run marathons but I came out of the car after 20 minutes and was knackered. I didn’t expect it to be so tiring but it’s a proper workout.”
The TRD86 Cup is a one-make championship that uses cars from a single manufacturer – in this case the Toyota 86.
“It’s a cool little car,” added the 37-year-old management consultant. “It has a manual gearbox but it’s not too powerful for a race car. It’s old school and agile, which is part of the fun.
“Yas Marina Circuit is not the most difficult of tracks but the environment is exciting; we did an evening race and the lit up track and hotel was spectacular.”
Verkooijen has now clocked up 40 minutes of racing experience but says there’s a big difference between driving fast and racing.
“Competition is a different ball game; you have to get your lines right and defend your position,” he said. “After the first weekend I was blown away that I qualified third. If I can end the season in third I’ll be laughing but I’m under no illusion that I’ll consistently be on the podium; there’s still so much more to learn.
“Before the next race, I’ve got to look at the data we recorded during the first two races to find ways of improving. Members of Abu Dhabi Motorsport have been giving input on braking points and lines which may help take three or four seconds off my lap time.”
Eleven cars will compete in the next race on 29th and 30th January at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. AED 25 for spectators. To find out more or for timings visit: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
