2 days to go and its coming along nicely...
£10 on the door now... good lot of interest, but we could do with more.
Those coming here's the all important directions...
From the A30 Launceston....
Follow the A388 to Callington. As you approach the town, you will see Camelot Kennels on your right hand side, take a right, and the next right will be the farm.
From the A30 Bodmin
Come off at Plusha, go through Congdons Shop, and through the village Bray Shop, you'll eventually come to the A388 cross roads, turn right and follow the above route.
From Liskeard/Plymouth
Once you reach the town, take the A388, and go past the town. Go through and towards Kelly Bray. Go Past the Swingletree pub, and follow the road- the Camelot Kennels will be on your left. Take a left there, and the farm will be on your right....
as for I... its a lovely drive through some quality rally stage!
So its a goood time to get rocking, and if your there, come see that fat bald chap, he might buy you a drink*
*subject to status, funds and state of inberiation
Lets get rocking so that Rog can here it!
Wednesday 29 June 2011
Tuesday 28 June 2011
Knock Knock Joke....
... after weeks of relative calmness in Formatwatch, another ridicolous format came to light, at the Knockhill qualifier...
(watch from about 7:40 for an apt moment)
Now what should be addressed next season is that, in the interests of fairness, is that any track that fails to get full format for a WCQR, should be "on report" and 2 seasons with low turnouts would mean there WCQR status is revoked. Higher turnouts are achieveable with better fixture planning. Last year the Scottish QR's were in a batch, and it encouraged many visitors. It was deemed a success, so why did they drop them for 2011? In 2009 attendance records were smashed at the Cornish venues becuase they did them back to back, with Taunton on the way home - the lowest figure was 70 cars! With more cooperation between promotions, a speed week of World Qualifiers could and should work.
More should be done by promotions to get a decent turnout for the Qualifiers by making sure that there potential travelling force that can bolster a semi decent turnout.
It's something that needs to be addressed over the closed season!
There were just under 30 cars, so if it was a domestic it would have been 2/3rds. As it was a world qualifier, that rule now applies also. As a result of poor turnouts at Arena and Crimond in previous years, the powers that be said that 2/3rds format could be used if there was insufficient cars.
Knockhill decided to dispense with tried and tested 2/3rds and went with an all in heat 1, top 8 to go through, an all in heat 2, minus the 8 who went through, and then the Consolation, where top 6 went through, at the third time of asking.
It was kind of like the B finals and repocharges that prevail in Olympic sports such as Judo and Rowing. 3rd time lucky!
Now whereas most people would take a maximum of 2 attempts to qualify, the Fife track gave people 3! Is this actually fair?
Knockhill decided to dispense with tried and tested 2/3rds and went with an all in heat 1, top 8 to go through, an all in heat 2, minus the 8 who went through, and then the Consolation, where top 6 went through, at the third time of asking.
It was kind of like the B finals and repocharges that prevail in Olympic sports such as Judo and Rowing. 3rd time lucky!
Now whereas most people would take a maximum of 2 attempts to qualify, the Fife track gave people 3! Is this actually fair?
(watch from about 7:40 for an apt moment)
Now what should be addressed next season is that, in the interests of fairness, is that any track that fails to get full format for a WCQR, should be "on report" and 2 seasons with low turnouts would mean there WCQR status is revoked. Higher turnouts are achieveable with better fixture planning. Last year the Scottish QR's were in a batch, and it encouraged many visitors. It was deemed a success, so why did they drop them for 2011? In 2009 attendance records were smashed at the Cornish venues becuase they did them back to back, with Taunton on the way home - the lowest figure was 70 cars! With more cooperation between promotions, a speed week of World Qualifiers could and should work.
More should be done by promotions to get a decent turnout for the Qualifiers by making sure that there potential travelling force that can bolster a semi decent turnout.
It's something that needs to be addressed over the closed season!
Sunday 26 June 2011
The way the weekend rolled... well last weekend!
So then blog fans, I have been a little remiss with the updates this week, so as a means of recompense, it's a brief bullet point fashion for Taunton, Mildenhall, Knockhill, Brum and the Belle Vue British....
TOYTOWN CHAMPTASTIC
Saturday was soggy to start, and after a spot of "is it, isn't it", the definitive answer was "it is", as the heavens opened for the Young Guns, just as Lively fired up the summery 80's sounds of Wham. The young guns tiptoed round the corners like they were coming home from the nightclub at 4am, and trying not to wake the none the wiser mum. The wet conditions seemed to suit Dan Moss (797) who seems to thrive in damp stuff, but it was Jack Aldridge (921) and Taunton "regular" Tom Adcroft (768) (regular when you date Sophie Priddle - Mike (14)'s daughter), who exchanged blows on the tricky surface. Dan the Man started to catch the two, as the boards came out, and it looked as though it was going to be a last bender. Aldridge waded in hard on Adcroft, both rode towards the wall, allowing Moss to get inside only for him to spin too. Aldridge recovered to cross the line 1st, but he was docked for not doing his homework or something. Onto Heat 2, which saw fellow TART, Paul Butcher (189) make the best use of his yellow roof and the slippy conditions. The National Points gap was the major talking point after Gordon's family feud, allowed Bradbury to close the gap, and the wet conditions allowed to gain another gap
The consi saw a drying track, and perhaps a contender for the Pringle title Matt Stoneman (127) crossed the line first, and then had it taken away, and then had some severe remonstrations in the middle.
