Raceweekend 15. Whalley's Full English.

So with a busy old week of fun and frolics up't north, it was Buxton's first opportunity to have a weekend of fun. With it being a totally solus weekend, perhaps a few more cars could have been coming but there were a few notable travellers, including Jason MacDonald (387) from over the border and Cornishman Steve Gilbert (542) who I overtook by the Saltash Tunnel on my way to work at 8 am!

With the Saturday being more of an appetizer for the championship ahead the following day, and with the biblical forecast bringing tempest and wind, many stayed at home. A little foolhardy as it was shirt sleeve order for the 3 heats. Heat 1 was won by Lee Dimmick (59), and the second by Richard Bowyer (761). A fiesty conclusion saw a huge tangle between Messrs Aldridge, Goldin and Rubery, which brought an abrupt end to Heat 3, which was won by the Racing Golfer Darren Clarke (571). Final time and the heavens had opened. Bearing in mind that Buxton is the closest track to heaven, the rain didn't have far to fall. It was Richard Stott (169) who splashed his way to victory from Goldin and Luke Wrench. With the party about to start, Ben Lockwood, signalled the party hooter by taking the GN

Sunday saw a few more cars turned for the qualifying heats and consolation. Heats went the way of Bowyer and Mike Green (115) with Dimmick taking the Consi. Soon, it was final time.

Now the English Championship has a strange grid formation. It is gridded up in banks of 6 in reverse average grade. I remember in the early 2000's the then red graded Chris Roots lining up in the first bank because he had only done a few meetings. Needless to say he romped it... 

So for the 2014 race.... here's how they lined up....

94 Marriott 299 Smith
184 Vaight 749 Aimson
91 Constable 604 Conway

319 Wadsworth 578 Gibbs
571 Clarke 560 Wrench
618 Lockwood 581 Fallows

297 Bailey 387 MacDonald
59 Dimmick 960 Whitehead
817 Bailey  411 Williamson

768 Adcroft 921 Aldridge
101 Whalley 823 Wagner
115 Green 700 Rubery

38 Polley 169 Stott
968 Brennan 761 Bowyer
401 Goldin 886 Bradbury

359 Wrench (Had a zero average)

So with the averages of some drivers somewhat Rootsesque, it was Aaron Vaight (184) who led the majority of the race, until Mr Buxton himself, THE man round Buxton, Kelvyn Whalley (101) took the win, from Bridesmaid Bradders (886). However, Kelvyn had only just finished his nuptials...

With Whalley taking the handicap, it was Richard Stott (169) that took the folowing GN.

POINTS OF ORDER

Whilst having a speedweekend is a conducive and positive approach for one of Brisca's lesser titles, surely maybe having a double header with a Qualifying round would be more beneficial??

Sad news from the general world of motorsport in the past couple of weeks. The tragic events of the Jim Clark Rally certainly brings a few points. 1. Is it really worth getting that close to action? 2. Listen to the marshalls advice at all times & 3. Motorsport is dangerous, and despite organisers taking all necessary precautions accidents can happen - it's printed on our tickets. Drums it home.

Also, the Isle of Man TT claimed another 2 victims, one of whom was the boyfriend of a friend. The news has devastated her, justifiably so. What she didn't want to see was her fella's last moments put on Youtube.  There are some sick callous morbid shit for brains fuckers out there. It was the same with some of our fatalities and injurys - simply what is wrong with these people. If you find any footage, report it please. There's a family grieving.

Sorry to be a downer on everyone, but it had to be said....

Anyways, next weekend, round mine for a quick blast eh? Let the Pet Shop Boys sung.... Go West, life is peaceful there....