Hot on the heels of various snow closures over this weekend comes the startling news, which had been on the cards, that Birmingham Wheels, the home of motorsport in the second city is very much under threat, as crippling rents threaten to evict all the tenants on site. This article goes into more detail
So what can we do to register our displeasure.
Sign the petition
Email Paul Gerrard
and lobby Birmingham Councillors using the following numbers
Carol Edwards (Conservative group office) 0121 303 2656
Sue Morris (Liberal Democrats group office) 0121 303 4204
Rose Horsfall (Labour group office) 0121 303 5147
With your help, we can prevent one of the best tarmac tracks in the country from the bulldozer
Saturday 23 March 2013
Monday 18 March 2013
Full Format. Maximum (almost!) Moodie. Magnificent Meeting!
I do like Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
It is my favourite track, the racing is always good there, the facilities aren't bad, I can always the see the action. So this is gonna be a VERY good year for me. A great track for the World, home comforts, no strange speaking locals, a decent pint that I know. Face it, the meetings so far up the line have been, a little lacklustre, lacking in drivers and general apathy! The weather forecasting neighsayers said it would be cold and wet, however it was not so!
So with a smug grin, with a glorious early spring sunshine awaking me through my window. Pensilva (half a mile up the road) was white. Dobwalls (8 miles) was grey and cold, as Lampy Cabs took me up to Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final! The opening meeting is often a bellweather on what kind of season you are going to have, and from the initial hype generated by the Purple People, entries flirted with near 50 mark. One of those entries was a surprise, possibly lost, was one G Moodie Esq (7), who'd come along to play...
Checking Twitter (whilst not driving, remember texting and driving kills, kids) on the way up the A30, I receieved a few tweets from people crossing East to West along the A303 to Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final! As the likes of Lively Linfield and recent stunt twitterman Ritchie Mead (596) passed Stonehenge...in blizzard conditions, that Buxton would call light sleet. Thankfully as those coming from the west reached Exeter Airport, we were greeted with a glorious sunshine filled sky.
Indeed Mr Mead was a recipient of a Jho Stoxblog sticker, which were distributed in their glorious goodness to all and sundry, to the point that the batch I've got, has all but one left, ready for distribution at Sheffield next weekend.
So with 40 cars in the pits, and a full format being run, with Autospeed continuing the tradition of the final being the busiest race of the day, and we were going to be treated to a 30 car final, with a 10-10-10 format of qualifiers. Whilst applauding said move from my anorak ridden spot on the back bank of Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final! !
Opening heat time.... James Horwell(602) sped away. Looked the part in the ex Bradbury higman. He had been gradually getting into the formula for the past couple of seasons. Part of a racing family who have had success in Stock Rods, Bangerstox and mostly Saloon Stock Cars. His performances have been gradually been getting better in his all too infrequent appearances in the past, so it a pleasant surprise to have the 602 car collected the chequered for the first time. Chris Bradbury (886) was a distant second
Whereas a white top took a flag to flag, the whites out front in heat 2 weren't so lucky. Plenty of yellow flags saw Mr Moodie (7) look imperious and sped away into the distance. Both Neil Hooper (676) and Adam Rubery (700) were a considerable distance behind. Meanwhile, the new king of Chaos, Dangerous Dale Moon (302) was given a large sticker to put on his nerf plate, on the provisio that it would get good exposure as he's always in an accident.... that he did as joined Ryan Hoskin (991) in a romantic clinch on the Honiton Bend... As is the ridiculous tradition of Lively, when Moodie wins, is it "Scotland the Brave" or the "Gay Gordon", but its something Scottish and annoying. What about a bit of the Proclaimers, or a spot of Runrig. And why stop it there, "Please Don't Go"from the steward to Mr 886. "Floral Dance" for St Agnes Silver Band trumpeter Liam Rowe (605) and "Combine Harvester" for Andrew Bennett (830). Better music is required at Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
A consolation.... remember them..... was to follow. Mostly comprising yellows, blue and sole red top, fresh from going on the piste again (makes a change he's usually on the piss) Liam Rowe (605), who stormed through a took a win from Semtex Sansom (352). His first for sometime at Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