The downgraded James Rygor (783) walked the final, now in dry conditions with Murray Jones (276) tagging along for blue grade company in the 32 car final. Fairly busy.
You think that was busy. Like the late famous Falklands and Gulf War reporter Brian Hanrahan, I counted them in and I counted them out again. 43 cars! Lewis Holden (950) started as a novice, but he could have been the pole white it was that close! See for yourself - and witness the gaps open for Gordyness (7)
RUDDY MUDDY MILDO
Meanwhile, our intrepid Rachel Bunn reported in from a Mildenhall, which resembled a slurry pit. Drivers took to cutting the corners onto the concrete, and very few cars made the distance. In stark contrast, only 7 turned out for the GN on a truly forgettable night, and if it was speedway, it would have been called off...
MEANWHILE AROUND A BBQ IN EAST DEVON....
Overnight.....in the apres stox, we learnt that Ross Rowe (105) hadn't adjusted back from Australian Time, as he was the last to bed at 4:30am, and took fellow blue Adam Deeble with him.
Mike Priddle broke from the traditional speedweekend fayre of burgers and sausages, and offered cheese and biscuits round complete with cheeseboard and knife. However the new Plymouth retiree drinking team of Kane and Unable (at the moment, until July) hit appley shores, and were beeched.
SUNNY SUNDAY AT SMEATHARPE....
The Teen Sensations started with gratitous glam rock, really did the name come first then the song? After the 2 favoured runners Jaguar Skeels (124) and Jack Aldridge (921) tangled.
Last year Chris Kincaird (NI312) shocked the drivers by taking the Ben Fund - this year he took advantage of the misfortune above and took the Teen Sensations.
The Nationals Trophy was up next. Cue Lively and his bag of lovingly prepared pieces of paper for the public draw. Sighs of resignation took place as the local favourites drew rubbish numbers. 3 drivers left, Aldridge, Moodie and Murray Jones. 2 back of grid tickets, and the immortal pole. As the lap record went in practice to Moodie, a degree of inevitably would have made the race rather dull if he drew one. Fortunately for Jack Aldridge - his luck come in, he drew pole, and held off the Moodster and took the win. Now for the benefit of my viewing, and to the hilarity of the Spongetrix, aka Sharon Meeds, the actual way that follows courtesy of the SpongeCam. Now what I thought was 1. that Aldridge was a lap down as he got caught up in the early tangles, and 2. his family in front of us, cheering him on was actual cheering for Chris Mikkula (522). Epic fail of the highest order, when I turned to Sharon and said... "Moodie made that look easy, he's different gravy today". No, Aldridge won it, was Ms Meeds' reply.
One thing we've found out this weekend is that the talent of the class of '11 is certainly going to put the cat amongst the piegons, and who knows, the next Speak/Batten/Moodie has probably took his 1st chequered.
So back to the meeting proper, the consolation was won by Rygor the Tiger, who was looking to add to his final win. Then in the final, the driver of the day was undoubtedly Murray Jones (276). The Elite car had been threatening a race win or 3 for a while. Back to red for Muzza.
Then the weekend's entertainment was rounded off with another Moodie win, opening up a far gap between him and Bradbury in the Silver race...
Or was is Jack Aldridge? I can't be sure......
Damn you Sharon...!
TOYTOWN CHAMPTASTIC
Saturday was soggy to start, and after a spot of "is it, isn't it", the definitive answer was "it is", as the heavens opened for the Young Guns, just as Lively fired up the summery 80's sounds of Wham. The young guns tiptoed round the corners like they were coming home from the nightclub at 4am, and trying not to wake the none the wiser mum. The wet conditions seemed to suit Dan Moss (797) who seems to thrive in damp stuff, but it was Jack Aldridge (921) and Taunton "regular" Tom Adcroft (768) (regular when you date Sophie Priddle - Mike (14)'s daughter), who exchanged blows on the tricky surface. Dan the Man started to catch the two, as the boards came out, and it looked as though it was going to be a last bender. Aldridge waded in hard on Adcroft, both rode towards the wall, allowing Moss to get inside only for him to spin too. Aldridge recovered to cross the line 1st, but he was docked for not doing his homework or something. Onto Heat 2, which saw fellow TART, Paul Butcher (189) make the best use of his yellow roof and the slippy conditions. The National Points gap was the major talking point after Gordon's family feud, allowed Bradbury to close the gap, and the wet conditions allowed to gain another gap
The consi saw a drying track, and perhaps a contender for the Pringle title Matt Stoneman (127) crossed the line first, and then had it taken away, and then had some severe remonstrations in the middle.
The downgraded James Rygor (783) walked the final, now in dry conditions with Murray Jones (276) tagging along for blue grade company in the 32 car final. Fairly busy.
