A weekend of Semi interest!

Right another weekend on the road, doing it midland style!
SATURDAY 13th AUGUST
I started with another track I have yet to do, to be greeted by Sharon Blood (Ben Fund) and Matt Linfield (464) who both asked if I had a nose bleed coming this far north of the border. The border being of course, the Tamar, and lo I rocked up at Brandon at the infamous Coventry Stadium. I've never been, never seen the need being an arch tractor fan, but Startrax had the added attractions of being a good hype. However once again, through poor fixture planning on Startrax's part, the crowd at Cov was sparse. Maybe the added attraction of the Junior Bangers or the Monster 4 Wheel Drive SUV Bangers, would drag the crowd in. They were advertised, and didn't show, despite the big hype.
The Brisca Minis were entertaining, as when you look at the likes of Aldridge and Griffin, this is where are next generation of drivers are likely to come from. However, it was looking more at the next generation of Smiths and Wainman how had split loyalties along the A45, with the clashing NIR! The UK Mods looked like something out of Mad Max, and especially as the final ended in a 6 car pile up, despite only have 6 cars!
The racing was exciting, and to my non shale loving eyes. Random format again - top 14, (honestly its the new 10. Reggie Yates now has the UK Top 14 run down you know) Several drivers were up having a play on the shale who you wouldn't usually see. After heats for Andy Palmer (606) and Jack Thompson (330), and the consi went the way of John Davies (77), it was final time. Good to see the tradition of the final draw is still prevalent, as most venues north of Bristol have dispensed with it. It was a cracking conclusion, Andrew Palmer (606) spun early on, but recovered after Bradders tried to dispense with 4 cars in one corner, 5th to 1st and then he half spins with the momentum! This allowed Paul Wilson (925) took take the win from Palmer and Bradbury.
In the national, it was definately KerChing! as the 634 mobile took a rather good GN victory, holding off Bradbury in the later stages.
I'd definately go again, perhaps on a night when the 1's and 2's are on, but I do fear for the stadium's future. Despite probably having some of the best facilities in the country, it is brownfield and to the un-stoxed eye it looks like it either needs some investment, and the rumour is that local housing developments might curtail racing there. Hope not, 'tis a crackin' track!

SUNDAY 14th AUGUST
Now the Hednesford Hills haven't changed since my last visit in 2001, and you have to drive through the estate to get to it. It's vastness makes it an awesome sight.
Firstly, prices were extremely reasonable for a double semi day, £13 which isn't out of the way. Plenty of food facilities and toilets, and a rare thing- cover should the rains come. Fortunately none did come, although it did start spitting as current westcountry regenmeister Dan Moss (797) walked past.
However, the programme which we paid £1.50 for contained a paragraph on the intended semis, no profiles or previews, or even grids. To the casual fan that was there, total bewilderment. There was no driver parade, no geeing up, it was treated like a heat. Yes, we had "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines", but said with no passion, Paul Gerrard has a long way to go if he wants to take Michael Buffer's job, and it gave the fans, some of which had travelled quite a way not a chance to show there support. After a rather dull heat, which became follow the leader relatively quickly.

Semi Final number 1 was the one that everyone was waiting for - was it Speak, was it Bradbury or was it Moodie, after a semi warm up lap, to the strains of "Battle without Honour", and thankfully not the dirge of Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell" it was race on. Speak got the better, and Moodie looked quicker and was ready to pounce, but eased off at each corner. Moodie fans were clamouring for the hit, but it wasn't coming. Speaky even slowed down to say "come on, hit me". And thus how it finished. with Bradders some way behind hoping for a tangle. The post race interview had echoes of what was to come. Moodie started off the banter with "The front row is overated", to which Speak retorted "The paying public didn't come to see that", to cheers all round. Moodie took a fair bit of derision for that from the Speak fans, but it wasn't to end there!

So close, but no cigar, could these tactics cost Moodie dear? Pic courtesy of the excellent Martyn Robinson

Semi 2 was always on a hiding to nothing, Goldin didnt get the start, an early pile up further back brought out the yellows, with one lap done. Most tracks would have thrown a red, and restarted. Unfortunately for Goldin, with the restart came engine problems and evenutally he pulled off. Burgoyne (647) had disappeared in the distance taking Thackra (324) and Palmer (606) in the distance. Behind the scrap was between the latest hot shot Richard Stott (169), Graham Kelly (721) and Jon Palmer (24), who started 28th, Palmer getting the better and almost caught fellow south west man Neil Hooper (676).