30 cars on track. Final time, and all eyes at the back, it was Tom Clark (575) fresh from an impressive debut at St Day who led them away. Led them away so well, that he was tacking onto the back of the reds. Over took Bill Batten (167) and was setting about Jack Aldridge (921) when yellows came out. A clear half a lap lead from him and any potential suitors to his crown were way down the highstreet. On the restart, lead eroded, and with Sansom for company. Indeed Sansom took up the running, as the charging Moodie came through. Every start and restart he'd push through the field, pushing cars to the side, like snow being ploughed near Buxton. Love him or hate him, in a Justin Bieber style, Moodie is one of the best starters in Brisca, and this played to his advantage. However as the boards came out, those with the knowledge, knew that Sansom is no lover of reputation. He will stop you as best as he can, just ask Speak, Farrell, Gilbert et al who brushed amongst. So when faced with the 7 machine bearing down. Sammo stood on the brakes, almost causing the 7 car to half spin. With the field now bunched up behind, Moodie moved Sansom wide causing the train to follow, including a lapped Nathan Maidment (935) who spectularly hit a marker tyre, courtesy of said Mr Sansom. Out come the yellows with one to go, and over goes Maidment to do a "Why I Oughta" hand shake to the Plymouthian, which earnt him a Wadgey ear bash and an early bath. Fellow TART Duncan Moss (797) was also trailered by the team, for "moral support"! So with the restart it was Moodie from Sansom, from Bradbury and James Rygor (783). With not many to run too. Creeping round the Honiton bend, Moodie just slowed to a near halt, causing a breaking chain, allowing Mr Moodie to give it the beans and see the green. Moodie took the win, the same as he did at the same meeting 5 years ago, with a smash and grab raid. On the Mic with Crispen he admitted he liked Taunton as one of his favourite tracks....omnious for September... when Smeatharpe Stadium, is the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
Such was the dominance of Moodie in the heat and final, many people were beginning to speak of the unspeakable, a full format Moodie Max. Most Heat, Final and Handicap (still call it this, Grandad's legacy) maximum often take a yellow or two to do. This was no exception! It looked as potentially the maximum was on. A nice mix of newbies, inexperienced and plenty of blues and yellows fighting for the same bit of tarmac meant yellows were a coming, but also it meant Moodie's actual handicap was about 4 car lengths. Bradbury hit the front after Sansom led the early stages. With the lap board running down it was clear that His Gordyness was coming, and coming fast. With 3 to go it was Bradbury who had started to pull away slightly. However Moodie seemed to find a second wind and was in a last bend lunge distance. That he did, but Bradders rode it out, crossing the line, a rizla's width, a fag paper, a gnats gonad, a hair's breadth, a Newton Abbot based Stock Car Driver (sorry Eddie, Justin & Bill) between the 2 superstars. In time 0.006. Absolutely nothing....
Everyone left the track in total awe, in what was a truly magnificent meeting, just hope not peaked too soon, as Smeatharpe Stadium, is the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
Points of Order
A very droll birthday greeting from one Lively Linfield to one J Palmer of HMP Channings Wood. You'd never hear Gus Honeybunn (btw that is Ruth "This Morning" Langsford in the back) do that!
In fact, Mr Linfield was in a quite feisty mood, claiming that tarmac racing wasn't dead and certainly not at Taunton, that the racing in the South West was awesome, and that Birmingham was rubbish and that Cowdenbeath looked rubbish on the telly. Ok, he might not have actually said the last bit, but Steven needs to calm down, as it will be a competition to see whether me or him actually explodes first...
On St Patrick's Day, it was certainly a day for taking in plenty of the Black Stuff... Mr Moodie is incorrectly graded for a pint of Guinness. Still, at least he can have a pint of it, unlike Messrs Hoskin and Moss.
Also, speaking of PJ (979) and Duncan (797) Moss, much merriment was made of mine and dad Jeremy's chance meeting at local shop of shite, Trago Mills. Alleged rumours that we had a cup of tea and a cake were unfounded. We actually discussed the finer points of how to get to Sheffield and other such racing delights, so ner PJ and Duncan....
Did I mention that Smeatharpe Stadium, is the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
I might be a tad giddy about the season to come, but I'm not sure...