You think that was busy. Like the late famous Falklands and Gulf War reporter Brian Hanrahan, I counted them in and I counted them out again. 43 cars! Lewis Holden (950) started as a novice, but he could have been the pole white it was that close! See for yourself - and witness the gaps open for Gordyness (7)
RUDDY MUDDY MILDO
Meanwhile, our intrepid Rachel Bunn reported in from a Mildenhall, which resembled a slurry pit. Drivers took to cutting the corners onto the concrete, and very few cars made the distance. In stark contrast, only 7 turned out for the GN on a truly forgettable night, and if it was speedway, it would have been called off...
MEANWHILE AROUND A BBQ IN EAST DEVON....
Overnight.....in the apres stox, we learnt that Ross Rowe (105) hadn't adjusted back from Australian Time, as he was the last to bed at 4:30am, and took fellow blue Adam Deeble with him.
Mike Priddle broke from the traditional speedweekend fayre of burgers and sausages, and offered cheese and biscuits round complete with cheeseboard and knife. However the new Plymouth retiree drinking team of Kane and Unable (at the moment, until July) hit appley shores, and were beeched.
SUNNY SUNDAY AT SMEATHARPE....
The Teen Sensations started with gratitous glam rock, really did the name come first then the song? After the 2 favoured runners Jaguar Skeels (124) and Jack Aldridge (921) tangled.
 |
| How we gonna explain this to our Dads? |
The Nationals Trophy was up next. Cue Lively and his bag of lovingly prepared pieces of paper for the public draw. Sighs of resignation took place as the local favourites drew rubbish numbers. 3 drivers left, Aldridge, Moodie and Murray Jones. 2 back of grid tickets, and the immortal pole. As the lap record went in practice to Moodie, a degree of inevitably would have made the race rather dull if he drew one. Fortunately for Jack Aldridge - his luck come in, he drew pole, and held off the Moodster and took the win. Now for the benefit of my viewing, and to the hilarity of the Spongetrix, aka Sharon Meeds, the actual way that follows courtesy of the SpongeCam. Now what I thought was 1. that Aldridge was a lap down as he got caught up in the early tangles, and 2. his family in front of us, cheering him on was actual cheering for Chris Mikkula (522). Epic fail of the highest order, when I turned to Sharon and said... "Moodie made that look easy, he's different gravy today". No, Aldridge won it, was Ms Meeds' reply.
One thing we've found out this weekend is that the talent of the class of '11 is certainly going to put the cat amongst the piegons, and who knows, the next Speak/Batten/Moodie has probably took his 1st chequered.
So back to the meeting proper, the consolation was won by Rygor the Tiger, who was looking to add to his final win. Then in the final, the driver of the day was undoubtedly Murray Jones (276). The Elite car had been threatening a race win or 3 for a while. Back to red for Muzza.
Then the weekend's entertainment was rounded off with another Moodie win, opening up a far gap between him and Bradbury in the Silver race...
Or was is Jack Aldridge? I can't be sure......
Damn you Sharon...!
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Rocking For Rog---- update
Thanks to the genorousity of Autospeed, we have a Family ticket for any Autospeed Meeting, to be auctioned off at the do. However, telephone and email bids will be accepted too!
Friday 17 June 2011
Rocking For Rog - 1st July 2011
Now the passing of Roger Wilcock (95) was a very sad day indeed for our racing community and for all those who knew him. None more so than the Callington Young Farmers for which Rog was a big part in the late 80's and 90's. Indeed, a younger version of myself used to regale at the wonderment of Wilcock hi-jinx at discos and dos with the YFC lot. So in the best tradition possible, and as a fitting tribute, the current members of Callington YFC, ably assisted by some of Roger's peers from his time in the youth group are putting on a do in his honour.
What better way to start your Westcountry World Qualifier Week by starting it with a nice shindig, to lubricate those singing voices, and loosen the racing feet on the dancefloor, and for those coming from further afield, a period of acclimatisation to the diet of proper Cornish pasties (rest assured although the Ginsters factory is in Callington, we won't force them on you), hevva buns, saffron cake and the local firewater...... the mighty Rattler, which has scuppered many a foreigner on it's appley shores. Although it's tendencies for producing qualifying round wins is renowned. Just ask Paul Butcher (189) who, after 7 pints of said cyder, woke up the following morning head clear as the day, and scooped the final at St Day.
So if your coming down to Pixieland in July, why not break your journey down to deepest darkest 'druth, by paying tribute with a pint of Tribute (another local tipple) and boogie on down to the live band and generally enjoy and remember a legend....
What better way to start your Westcountry World Qualifier Week by starting it with a nice shindig, to lubricate those singing voices, and loosen the racing feet on the dancefloor, and for those coming from further afield, a period of acclimatisation to the diet of proper Cornish pasties (rest assured although the Ginsters factory is in Callington, we won't force them on you), hevva buns, saffron cake and the local firewater...... the mighty Rattler, which has scuppered many a foreigner on it's appley shores. Although it's tendencies for producing qualifying round wins is renowned. Just ask Paul Butcher (189) who, after 7 pints of said cyder, woke up the following morning head clear as the day, and scooped the final at St Day.
