Balloch powerboat racer Oban Duncan is targeting a return to winning ways this weekend.
The 17-year-old enjoyed mixed fortunes in the opening round of the new Formula 4 season – battling with an opponent with more than four decades of racing experience, but being denied the chance to fight for victory by niggling technical issues.
However, Oban is hopeful of improving on a third-place finish for the weekend as she makes the long trip to Oulton Broad in Norfolk.
Looking ahead, Oban said: “I’m just excited to get back at it. It’s felt like a long time since that last race.
“The changes we made over winter have made a big difference. There were a lot of little changes we made that you wouldn’t think would alter that much, but when they add together they really do.
“We made the most of winter to make the changes.
“There are always things we can improve during the year, but making the changes we did during winter has put us in a far better place than we were in last year.
“Last year, we had just bought the boat and we weren’t really sure how the boat would react.
“Now we’ve got a lot more data and a far greater idea of what the boat can do.
“I want to make sure everything is working properly and then we’ll go for it this weekend and just see what happens.”
Reflecting on her the opening weekend of her second season in the class, Oban explained she’s having to remind herself to be patient – as she battles with far more experienced drivers.
“We ended the weekend third overall which isn’t what I was hoping for, I wanted to win, but you have to make the most of a difficult weekend.
“We’ve made some improvements for the next round so hopefully we’ll get ourselves pushing towards the win. Engine issues, weather issues. That’s just motorsport.
“These things happen and that’s just racing.
“Everyone keeps reminding me that I’ve only been racing F4 for a year and that it takes time to learn.
“To be racing someone like Mike Pillow all weekend is amazing.
“Mike has been racing for 40-odd years so he’s a very competitive driver and someone who you know you have to put in your all to get the better of.
“We had good races against him on both days, I’m just hoping it’ll be even closer at Oulton Broad.
“It was a good weekend overall, and with it being the first round you don’t know what can happen for the rest of the season.
“You can’t count anyone out after one round.”