It is my favourite track, the racing is always good there, the facilities aren't bad, I can always the see the action. So this is gonna be a VERY good year for me. A great track for the World, home comforts, no strange speaking locals, a decent pint that I know. Face it, the meetings so far up the line have been, a little lacklustre, lacking in drivers and general apathy! The weather forecasting neighsayers said it would be cold and wet, however it was not so!
So with a smug grin, with a glorious early spring sunshine awaking me through my window. Pensilva (half a mile up the road) was white. Dobwalls (8 miles) was grey and cold, as Lampy Cabs took me up to Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final! The opening meeting is often a bellweather on what kind of season you are going to have, and from the initial hype generated by the Purple People, entries flirted with near 50 mark. One of those entries was a surprise, possibly lost, was one G Moodie Esq (7), who'd come along to play...
Checking Twitter (whilst not driving, remember texting and driving kills, kids) on the way up the A30, I receieved a few tweets from people crossing East to West along the A303 to Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final! As the likes of Lively Linfield and recent stunt twitterman Ritchie Mead (596) passed Stonehenge...in blizzard conditions, that Buxton would call light sleet. Thankfully as those coming from the west reached Exeter Airport, we were greeted with a glorious sunshine filled sky.Indeed Mr Mead was a recipient of a Jho Stoxblog sticker, which were distributed in their glorious goodness to all and sundry, to the point that the batch I've got, has all but one left, ready for distribution at Sheffield next weekend.
So with 40 cars in the pits, and a full format being run, with Autospeed continuing the tradition of the final being the busiest race of the day, and we were going to be treated to a 30 car final, with a 10-10-10 format of qualifiers. Whilst applauding said move from my anorak ridden spot on the back bank of Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final! !
Opening heat time.... James Horwell(602) sped away. Looked the part in the ex Bradbury higman. He had been gradually getting into the formula for the past couple of seasons. Part of a racing family who have had success in Stock Rods, Bangerstox and mostly Saloon Stock Cars. His performances have been gradually been getting better in his all too infrequent appearances in the past, so it a pleasant surprise to have the 602 car collected the chequered for the first time. Chris Bradbury (886) was a distant second
 |
| Just before, kissy kissy! |
A consolation.... remember them..... was to follow. Mostly comprising yellows, blue and sole red top, fresh from going on the piste again (makes a change he's usually on the piss) Liam Rowe (605), who stormed through a took a win from Semtex Sansom (352). His first for sometime at Smeatharpe Stadium, the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
30 cars on track. Final time, and all eyes at the back, it was Tom Clark (575) fresh from an impressive debut at St Day who led them away. Led them away so well, that he was tacking onto the back of the reds. Over took Bill Batten (167) and was setting about Jack Aldridge (921) when yellows came out. A clear half a lap lead from him and any potential suitors to his crown were way down the highstreet. On the restart, lead eroded, and with Sansom for company. Indeed Sansom took up the running, as the charging Moodie came through. Every start and restart he'd push through the field, pushing cars to the side, like snow being ploughed near Buxton. Love him or hate him, in a Justin Bieber style, Moodie is one of the best starters in Brisca, and this played to his advantage. However as the boards came out, those with the knowledge, knew that Sansom is no lover of reputation. He will stop you as best as he can, just ask Speak, Farrell, Gilbert et al who brushed amongst. So when faced with the 7 machine bearing down. Sammo stood on the brakes, almost causing the 7 car to half spin. With the field now bunched up behind, Moodie moved Sansom wide causing the train to follow, including a lapped Nathan Maidment (935) who spectularly hit a marker tyre, courtesy of said Mr Sansom. Out come the yellows with one to go, and over goes Maidment to do a "Why I Oughta" hand shake to the Plymouthian, which earnt him a Wadgey ear bash and an early bath. Fellow TART Duncan Moss (797) was also trailered by the team, for "moral support"! So with the restart it was Moodie from Sansom, from Bradbury and James Rygor (783). With not many to run too. Creeping round the Honiton bend, Moodie just slowed to a near halt, causing a breaking chain, allowing Mr Moodie to give it the beans and see the green. Moodie took the win, the same as he did at the same meeting 5 years ago, with a smash and grab raid. On the Mic with Crispen he admitted he liked Taunton as one of his favourite tracks....omnious for September... when Smeatharpe Stadium, is the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
 |
| Choose a metaphor. It was THAT close! |
Everyone left the track in total awe, in what was a truly magnificent meeting, just hope not peaked too soon, as Smeatharpe Stadium, is the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
Points of Order
A very droll birthday greeting from one Lively Linfield to one J Palmer of HMP Channings Wood. You'd never hear Gus Honeybunn (btw that is Ruth "This Morning" Langsford in the back) do that!