So if your coming down to Pixieland in July, why not break your journey down to deepest darkest 'druth, by paying tribute with a pint of Tribute (another local tipple) and boogie on down to the live band and generally enjoy and remember a legend....
Monday 13 June 2011
He comes from a land down under....
....and Janner Motorsport's number 1 weary traveller returns back. Ross Rowe (105) or should it be (AUS 105). The bunting is back out in Redruth, and the girls at the Zone will be now doubt opening their legs in celebration.
So as Liam has been working hard on revamping nerf rails, after Ross lent his car to a septegenerian also known the Higmeister. Ross too has been working hard, abusing the Shelias, and drinking Australian gnats piss, truck driving (like he did in Cornwall) and mining (like he should be doing in Cornwall)...
 |
| Upside Down...an Antipodean adventure started at St Day...... |
So as Liam has been working hard on revamping nerf rails, after Ross lent his car to a septegenerian also known the Higmeister. Ross too has been working hard, abusing the Shelias, and drinking Australian gnats piss, truck driving (like he did in Cornwall) and mining (like he should be doing in Cornwall)...
"see I could get used to being upside down.... a ticket to Oz, Miss Travel Agent, oh and your phone number"
Welcome back Ross, three days after landing back in Mother England, he's getting back into the scene, with a night out in 'Druth and then... the Taunton weekender. Will he have some Aussie steel behind him or will he fizzle out on the "super strength" lager we have over here.....
Whatever, it's good to have you back, janner!
Sunday 12 June 2011
The Big Interview #4 - 31 Simon Bassett
The Stoxblog opens up its forum and prys into another interview. This time its up and coming Cornish star Simon Bassett (31) who Lady Luck doesn't seem to like at the mo, culminating in a really nasty inicident during the final on Bank Holiday Monday at Taunton. He suffered a really nasty back injury, and thus is spending his afternoons infront of daytime telly. Cash in the Attic is the biggest incentive to get better!
NAME: Simon Bassett
HOMETOWN: St Blazey, Cornwall
AGE: 22
F2 DEBUT (Track): 2009 St Day
NUMBER: 31
PREVIOUS FORMULAE RACED : Westworld Stockcars
CURRENT F2: Randall
HIGHEST GRADE ACHEIVED: Silver was 2003 youth mini points champion, but yellow in F2s
ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE:
2003 youth mini points champion, won a westworld metro team championship, had runner up spots in both banger and stockcar championships.
SPONSORS:
St Austell Bay Motor Auctions, Steve Andrews Tyres, St Austell Trophies, C.L Car Sales, Geoff Phillips Plant Hire
NICKNAME(S)
Got a few but the main one is "Wayne" as my dad used to race with someone called wayne who was a bit of k**b, so he calls me Wayne!
FAVOURITE TRACK:
I like St Day but love to race at Birmingham always under lights just has a real atmosphere!
TRACKS RACED:
St Day, Taunton, Mendips, Westworld, Birmingham,
JHo - Thanks Simon for taking time out of our convalescence. How did you get involved in racing?
Simon - My family have always been involved in it, my dad used to race at St Austell in a banger, my uncles all used to race, and when my cousin Matt Westaway (F2 835) first got a mini, I had to have one, went on from there really.
JHo - You raced St Columb's stock cars, whats the difference between those and F2....
Simon - The only difference really is the running gear - standard engines, gearboxes and a locked diff, and we could run any tyre up to £40, it seemed a lot better in the sense that it was a lot cheaper, and didn't seem much slower!
JHo - At the moment you're recovering from a big one, you broke your back at Taunton on Bank Holiday Monday talk us through what happened.....
Simon - Well it all happend so quick, I was really off the pace all day, couldnt get it right round St Day the day before, and it kept jumping out of gear which put me in the fence twice in practice and the first heat, me and 305 Colin Gregg was battling it out and his back bumper just clipped my front wheel which chicked the car sideways and in I went. It was 100% a racing incident, just I was in the wrong place at the wrong time!
Jho - Do you think you'll get back behind the wheel...
Simon - I think as far as this season goes thats my season over, I would never like to say never, but my health has to come first. We will get the car all fixed up and looking tidy and see how I feel, racing has always been a big part of my life and I don't think I could ever let go completely!
JHo - Enough of the down bits Whats been the best bits so far?
Simon - Best bits for me is having ago in F2, always loved watching them, and never thought I'd be able to race one, but when I started to earn my own money I decided to have ago, may sound cheesey but its good to be part of in my view the best formula in oval racing!
JHo - What would you like to achieve in the sport? Your ambitions???
Simon - I would love to be a good blue top
JHo - Do you have any thank yous?
Simon - My Dad, hes not very well due to a kidney failure, but always takes me to meetings, always puts alot of hours in on the car and helps out with the cost where he can.
Matt and Oily, they always help me out at meetings lend me spares if I don't have them, help fix the car even though they have their own F2 to run.
And Leanne, always there to support me, sacrifices most weekends to come and watch me!
And everyone who had wished me well while my back mends itself!
