So there I is, going travelling up to Bristol for my first meeting outside of Autospeedland this year. July, I know, shocking.
The more casual observer will not be aware that Bristol isn't one of my favourite tracks, so it's not high on the visiting list. I've now restricted myself to 1 Bristol a year, as my usual other one clashes with St Day. So when venturing up the line, there are the numerous little milestones that one ticks off, Exeter Services, the Paintball Centre just before Cullompton, QuadWorld and the infamous Wicker Man (although it is lacking a burning Edward Woodward - but then the Somersetians haven't had chance yet). It appears he has been a good boy and gotten lots of Lego to play with....
I had taken advantage of the fact that the good Lord sent me on missionary work to spread the good word of the Blessid Rattler in the heathen county of Zummerset. Or rather, meeting some mates who live in Weston and taking a crate of Rattler for entertainment. And getting to bed at 5:50 am. Needless to say, I was late to the track, so unfortunately I missed the grand back wax of Andy Maidment, and the sight of Neil Hooper (676) in a tutu, and a soggy Mr Starter.
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| Yeeeeeaoooooccch. |
By there own admission, Bristol hasn't had the greatest of seasons, and yes the turnout has been rather disappointing. 25 cars for the first Westcountry meeting for 3 weeks was a shade poor. Needless to say, the 3 way battle for the track championship has hotted up considerably with Hooper, Bradbury and Aldridge all slugging it out. All of them took a heat, although one was generously donated by a slightly eager jump restart by man of the day Chris Rowe (76). Although he was not to be caught in the final and he took new found Goldin botherer Mike Priddle (14) with him. An early crash saw fellow reds Hooper and Rygor dispatched into the top plating by Bradders, a signal of intent that he wasn't in the mood to be played with. Come the lap boards, it was Rowe from Priddle then Bradbury and Aldridge. The 921 car dived up the side of Bradbury to which the former National Points took umbridge too. Like a bus prefect, Bradders then delivered swift justice to the whippersnapper, for having the audacity to pass but more than likely as payback for the previous Skeg.
Bradbury was catching Rowe, but it was the always smiling Plymouthian who took the win and a return to blue. It was a Chris 1-2-3, as Bradbury was followed home by Mikkula (522). As a result of the Pink Ribbon Trophies, celebration was a return to the stocks for Mr Starter, who probably copped a lot from Rowe for the heat docking.
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| Andy Chant checks his pants..... |
I didn't stay for the national, I was shattered!
Highlights of the meet for me where the extra mile that the drivers did for this worthwhile cause. Most cars had the bumpers pink, and whether it was Morph Priddle, Tutu Hoops, Pink Moo Fisher (315) or the Bikini Brothers Rowe (105/605), much laughs were had. It was nice to see the drivers getting behind this worthwhile cause. I think every year there should be some kind of meeting like this at every track, it helps build comradery between the drivers and puts something back.
Loads of flag marshalls on track with flags clear to see, however, one slight gripe is that if a car is stationary and is in a dangerous position, don't wait for the crowd to tell you that is! Oh, and whilst the pace car was a good idea, the cars bunched too quickly and the pace car driver simply wasn't up to speed. I think I've seen funeral corteges faster! He almost got tagged by the charging white tops on a few occasions, but it was Paul Milsom (245) who had to take evasive action to avoid.
Maybe they should have given the job to the pink stig!!
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