In fact, Mr Linfield was in a quite feisty mood, claiming that tarmac racing wasn't dead and certainly not at Taunton, that the racing in the South West was awesome, and that Birmingham was rubbish and that Cowdenbeath looked rubbish on the telly. Ok, he might not have actually said the last bit, but Steven needs to calm down, as it will be a competition to see whether me or him actually explodes first...
On St Patrick's Day, it was certainly a day for taking in plenty of the Black Stuff... Mr Moodie is incorrectly graded for a pint of Guinness. Still, at least he can have a pint of it, unlike Messrs Hoskin and Moss.
Also, speaking of PJ (979) and Duncan (797) Moss, much merriment was made of mine and dad Jeremy's chance meeting at local shop of shite, Trago Mills. Alleged rumours that we had a cup of tea and a cake were unfounded. We actually discussed the finer points of how to get to Sheffield and other such racing delights, so ner PJ and Duncan....
Did I mention that Smeatharpe Stadium, is the home of the 2013 Brisca F2 World Final!
I might be a tad giddy about the season to come, but I'm not sure...
Saturday 16 March 2013
Chris John
Sad news is coming in from Scotland, that the much loved commentator and columnist, Chris John, has passed away....
To the Racewallites his style of commentary, complete with catchphrases that stuck in the mind and his hatred of Swinging Safari, Chris John was the voice of the Racewall. Mr Saturday Night, he would fire up the crowd, with his box of CD's and turn the Racewall into a party zone. CJ the DJ.
My first experience of John's commentary was at Cowdenbeath in 1997 at the World Final. After the bedlam, his commentary was measured and concise, which can often be lost with a Scottish accent
In fact, it was his commentary on the 1st September 1997, when the shock of Diana's death in a tunnel in Paris which summed up the day. With such a divided area as Scotland and with numerous opinions flying about, his words grounded the audience
"No matter what you thought of Diana, Princess of Wales, there's two boys without a mum tonight"
But it was his magazine pieces in Stock Car magazine and revival of Formula 2 Review which started to influence my style. He had a very jokey way of writing. Paragraphs headlined with play on words, mickey taking and general japery, and when I was presented with the idea of writing a column by Steve Linfield back in 2005, it was that kind of style I was to mimic....
So in the words of the great man, at the start of the race
Mr Starter, we are Clean n Green!
To the Racewallites his style of commentary, complete with catchphrases that stuck in the mind and his hatred of Swinging Safari, Chris John was the voice of the Racewall. Mr Saturday Night, he would fire up the crowd, with his box of CD's and turn the Racewall into a party zone. CJ the DJ.
My first experience of John's commentary was at Cowdenbeath in 1997 at the World Final. After the bedlam, his commentary was measured and concise, which can often be lost with a Scottish accent
In fact, it was his commentary on the 1st September 1997, when the shock of Diana's death in a tunnel in Paris which summed up the day. With such a divided area as Scotland and with numerous opinions flying about, his words grounded the audience
"No matter what you thought of Diana, Princess of Wales, there's two boys without a mum tonight"
But it was his magazine pieces in Stock Car magazine and revival of Formula 2 Review which started to influence my style. He had a very jokey way of writing. Paragraphs headlined with play on words, mickey taking and general japery, and when I was presented with the idea of writing a column by Steve Linfield back in 2005, it was that kind of style I was to mimic....
So in the words of the great man, at the start of the race
Mr Starter, we are Clean n Green!
Thursday 7 March 2013
Jho-hn Craven's Newsround...
Years ago before the bloke from Blue Peter straddled the Countryfile studios, a legend of news decided to leave his infamous Newsround show, to go walking with a camera in the lovely countryside.... that man was Jho-on Craven and here's a good old fashioned round up....
ROWE READY TO GO...
Fresh from a garage gaze, Plymouthian son of Gilson and brother of Chris, and no relation of Ross or Liam... Marc Rowe (526) has had his brand new Motorworld ready to go, possibly to Brum this weekend. The driver is happy with the results and it "looks sexier than the shale car". I guess the Rowe boys will be hitting the miles this year....