Simon Bassett was talking to the Stox Blog's Jonny Hoare
NAME: Simon Bassett
HOMETOWN: St Blazey, Cornwall
AGE: 22
F2 DEBUT (Track): 2009 St Day
NUMBER: 31
PREVIOUS FORMULAE RACED : Westworld Stockcars
CURRENT F2: Randall
HIGHEST GRADE ACHEIVED: Silver was 2003 youth mini points champion, but yellow in F2s
ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE:
 |
| At his debut... |
SPONSORS:
St Austell Bay Motor Auctions, Steve Andrews Tyres, St Austell Trophies, C.L Car Sales, Geoff Phillips Plant Hire
NICKNAME(S)
Got a few but the main one is "Wayne" as my dad used to race with someone called wayne who was a bit of k**b, so he calls me Wayne!
FAVOURITE TRACK:
I like St Day but love to race at Birmingham always under lights just has a real atmosphere!
TRACKS RACED:
St Day, Taunton, Mendips, Westworld, Birmingham,
 |
| With cousin, Matt Westaway (835) |
Simon - My family have always been involved in it, my dad used to race at St Austell in a banger, my uncles all used to race, and when my cousin Matt Westaway (F2 835) first got a mini, I had to have one, went on from there really.
JHo - You raced St Columb's stock cars, whats the difference between those and F2....
 |
| In his St Columb Days - with the ex Nobby James, Adam Pearce, Adrian Jasper, et al and on and on car. Still going too! |
Simon - The only difference really is the running gear - standard engines, gearboxes and a locked diff, and we could run any tyre up to £40, it seemed a lot better in the sense that it was a lot cheaper, and didn't seem much slower!
JHo - At the moment you're recovering from a big one, you broke your back at Taunton on Bank Holiday Monday talk us through what happened.....
Simon - Well it all happend so quick, I was really off the pace all day, couldnt get it right round St Day the day before, and it kept jumping out of gear which put me in the fence twice in practice and the first heat, me and 305 Colin Gregg was battling it out and his back bumper just clipped my front wheel which chicked the car sideways and in I went. It was 100% a racing incident, just I was in the wrong place at the wrong time!
Jho - Do you think you'll get back behind the wheel...
Simon - I think as far as this season goes thats my season over, I would never like to say never, but my health has to come first. We will get the car all fixed up and looking tidy and see how I feel, racing has always been a big part of my life and I don't think I could ever let go completely!
JHo - Enough of the down bits Whats been the best bits so far?
Simon - Best bits for me is having ago in F2, always loved watching them, and never thought I'd be able to race one, but when I started to earn my own money I decided to have ago, may sound cheesey but its good to be part of in my view the best formula in oval racing!
JHo - What would you like to achieve in the sport? Your ambitions???
Simon - I would love to be a good blue top
JHo - Do you have any thank yous?
Simon - My Dad, hes not very well due to a kidney failure, but always takes me to meetings, always puts alot of hours in on the car and helps out with the cost where he can.
Matt and Oily, they always help me out at meetings lend me spares if I don't have them, help fix the car even though they have their own F2 to run.
And Leanne, always there to support me, sacrifices most weekends to come and watch me!
And everyone who had wished me well while my back mends itself!
Simon Bassett was talking to the Stox Blog's Jonny Hoare
Thursday 9 June 2011
Seems a bit Irish to me....
Top of the morningy to bsure, diddly doo Riverdance, bejeeezus......a bit to the north if you please....pwr shwr, motorsikall hilmut, noooooooo surrrrrennnnderrrrrrrr! It's Ireland time....!
Although it seems a bit of a furore around the Isle of Innisfree, that even W B Yeats in his most depressive state of mind would have called farcical.
It seems that old right has been in action. The right to refuse. The Nutts Corner promoter has refused the booking of Scotland's golden (subject to post race scrutineering) boy, Lordy Gordy Moodie (7) for the first leg of the annual Nordern Eyerland jolly, the Irish Open Championship. Fans are up in arms by the decison made by Ian Thompson Snr to decline his booking, and started to rant forth on the various forums, forcing Brisca to publish the following statement...
"BriSCA F2 acknowledge the passionate view and opinions of valued fans with regard to the exclusion of 7 Gordon Moodie from the Irish Open Championship at Nutts Corner on Thursday 8 June, and have some empathy with Gordon's exclusion...."
Passionate, yes, blinkered, maybe, measured, no. Instead the touch paper was lit with all sorts of falsehoods and accusations flying about...
"However, in all race divisions individual promoters have for many, many years the absolute right to decide whom they book for a meeting and it is only on very rare occasions and usually following an unresolveable 'localised' issue that a promoter may exercise this right"
It has always happened, not always in F2's, a recent example was Jon Palmer's (24) recent "ban" from Autospeed tracks, despite getting bookings elsewhere. Bangers is where it is most prevalent, in the past to separate rival factions and to prevent any disrepute to the track and or the sport. It is after all, the promoter who pays the prize money, pays the bills, and what they say goes. If its a championship at that track and you are banned from it, then sadly, as the promoter calls the shots, you don't get the chance.
"What has exacerbated the situation is the very late decision of Gordon to apply for a booking and even when the issue was identified at this late hour, behind the scenes individuals within BriSCA F2 have tried to seek a resolution which, sadly, in the timescale has not been possible."
