MOODIE TAKES SKEG QR
On the Thursday, it was the last qualifying round at Skegness. Plenty of cars there, and a 2 from 3 format was deployed. With yellow top Jak Marshall (199) continuing his good form from the front took Heat 1. Heat 2 went the way of the man who needed those points the most, George MacMillan (100). Moodie took out heat 3, and also took out the final, taking a score of 29 forward. Macmillan was second and Jimmy the Wriggle (527) finished up third. Moodie finished with the best score under 2012 rules, only dropping 3 points from a perfect 150. The non WQR scoring GN was won by Marshall.
COWDIE CATS AWAY SO BURGY PLAYS
Scotland returned from its break to rapturous glory, however, some of its brethern were still on tour, however a relatively (on current form) of 15 cars, including several refugees from Crimond. With no Moodie, Macmillan or Middler, it was the Burgoyne show, with the 647 car taking the first heat and the final. Craig Wallace (16) took the second heat and Stephen Forster (652) took the national.
MITCHELL'S MILDO AS CAYZER COUNTS ONE LESS
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| One of those silent B52's that frequent the area. Nuisance! (A.Duckett) |
ISSIT WILD SUNDAY, AS SARGE SAVES A FIREY FORD
Sunday saw a few less cars, as Paul Moss went back to Mendips, and Ben Lockwood (618) got his first taste of the shale. Saturday night consolation winner Martin Ford (19) took the win in heat 1, whilst heat 2 George Turricki (186) showed everyone the fast way round. The third heat saw a flag to flag maiden Mildo win for Luke Branston (741). The consolation were victories for Gary Ford (26) and the sensational Tony Blackburn (225). The final saw Daz Schenscall (376) lead the majority of the way, until 2 yellow flags (including one for a small fire for Gary Ford) saw Carl Issit (103) get the better of almighty scrap for the win. The Grand National was also suitably brutal, and came to a dramatic conclusion as the race was stopped prematurely for a crash between Schenshall and Schutter brought out the chequered and reds. However, that was not the end of the story, as a spinning Lee Armstrong (743) collected Gary Ford and the East Coast Legend, Mark Sargent (798). Ford rolled and his car burst into flames. Sarge leapt out of his car and dragged the driver out of the inferno. Such acts of heroism on the track need to be applauded, especially as Sarge's curly barnet is probably a fire risk in itself. First and second after cause of the stoppage removals was Sarge and Ford, a well earned lap of honour for the cheeky chappy!
BARFORD: WALLACE WINS, DARBY DOUBLE DELIGHT
Usual Barford reporter Andrew Hingley was partaking in some Commonwealth Games action, but it was a Barford meet which was low on numbers. Local white top, Lee Darby (402) took a win in the first heat, and followed it up with second in the second, which went the way of Paul Prest (49). The final went the way of Craig Wallace (16), but it was Darby who finished the day off with a win in the National.
PINK PERFECTION FOR BRADBURY
It was certainly muggy at the Mendips for the annual Pink Ribbon Trophy, in honour of the late Lesley Maidment, mother of Nathan (935). Dad Andy spoke to me about the origins of the trophy.
With yet another bike race for the racing crew, complete with water stations, soaking the competitors with a motley crew of WAGS and significant others on bucketeering duties. With the visiting drivers George Macmillan (100) and David Polley (38) adding to the ranks, along with the returning from injury Chris Bradbury (886), still hobbling, however, with my recent foot injury (falling off a large step and buggering up 3 toes and a nice big purple bruise) I couldn't take the piss.
With 26 cars, Mendips, being Mendips chose to be different and offered the option of formats to the drivers in the drivers meeting. The choice of easy heats and a double point final was too much for some, however, it wasn't destined to go that way. (To the nay sayers - the point system is based on 26 cars....10 from each heat and 6 from the consi!)
Bradders took an obligatory first heat, and Heat 2 had a fair few stellar names in it. However, the luckless Paul Moss (979) had yet another engine blow, which took every star grader in with him. Come the restart, the likes of Polley and Neil Hooper (676) were on the infield, and it was Justin (or was it evil NIR twin Jamie????) Fisher (315) who came out of the attritional race with the chequered.With the consolation a mixture of stars, it turned into a battle between Polley and Hooper, and DP got the win. Final time saw long time leader Glen Sanders (734) lead until halfway. Hooper had broken away and with 2 to go, Bradbury was catching. Hooper took the hit and rode along the top bend, And Bradbury kept Hooper on the outside by leaning on him going into the pit bend. That's how it finished and Bradbury won the Pink Trophy for the second time.
POINTS OF ORDER
Bristol. After many meetings where things moved along quickly and won plaudits (wrapping up the clashing meeting with St Day before the uber slick Autospeed had run the final was a plus point), it sadly was business as usual. A 7 race gap between Heats and Consolation saw many drivers bored and grumbling, and then a small gap between consi, final and GN! Rolling out past 6 o clock didn't help matters, and when many driver have 3 hours plus to drive home can be a little disconcerting.
However, what was most disheartening was the inability to call a yellow flag. Now my understanding is that a yellow flag should be called for a stricken car in the potential line of fire. Bristol is extremely narrow nowadays, and with the raised infield (inner armco) there are more blind spots on the track where it is almost like coming out of a tunnel, leaving little or no time to react or find space. Now this is not a personal attack on the steward, but the 189 car wasn't moving. Stranded coming out of turn 4 and along the straight on a narrow point of the track. Now I can often understand why sometimes a yellow flag can be held off, because sometimes accidents can clear. On this occasion, the front end damage meant that Butcher had nowhere to go. You can indicate all you like with static yellows and marker boards, as a steward, the utmost safety of everyone is paramount. Even if the driver gives you both thumbs up, and you think its precarious, throw the yellow, because if you don't, then the law of sod says, an accident will happen. Take away all potential flashpoints at the first opportunity.
Personally, I would of thrown a yellow a few laps earlier for the stranded Matt Issacs (937) car which was located right in the line of fire for a last bend shunt, on the apex of the pit bend.
Because of hesitance, 2 drivers are hurt, 2 cars are near on destroyed, or have a hefty amount of repairs to foot, all because of a decision. An avoidable accident has occurred and lessons need to be learned from this. Had this of been in the workplace, investigations would have to take place - the first question in any health and safety report would be, was everything done to avoid the accident. Having the "motorsport is dangerous" caveat doesn't cover all. Minimise the risk. Drivers have to work the following day, and if they are injured, we all suffer.
So its onto Taunton. A very busy weekend, National Championships for the Saloons. The revived British Championship for the Minis, and the F2 Challenge Trophy, The Brisca F2 Heritage, A Cuddly Toy (CUDDDDLY TOY!!!!!), The Young Guns, The Teen Sensations, and an Old Fart. It's gonna be a cracker, if you're not coming, come on down!!