TAUNTON TOP TRACK IN BRIEF POLL
The question was asked - what is the best track for F2. The 2013 World Final Venue certainly gave great racing, and it is reflected in the poll, with nearly twice as many as its rivals
Barford
2.9%
Belle Vue
0%
Birmingham Wheels
11.4%
Bristol
5.7%
Buxton
0%
Coventry
0%
Cowdenbeath
17.1%
Crimond
0%
Hednesford
0%
King's Lynn
5.7%
Knockhill
0%
Mildenhall
0%
Northampton
0%
Sheffield
0%
Skegness
14.3%
St Day
5.7%
Stoke
2.9%
Taunton
34.3%
SQUARE EYED OVAL?
Cowdenbeath have announced interesting things which could potentially harm the ratings of "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway" and "Strictly Come Tom Daley on Ice". They are planning to stream live via webcam from the mighty Racewall every Saturday night this season, which on paper looks brilliant. Proper stock car on ya telly, live, and not highlighted, and with inaudible commentary. A bit like St Day...
If the experiment works, then blooming hell, the pubs will be taking hits, and the laptop will be rigged up to the telly, tinnies out, takeaway...
MURRAY GOES LOONY FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Multi formula man Murray Jones continues his search like Goldilocks for a formula that is just right... He's returning to the Saloons which gave him his name....although this time for an excellent cause
"Right folks time to put your money where your mouths are . Those who want to see me back in a saloon at NIR Good Friday start donating I am looking for at least 50 people to donate £10 for the hire of Luke Grief car. Any donations over the £500 needed including any winnings plus a donation from myself will go to Kelly Newman towards Steve Steve Newman race"
A stirling effort and he's certainly all action behind a saloon... so lets dig in and see him back!
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Video : KL Qualifier
Hot on the heels of the soon to be stationary camera tour, comes Martyn Robinson's attempt to bring moving pictures starts now
First up, an imperious Bradders at Lynn
First up, an imperious Bradders at Lynn
Tuesday 5 March 2013
On your marks, get set, Skeg!
Our exiled Pixie Dave Crossman, now a resident of the north and east, travelled to the fun coast, with bucket and spade and got himself some ice cream. Not a Mr Whippy, just his contraband Rodda's clotted imported from the homeland at track temperature!
It was a dry cloudy but bloody cold day as me, Nicky (the wife) & Brisca (the dog) set out from our base for our first meeting of the season.
 | |
| Fair lick of Mills per hour for Aryton (222) Pic courtesy of www.cjsracephotos.co.uk |
It was a dry cloudy but bloody cold day as me, Nicky (the wife) & Brisca (the dog) set out from our base for our first meeting of the season.
We arrived slightly later than planned which did not matter as the planned gate opening time of 12 did not happen to 12.25 !
The program was 2 sheets of paper folded together, a bit disappointing to say the least. Maybe we are spoilt in the Westcounty! No entry list but a
reasonable entry of about 30 cars were counted.
Chris Burgoyne (647) went out
to practice as I walked around the pits and he must of had a problem as
that was the last I saw of him.
So onto the racing and it was a 2 from 3 format. From the green flag Aryton Mills (222) pulls straight into the lead being followed by locals Mark Meeds (458) & Andrew Spence (557). The first red to show was Dennis Middler (641), Gordon Moodie (7) was making progress but then dropped back. By
halfway 222 had a big lead and was never going to be caught. World Champ Mickey Brennan (1) was making good use of the bumper and then Middler & Garry Sime (480) had a tangle on the pit bend delaying both and 7 pulled off
to the infield. At the flag it was 222 winning easy from 557, 921, and
458.
Onto Heat 2 and from the start Mills again shoots into the lead from Liam Rennie (3) and Stuart Sculthorpe (393) with Jack Aldridge (921) and Daz Kitson (732) the
first reds to show. By halfway the 3 white tops are way in front and
that's how it stayed and 732 goes for a big hit on 1 on the last bend
for 8th.