Now the chase for silver has really hotted up, he saw the chance to prevent Chris Bradbury (886) closing the gap. Fair dos, but when IT Snr, said no, if you're a last minute Larry, if things go wrong..you don't have much time to rectify it. It was like the time I did my coursework for GCSE's, got it all typed up, and saved it on Sunday, only for it to corrupt on the Monday, and it was due in on the Tuesday....Cue frantic panicing and trying to resurrect. It might well a coincidence, but there is no grassy knoll....
"As the situation involves personal issues, that makes it more complex and is regrettable. Given this situation, BriSCA F2 cannot officially intervene."
To the unaware, Gordon Moodie's brother in law is Ian Thompson Jnr (901) who now lives in Scotland with his sister. Rumours abound that there was some disagreements between son and father and as a result, Gordon has been involved in the crossfire. To blame Brisca and Crispen as some have done is totally wrong. The opportunity to broker a peace deal between the two, makes Crispen like Kofi Annan, and with such entrenched positions means any diplomatic efforts in the time frame like urination during a gale, all its gonna do is blow back on you. It is a private matter brought into the public arena, and Brisca is right to stay out of it. If you had a row with your missus, how would you like it Graham Bunter turned up with a packet of garabaldis and thermos of tea.......
"Whilst having empathy with the Moodie team given the fiercely competitive National Points implications, regrettably this is a localised issue of dispute and suggestions that BriSCA F2 consider amending the point scoring for this event would be extremely disingenuous to the several other drivers that have entered for this event and at this very late hour. This may well have been an option for consideration had the matter come to light at a much earlier stage, as it could have enabled informed discussion to take place involving drivers who were wishing to compete and they could have then made an informed decision as to whether to attend or otherwise."
These claims that Moodie should be receiving double average points, and that the Championship shouldn't carry full points. Just because Bradders booked in, and might catch up slightly doesn't mean the rule book should be rewritten. Imagine all the Startrax folk who have been denied a booking, do they demand average points and recompetence? No, they just get on with it. A booking isn't a divine right. Double points for a second division title isn't right though. I include the Scottish and English championships in that, double points should only be for the majors.
Now don't get me wrong, it absolutely was an act of stupidity by Ian Thompson Snr to deny the booking, and it certainly didn't do his claims for a major title over in Ireland any good. Stock Car tracks are not the place to settle family feuds, it only ends up in tears, bans and bitterness.
Maybe as a resolution Brisca could arrange for both parties to talk it out like adults, or failing that, have a meeting in Manchester, Granada Studios to be precise, with a chairperson who used to work in Taunton (on Orchard FM no less), J Kyle esq.
However, a salient point for the loyal Moodie support team. Don't continually cry wolf and the conspiracy card, it wins you no favours with the silent majority, and you have to question whether as a result of his supports actions that fired the vitriol behind the assaults on the first bend of the last 2 world finals. He's an affable chap, but the general mob that follows reminds me of Michael Jackson fans. Fundamentalists, believing everything that comes out of Kennoway is gospel. They aren't doing him any favours whatsoever.
Still it's livened up Ftooz for a bit, and the Moodie fun bus ban doesn't apply to Ballymena, so it's only one chuffing meeting so get a grip! I still think silver at least will adorn the Moodie car come end of 2011, the sheer amount of meetings at tracks which he is good at, and Bradbury's admission that he's not actually chasing the points, just that he's racing the meetings he fancies, and well that he hasn't done too badly in them!
Its events like that this that does all parties no favours at all. Only one solution.
Heads. Banging. Together.
Although it seems a bit of a furore around the Isle of Innisfree, that even W B Yeats in his most depressive state of mind would have called farcical.
It seems that old right has been in action. The right to refuse. The Nutts Corner promoter has refused the booking of Scotland's golden (subject to post race scrutineering) boy, Lordy Gordy Moodie (7) for the first leg of the annual Nordern Eyerland jolly, the Irish Open Championship. Fans are up in arms by the decison made by Ian Thompson Snr to decline his booking, and started to rant forth on the various forums, forcing Brisca to publish the following statement...
"BriSCA F2 acknowledge the passionate view and opinions of valued fans with regard to the exclusion of 7 Gordon Moodie from the Irish Open Championship at Nutts Corner on Thursday 8 June, and have some empathy with Gordon's exclusion...."
Passionate, yes, blinkered, maybe, measured, no. Instead the touch paper was lit with all sorts of falsehoods and accusations flying about...
"However, in all race divisions individual promoters have for many, many years the absolute right to decide whom they book for a meeting and it is only on very rare occasions and usually following an unresolveable 'localised' issue that a promoter may exercise this right"
It has always happened, not always in F2's, a recent example was Jon Palmer's (24) recent "ban" from Autospeed tracks, despite getting bookings elsewhere. Bangers is where it is most prevalent, in the past to separate rival factions and to prevent any disrepute to the track and or the sport. It is after all, the promoter who pays the prize money, pays the bills, and what they say goes. If its a championship at that track and you are banned from it, then sadly, as the promoter calls the shots, you don't get the chance.