The flag falls for Burgoyne as he now takes pole (Pic courtesy of Martyn Robinson)

Consolation was proper hectic, with loads of cars going for 10 places. 59 Lee Dimmick certainly kept his midland track form up. In between this we had the joys of Rebels and Stock Rods, including one of the biggest explosions of engines  I've ever seen, and if you were on that bend, you wouldn't have seen much but the sound of bending 1400's! Whilst on the East Bend, there was some contact of the cake based kind, however we don't talk about that on here.
Despite previously mentios of this on various forums and social networks, Incaworth seemed to forget about the flags for which semis people were in for the rule of what decides pole. It was something that worked at Taunton's semis. However coommentator Dave Goddard was constantly stating the state of play. It was Richard Stott who was leading, Adam Rubery being the next in line. It livened up with 5 to go, 169 led from 700, then behind them 218 and 7. This time 7 pounced on the 8 times champ, and only served to move him wide. Next corner, you can see below, on this video found on public video sharing website Youtube.

Thats what the paying public came to see, eh! Reds and Chequereds came out, which robbed us of a potential cracker of the last three laps, as as the flags came out Rubery had just taken over the lead...
Overall, I felt short changed by the choice of venue, as the track produced dull racing, Hednesford has never been good for F2's, the track is too long in the straights and it produced poor poor racing. If Speaky hadn't have done Moodie, the weekend would have been remembered for 2 rather dull semis.  An over ponderous approach to lining cars up meant that once again the GN was cancelled espeically as people wanted to see what the next chapter in the Moodie vs Speak.
In fact haven't I seen a battle like this before?


Questions must be asked of 1. the suitability of Hednesford as a major championship venue for the F2's. 2. If tracks cannot adhere to curfews, and the gravitas of a semis and the time taken to line it up, maybe its either given to tracks and promotions who don't have local curfews, or it's split over 2 days. One Saturday night, one Sunday, everyones a winner. 3. The lack of build up, and treatment when in comparision to previous years made it near on impossible to guarantee an atmosphere.

So this particular semi didn't progress into something that people could use, althought the end result is one hell of a grid.

Pringle Time - An Update.....

Calling all dodgy jumpers - it's time for a Pringle update. The Pringle award, is awarded to drivers who have, shall we say, been a little anticipatory with their starts. So the entry is exclusive to all those who have been caught or deemed to have jumped the start, it's fairly stellar. So in numerical order....

7 Gordon Moodie

59  Lee Dimmick

76 Chris Rowe 

101 Kelvyn Whalley 

126 Jamie Avery

127 Matt Stoneman (the leader with 4 jumps)

130 Andy Ford

276 Murray Jones

305 Colin Gregg

315 Justin Fisher

324 James Thackra

359 Gary Wrench

438 Mike Rice

488 Liam Bentham

557 Andrew Spence

605 Liam Rowe

702 Allen Cooper

710 Brett Townsend

725 Paul Broatch

742 Nick Rogers

785 Liam Deeble

797 Dan Moss

830 Andrew Bennett

835 Matt Westaway

836 David Pannett

886 Chris Bradbury

921 Jack Aldridge

968 Mickey Brennan

990 Paul Rice

Multi jump Pringlers include champions Bradbury and Brennan. Mostly "young guns" have been jumping but bucking that trend is Paul Broatch. King of the jumps is Matt Stoneman, with more docks than P&O Ferries

To gain entry to this exclusive club, simply annoy your steward and clerk of the course enough!

Things of Semi Importance!

Semi time at Hednesford and only 20 drivers will be sure of lining up at the Norfolk Arena for the big one. The largest track in Briscaland plays host to the Semi Finals for the first time in 10 years. It was August 18th, 2001, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers were playing the V Festival down the road at Weston Park. Mark Butcher scored an amazing 173 against Australia at Headingley during the Ashes series, and the mother of all rainstorms befell the former reservoir, which left the Semi a bit dull. It was my first meeting all by myself, as a result of the double Brucie Bonus of girlfriend having house all to herself, and living in nearby Telford, it was a defo ker-ching!

This time, both semis are here - and what crackers they look. Laugh as my predictions damn me to hell!