Heat 3 had a different winner as Mills hadto sit this
one out. Sculthorpe led the way at the start but Rennie gets pass on the start of
the 2nd lap with 732 the first red to show and Dave Pannett (836)going well
(with a small wing ) and 7 upto 6th halfway through the race. 5 to go
and 3 leads 393 by 6 lengths and looking set for the win which he doe.s On the last bend Moodie moves Aaron Vaight (184) and 836 wide to take 3rd with
836 and 184 recovering for 4th & 5th
Time for the final and with 25 cars on track and maybe more cars on
track will stop the flying white tops going off into the distance
At
the green flag, Sculthorpe, Rennie, and Mills 3 and get away in the lead and 7 3rd red over
the line ( of 10 ) ! again 836 making good early progress
393 had a good lead until he got behind the backmarking Aidy Whitehead (960) and 222 and 3 catch up with 393 as the lap boards come out.
Onto
the last lap and 393 leads with 3 close behind and he goes for the win
on the last bend he makes contact but spins himself (no doubt giving
himself an upset stomach, maybe he should take some Rennie -jho ) leaving 393 to take the win from 222 , 836 ,
557 and 7.
Not many come out for the GN but at the flag 222 leads from 3 and
184 with 7 and 1 the first reds to show towards the end of the race 7
moves up to 3rd and overtakes 3 for 2nd on the last bend but was never
going to get to the flying 222 car (dp built )
Not a bad days racing from the 2's not 1 yellow flag so it was always going to be hard to get to the 3 very quick white tops .
All I can say is you Westcountry fans are spoiled with your support
formulas we have 5 (yes 5 ) bangers here and 8 mondeo rods , ok the
1300 saloons were ok but nowhere as good as the 2 litre variety!
Thanks to Dave for that report. Fancy yourself a regular Steve Linfield, and can string a sentence together then the blog needs your words. Especially if you're further north than Bristol! Email me and you too could be putting words on ere
Thanks to Dave for that report. Fancy yourself a regular Steve Linfield, and can string a sentence together then the blog needs your words. Especially if you're further north than Bristol! Email me and you too could be putting words on ere
Monday 4 March 2013
Away we go...
The immortal words of the late Ron Pickering giving the kids the get up to jump in the pool at the end of "We Are The Champions" (ask your Dad kids) the season is underway.
So off to St Day we go, were hands were rubbing, not with excitement or glee, more just to get warmth on what was a very, very, cold day at the West Cornwall track. An impressive 33 cars in the pits, which for an opening St Day was impressive. Also impressive was the sheer amount of newcomers, giving impressions that it could be a classic season in the Westcountry.
Heat 1 saw an early lead for newcomer Tom Clark (575) sped away into the distance. I am led to believe that Tom is a former track champion at the now defunct Westworld Raceway (aka St Columb). Early breakers were Ashley Rundle (116) and Matt Westaway (835), however a caution brought Clark's lead. However backmarker novice John Scorse (519) stayed on he racing line on the restart, causing Rundle to clip him half way down the straight which in turn sent Westaway spinning and causing the mother of scrambles for a clear line past the blue top. A further caution and Chris Mikkula (522), out in a car finished on Friday, and taken up Bristol for 10 shake down laps to break the seal, swiftly moved over in the RCE. Indeed, the man from Weston took the win, from Rundle...
Heat 2 saw an impressive start for Liam Deeble (785) who sped away to quite a lead. The blues broke away with Jay Tomkins (290) and Paul Butcher (189). Behind track champion Neil Hooper (676) and Nathan Maidment (935) were having a good old fashioned ding dong of a battle, with Nathan giving interest to the punishment dealt out by Hoops. However it was wiley old veteran, Butcher who got the better of Tomkins. Rumours were flying around from sources undisclosed that 3 of the 4 TARTs were partaking in a pre St Day ritual which took place in the Galleon, Fowey. Sources disclosed (Mrs Butcher) said that one was so joyous with drink, that she had to take his shoes off and put him to bed. Racing with a hangover, with the cool St Day air seemed to inspire the Gloucestershire builder as he took another victory.