"What has exacerbated the situation is the very late decision of Gordon to apply for a booking and even when the issue was identified at this late hour, behind the scenes individuals within BriSCA F2 have tried to seek a resolution which, sadly, in the timescale has not been possible."
Now the chase for silver has really hotted up, he saw the chance to prevent Chris Bradbury (886) closing the gap. Fair dos, but when IT Snr, said no, if you're a last minute Larry, if things go wrong..you don't have much time to rectify it. It was like the time I did my coursework for GCSE's, got it all typed up, and saved it on Sunday, only for it to corrupt on the Monday, and it was due in on the Tuesday....Cue frantic panicing and trying to resurrect. It might well a coincidence, but there is no grassy knoll....
"As the situation involves personal issues, that makes it more complex and is regrettable. Given this situation, BriSCA F2 cannot officially intervene."
To the unaware, Gordon Moodie's brother in law is Ian Thompson Jnr (901) who now lives in Scotland with his sister. Rumours abound that there was some disagreements between son and father and as a result, Gordon has been involved in the crossfire. To blame Brisca and Crispen as some have done is totally wrong. The opportunity to broker a peace deal between the two, makes Crispen like Kofi Annan, and with such entrenched positions means any diplomatic efforts in the time frame like urination during a gale, all its gonna do is blow back on you. It is a private matter brought into the public arena, and Brisca is right to stay out of it. If you had a row with your missus, how would you like it Graham Bunter turned up with a packet of garabaldis and thermos of tea.......
"Whilst having empathy with the Moodie team given the fiercely competitive National Points implications, regrettably this is a localised issue of dispute and suggestions that BriSCA F2 consider amending the point scoring for this event would be extremely disingenuous to the several other drivers that have entered for this event and at this very late hour. This may well have been an option for consideration had the matter come to light at a much earlier stage, as it could have enabled informed discussion to take place involving drivers who were wishing to compete and they could have then made an informed decision as to whether to attend or otherwise."
These claims that Moodie should be receiving double average points, and that the Championship shouldn't carry full points. Just because Bradders booked in, and might catch up slightly doesn't mean the rule book should be rewritten. Imagine all the Startrax folk who have been denied a booking, do they demand average points and recompetence? No, they just get on with it. A booking isn't a divine right. Double points for a second division title isn't right though. I include the Scottish and English championships in that, double points should only be for the majors.
Now don't get me wrong, it absolutely was an act of stupidity by Ian Thompson Snr to deny the booking, and it certainly didn't do his claims for a major title over in Ireland any good. Stock Car tracks are not the place to settle family feuds, it only ends up in tears, bans and bitterness.
Maybe as a resolution Brisca could arrange for both parties to talk it out like adults, or failing that, have a meeting in Manchester, Granada Studios to be precise, with a chairperson who used to work in Taunton (on Orchard FM no less), J Kyle esq.
However, a salient point for the loyal Moodie support team. Don't continually cry wolf and the conspiracy card, it wins you no favours with the silent majority, and you have to question whether as a result of his supports actions that fired the vitriol behind the assaults on the first bend of the last 2 world finals. He's an affable chap, but the general mob that follows reminds me of Michael Jackson fans. Fundamentalists, believing everything that comes out of Kennoway is gospel. They aren't doing him any favours whatsoever.
Still it's livened up Ftooz for a bit, and the Moodie fun bus ban doesn't apply to Ballymena, so it's only one chuffing meeting so get a grip! I still think silver at least will adorn the Moodie car come end of 2011, the sheer amount of meetings at tracks which he is good at, and Bradbury's admission that he's not actually chasing the points, just that he's racing the meetings he fancies, and well that he hasn't done too badly in them!
Its events like that this that does all parties no favours at all. Only one solution.
Heads. Banging. Together.
Ben Fund Update
It's over to the Benevolent Fund Treasurer, Sharon Blood, to give us an update of the Ben Fund, before the freaks and zombies prevalent at the Download festival on her doorstep take her away!!!
A round up we have the following meetings planned with Ben Fund Raffle tickets
Saturday 11 June 2011 Kings Lynn
Saturday 18 June 2011 Taunton
Sunday 19 June 2011 Taunton
Saturday 25 June 2011 Birmingham
Saturday 9 July 2011 Skegness
Sunday 10 July 2011 Skegness
Saturday 16 July 2011 Northampton
Sunday 17 July 2011 Northampton
Saturday 23 July 2011 Birmingham
For those who haven't brought tickets yet remember you need to be in it to win it, we have had a tremendous response so far for which we are fully appreciative.
If anyone wishes to get there name involved with a fantastic prize then we are after any parts that anyone wishes to donate to our worthy cause. It doesn't matter how big or small the parts all will be appreciated and your name will be added to the list of supporters.
For those wanting to donate parts or buy tickets at the Taunton weekend you will find us behind race control.
We will also have our collection buckets out at Taunton on Sunday 19 June and Skegness 10 July.
Sharon
(There's now a link to the official Benevolent Fund website on the sidebar, click on the logo to visit)
A round up we have the following meetings planned with Ben Fund Raffle tickets
Saturday 11 June 2011 Kings Lynn
Saturday 18 June 2011 Taunton
Sunday 19 June 2011 Taunton
Saturday 25 June 2011 Birmingham
Saturday 9 July 2011 Skegness
Sunday 10 July 2011 Skegness
Saturday 16 July 2011 Northampton
Sunday 17 July 2011 Northampton
Saturday 23 July 2011 Birmingham
For those who haven't brought tickets yet remember you need to be in it to win it, we have had a tremendous response so far for which we are fully appreciative.
If anyone wishes to get there name involved with a fantastic prize then we are after any parts that anyone wishes to donate to our worthy cause. It doesn't matter how big or small the parts all will be appreciated and your name will be added to the list of supporters.
For those wanting to donate parts or buy tickets at the Taunton weekend you will find us behind race control.
We will also have our collection buckets out at Taunton on Sunday 19 June and Skegness 10 July.
Sharon
(There's now a link to the official Benevolent Fund website on the sidebar, click on the logo to visit)
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Saturday 4 June 2011
Wimbledon...
Underground, overground, Womblin' free, the racers of Wimbledon Common are we. Making good use of the things that we find....
Yet the nation's favourite Tim Nice-but-Dim tribute act and uber numpty, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is looking to stop transporters entering the "Low Emission Zone". It makes going to the track virtually impossible for any racer, unless they are towing with a Prius, or via horse and cart. (Considering the look of some London based banger drivers I have encountered at other tracks, they look a bit Steptoe).
Yes it's a Spudworth track, but F2's have raced there in years gone by, and it's a cracking track. The November mecca to SW19 to the Plough Lane circuit for the Banger World Final where, if you didn't get there nice and early- you'd miss out, as there was no room in the inn.
My memories of going to the 2002 Banger World Final there - 10,000 people, another 2000 locked out. It was also the venue for the biggest roar I have ever heard for a follow in.... the post and wire, meant that any banger caught in it was like a fly caught in the spider's web, a helpless victim in the next black widow's jaws. Truckosaurus and the shale cross over in the middle all added to the birthday joy....two meetings in the day too - we went Ringwood for the Tarmac Masters Final on the way up, and me complete with headcold, took the day off college the following day, cue 30 wannabe female newsreaders (some actually are now) wishing me a happy birthday, and nursed me back to health!
It's not being threatened by a Tesco or housing developments. There isn't a plethora of nimbyist protest groups, it's just government policy which needs to be challenged. We cannot afford to lose venues in this climate, and to have a "low emission zone" and kill the sport dead in the water, when it's a green sport, vehicles getting recycled, providing entertainment to the London area, otherwise Plough Lane is left with another brownfield site on it, after Merton Borough Council's treatment of the old Wimbledon FC.
However there is no Selhurst Park to share with, or Milton Keynes alternative for the 'Worth boys. It's a stadium in the capital... the only one left, and a sporting hole, as greyhound stadiums, like Walthamstow are going by the wayside.
A petition has been launched and let's all sign and show that nitwit Boris, just what us greasy oiks can do!
You can sign it here Wimbledon Petition
Do it, tracks are hard to come by....
Yet the nation's favourite Tim Nice-but-Dim tribute act and uber numpty, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is looking to stop transporters entering the "Low Emission Zone". It makes going to the track virtually impossible for any racer, unless they are towing with a Prius, or via horse and cart. (Considering the look of some London based banger drivers I have encountered at other tracks, they look a bit Steptoe).
Yes it's a Spudworth track, but F2's have raced there in years gone by, and it's a cracking track. The November mecca to SW19 to the Plough Lane circuit for the Banger World Final where, if you didn't get there nice and early- you'd miss out, as there was no room in the inn.
My memories of going to the 2002 Banger World Final there - 10,000 people, another 2000 locked out. It was also the venue for the biggest roar I have ever heard for a follow in.... the post and wire, meant that any banger caught in it was like a fly caught in the spider's web, a helpless victim in the next black widow's jaws. Truckosaurus and the shale cross over in the middle all added to the birthday joy....two meetings in the day too - we went Ringwood for the Tarmac Masters Final on the way up, and me complete with headcold, took the day off college the following day, cue 30 wannabe female newsreaders (some actually are now) wishing me a happy birthday, and nursed me back to health!
It's not being threatened by a Tesco or housing developments. There isn't a plethora of nimbyist protest groups, it's just government policy which needs to be challenged. We cannot afford to lose venues in this climate, and to have a "low emission zone" and kill the sport dead in the water, when it's a green sport, vehicles getting recycled, providing entertainment to the London area, otherwise Plough Lane is left with another brownfield site on it, after Merton Borough Council's treatment of the old Wimbledon FC.
However there is no Selhurst Park to share with, or Milton Keynes alternative for the 'Worth boys. It's a stadium in the capital... the only one left, and a sporting hole, as greyhound stadiums, like Walthamstow are going by the wayside.
A petition has been launched and let's all sign and show that nitwit Boris, just what us greasy oiks can do!
You can sign it here Wimbledon Petition
Do it, tracks are hard to come by....
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