The consolation looked a good learning curve for the novices, as the majority of them took to the track. Again it was Deeble who sped away, taking PJ Moss (979) with him, although he did look advantageous, and a borderline pringle! Behind a battle of Mid Cornwall was taking place between Westaway, the "Ladies Favourite" "Dangerous" Dale Moon (302), Andrew Bennett (830) and Dan Moss (797). Ryan Hoskin (991) waded in with the bumper and Dale was a little too keen allowing his way through, which collected Westaway and parked up beside him. Matt was thoroughly peeved off, as he said in the pits after "he wished he stayed at home", as he find himself an innocent victim in someone elses accident. After a further caution when Liam Deeble (785) was left with nowhere to go when Jay Scott (686) spun and stalled. After that caution, Bennett took the lead from last time feuders Jamie Beere (954) and Dave Sansom (352)
Final time, and this was for the magnificent replica old time microphone, for the "Voice of Autospeed" trophy, commemorating and celebrating of long time commentator Bill Dalley. Clark sped away into a quarter lap lead, Rundle broke from the yellows, and James Rygor (783) the Blues. Rundle caught Clark just as Justin Fisher (315) half spun, collecting Hooper, for a comparison on the Dulux Colour Chart to see who had the closest to Truran Purple. In the melee, Hooper was slowed, and Mikkula snuck through to join the party. However, Rundle held on for the win, with Rygor and Mikkula rounding out the top 3 and Clark taking an impressive 4th. Such was the quality of the blows, many of the lower places wanted another half dozen or so laps as there was plenty of bumper after the flags.
And with the national the last race of the day, and with Ranolph Fienes levels of frost bite approaching, Clark led away and this took an all too familiar form for the regular St Day viewer as Neil Hooper took the chequered along with a very impressive Jamie Avery (126)
So the touch paper lit on a big season for the Westcountry....a few salient points of order. After I outed Pit Lady Madge last week, she officially told Crispen, after Parky dobbed her in, that this season was her last. The over optimistic ice cream van, went home after heat 1, knowing that ice cream wouldn't be advisable. Mike Priddle (14) surveyed the new "Arena Seating". Whether he had designs of following the PR1MO Raceway (aka Northampton), for the "MDP Services Grandstand for f*&k^%g w%£k^rs"
Still it was nice to be back, at home...
So off to St Day we go, were hands were rubbing, not with excitement or glee, more just to get warmth on what was a very, very, cold day at the West Cornwall track. An impressive 33 cars in the pits, which for an opening St Day was impressive. Also impressive was the sheer amount of newcomers, giving impressions that it could be a classic season in the Westcountry.
Heat 1 saw an early lead for newcomer Tom Clark (575) sped away into the distance. I am led to believe that Tom is a former track champion at the now defunct Westworld Raceway (aka St Columb). Early breakers were Ashley Rundle (116) and Matt Westaway (835), however a caution brought Clark's lead. However backmarker novice John Scorse (519) stayed on he racing line on the restart, causing Rundle to clip him half way down the straight which in turn sent Westaway spinning and causing the mother of scrambles for a clear line past the blue top. A further caution and Chris Mikkula (522), out in a car finished on Friday, and taken up Bristol for 10 shake down laps to break the seal, swiftly moved over in the RCE. Indeed, the man from Weston took the win, from Rundle...
Heat 2 saw an impressive start for Liam Deeble (785) who sped away to quite a lead. The blues broke away with Jay Tomkins (290) and Paul Butcher (189). Behind track champion Neil Hooper (676) and Nathan Maidment (935) were having a good old fashioned ding dong of a battle, with Nathan giving interest to the punishment dealt out by Hoops. However it was wiley old veteran, Butcher who got the better of Tomkins. Rumours were flying around from sources undisclosed that 3 of the 4 TARTs were partaking in a pre St Day ritual which took place in the Galleon, Fowey. Sources disclosed (Mrs Butcher) said that one was so joyous with drink, that she had to take his shoes off and put him to bed. Racing with a hangover, with the cool St Day air seemed to inspire the Gloucestershire builder as he took another victory.
The consolation looked a good learning curve for the novices, as the majority of them took to the track. Again it was Deeble who sped away, taking PJ Moss (979) with him, although he did look advantageous, and a borderline pringle! Behind a battle of Mid Cornwall was taking place between Westaway, the "Ladies Favourite" "Dangerous" Dale Moon (302), Andrew Bennett (830) and Dan Moss (797). Ryan Hoskin (991) waded in with the bumper and Dale was a little too keen allowing his way through, which collected Westaway and parked up beside him. Matt was thoroughly peeved off, as he said in the pits after "he wished he stayed at home", as he find himself an innocent victim in someone elses accident. After a further caution when Liam Deeble (785) was left with nowhere to go when Jay Scott (686) spun and stalled. After that caution, Bennett took the lead from last time feuders Jamie Beere (954) and Dave Sansom (352)
Final time, and this was for the magnificent replica old time microphone, for the "Voice of Autospeed" trophy, commemorating and celebrating of long time commentator Bill Dalley. Clark sped away into a quarter lap lead, Rundle broke from the yellows, and James Rygor (783) the Blues. Rundle caught Clark just as Justin Fisher (315) half spun, collecting Hooper, for a comparison on the Dulux Colour Chart to see who had the closest to Truran Purple. In the melee, Hooper was slowed, and Mikkula snuck through to join the party. However, Rundle held on for the win, with Rygor and Mikkula rounding out the top 3 and Clark taking an impressive 4th. Such was the quality of the blows, many of the lower places wanted another half dozen or so laps as there was plenty of bumper after the flags.
And with the national the last race of the day, and with Ranolph Fienes levels of frost bite approaching, Clark led away and this took an all too familiar form for the regular St Day viewer as Neil Hooper took the chequered along with a very impressive Jamie Avery (126)
So the touch paper lit on a big season for the Westcountry....a few salient points of order. After I outed Pit Lady Madge last week, she officially told Crispen, after Parky dobbed her in, that this season was her last. The over optimistic ice cream van, went home after heat 1, knowing that ice cream wouldn't be advisable. Mike Priddle (14) surveyed the new "Arena Seating". Whether he had designs of following the PR1MO Raceway (aka Northampton), for the "MDP Services Grandstand for f*&k^%g w%£k^rs"
Still it was nice to be back, at home...
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| Declan Hooper (967) is the son of the late Eric Hooper (ex367) who raced at St Columb, before a heart attack took him 1997. Makes me feel very old as Declan is 21, and I went to school with his big sister, and he was only a nipper when Eric died! |
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| PJ Moss (979) the smallest of the TARTs does this make him a TARTlet? |
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| Back to blue with you Ashley! |
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| The ex Scott Williams car now in the hands of ex National Banger star Russ Aplin (22) |
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| Fresh from bangers and following his dad and grandad's footsteps, Gary Sillifant (607) races the 2012 Jay Tomkin Car |
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| New Higgy for The Orignal Moss Jnr |
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| Mikkula's RCE for 2012 now in the capable hands of Richard Thomas (756) |
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| The New RCE of Chris Mikkula (522) prior to Heat 1 victory |
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| Gone is the blue, in with the yellow for Matt Westaway (835). Nice and Shiny, not for long mind |
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| Nathan Maidment, signalling intent |
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| Formation Mid Cornwall parking last seen at a Bugle dogging spot |
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| Former Mendips Banger driver and son of former F2 driver Paul, John Scorse (519) has the ex Ross Rowe car to play with |
Friday 1 March 2013
Garage Gazing the 4th....
In what is probably going to be the last gaze in the garage before the green drops, and the bullshit starts on Ftooz, we look furthermore....
Last year Marc Rowe made a reasonable debut in F2. He has upgraded his machinery to a Motorworld resplendent in Mercedes Silver. Aiming for a Brum soon for debut..
And now in the sunshine, Chris Mikkula's new RCE comes out to play, with no hideous green to be seen. He'll be defending the Voice of Autospeed trophy at St Day on Sunday..... "right denn"
Taking in a sneaky Skegness test was Polleysport Pilot Stuart Sculthorpe (393)
That concludes the gazing for this year.... in the meantime, shall we go racing????
Last year Marc Rowe made a reasonable debut in F2. He has upgraded his machinery to a Motorworld resplendent in Mercedes Silver. Aiming for a Brum soon for debut..
And now in the sunshine, Chris Mikkula's new RCE comes out to play, with no hideous green to be seen. He'll be defending the Voice of Autospeed trophy at St Day on Sunday..... "right denn"
Taking in a sneaky Skegness test was Polleysport Pilot Stuart Sculthorpe (393)
That concludes the gazing for this year.... in the meantime, shall we go racing????
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