SEMI FINAL 1
886  Chris Bradbury 
Bradderz started the season flying, unbeatable on both surfaces, consistent in approach. However his form has dipped of late and it appears his interest is on the wain. Hasn't yet had a real opportunity to show his wares in the World Final. Numerous titles on his bonnet already, and probably due the next "golden" cab of the rank.
Survive the first corner, top 3, possibly the win. All on that first corner mind
218  Rob Speak
He's back, and where he belongs, front row of the Semis and in the role of Kingmaker once again. The 8 times World Champ sole goal is to get what is his back, he wants Gold no 9 (10 if you include the tractors). Looking more imperious and back to his best, he also has the psychological edge over his two main rivals, just remember Buxton 2009!
Death or Glory has always been his way, either 1st or nothing!
7  Gordon Moodie 
The winner of the last shale world final at Mildenhall 2006, Gordon had a slow start to the season, but now has gathered pace and seems to be peaking at the right time. A different approach may see him being the hunter, as the hunted has ended in early exits. The top man in the sport presently, will he add to his 1 (and a half) World Titles, or will he end up having to do it the hard way.
All dependent on his tactics, should take the win on speed, but that dreaded first corner might see him go
702  Allen Cooper
Primarily a shale specialist, no mug on tarmac and if a decent result is achieved (like last years Semi win, when both Speak and Bradbury clashed) would be one to watch come September.
He could again be a beneficiary if the more fancied runners fall by the wayside, a top ten should see him right
905  Rob Mitchell     
His Shale form is better than his tarmac, but he drives a fair amount of tar, Barford being the main stomping ground. Could be an outside bet if the drive favours him
Likely to be part of the first corner kerfuffle, Top 10 a possibility, as likely to be swamped.
732 Daz Kitson
Double World Champ, he's seen it and done it, and won the semi here in 2001. Loves racing big racetracks like this, and won the world the last time it was held at King's Lynn (2000)
Will need a few names ahead to fall, but Top 3 not out of question
968  Micky Brennan     
The 2009 World Champ gained many plaudits for his demeanour during his spell as gold roof. Races both surfaces well and is a very popular driver amongst his peers
Like Kitson, podium is his best shot, I expect to see him at the Norfolk Arena
100 George MacMillan
Always seems to be the bridesmaid to Moodie north of the border, the high speed Staffs surface should suit GeoMac, his dad 
Top 5, but only if he stays out of trouble
70 Brian Shadbolt 
Another supreme shale shifter, Shadbolt needs to negotiate to keep the chances up. New machinery at the start of the season, he might be swallowed by faster tar cars. 
Consolation Semi best route in for Brian, but could sneak Top 10
844 Darren Phillips
This driver likes a bit of the big tracks. Arena and NIR gave him some big scores
If the stars behind are held up, could be top 10
854  Robbie Dawson
Having led a World Final, Dawson's stock further down south rose considerably. Races some pretty looking cars. Along with GeoMac, proof that there is life beyond "7" in skirt wearing land.
Could be a casualty as there are some hard chargers, but could pick up pieces of what goes ahead.
126  Jamie Avery
One the westcountry's rapidly improving drivers, he stunned many by taking the St Day Qualifier, and then added a good haul at Taunton two days later.
Here for the ride, Top 10 his best bet! 
662  Steve Wycherley
A shale specialist, but does venture on the tar at Skegness. Did well early season and 
certainly would have been in the shake up if this track was the 1966 version of Hedno - shale!
Sadly I think it might be a bit too much, progression through the Consolation Semi will be the best bet
990  Paul Rice
One of the Westcountry's up and coming stars, he has been more consistent this season. His Dad Pete (ex 890) famously started on the front row of a semi a few years back.
More than likely to sneak into the World, Top 10 
921  Jack Aldridge
The 16 year old has come into the sport fresh from Ministox (and Outlaws at StandlakeCD's older than him. 
A cool head could see him take a top 3. A learning curve for next time definitely.
259  Simon Farrington
A dual surface driver who'll be looking to make sure that he's there at King's Lynn. Plenty of experience on Tar and in semi finals.
Experience foreboding, it will be a struggle to get through. Will prefer the consolation semi
677  Chris Roots    
Probably more likely to be seen in Holland than over here, certainly has a fair pedigree in semis, and is better than his blue grade gives him. 
Top 10 at best for Roots, might have more success if he put a H in front!
725  Paul Broatch  
A veteran of the sport, who started on the front row of Newton Abbot WF in 1989, "Nail 'Em" is of wily stock, there's not a lot he hasn't done or seen in his career. Not afraid of the shale either. Might wait for another attempt at home track glory at Barfbados next year.
Might be a sneak in, but you can't put a old dog down if he's still barking
744  Tom Smart
Former European Champion Smart is very much the Randall Camp, being part of the travelling bandwagon that went to Austria. This year has been there and there abouts on both surfaces.
Pedigree should see him in the Top 10.
150  Mark Thoms
Another sh*t shifter Mark has been impressive on the loose stuff. However has yet to venture onto the tar this year. Loves it muddy as proved by the Muddyhall meet in June.
Unlikely to make much of an impact on this uber tarmac
315  Justin Fisher
The Flying Fish has had a relatively quiet year. The new Motorworld car has taken a while to bed in, and a drop to blue aided his quest. A win at Skeg over the Speedweekend has proved that he has the skill to do it away from home. 
Will struggle to make Top Ten, but not out of his realms
541  Luke Phillips
Another midlands based racer, who will certainly enjoy the locality of the racing. Another driver happy to be there as you've got to be in it to win it.
Top 10 unlikely - but a lot could happen in front!
143  Marc Lammas
One half of the Lammas brothers that seem to have a large female following (according to a undisclosed source) he will be looking to get onto the grid at the first attempt.
Being in the shake up for the lower reaches is best he can hope for on asphalt.
103  Carl Issitt
Carl is a driver who likes racing in equal measure. Loads of WF experience, and used to be a renowned driver round Skeg and Swaffham. Now he tends to like the shale more
Tar experience should count for something might miss the cut this time
495  John Cayzer
Another shale racer who might would have been happier to go straight to a Kings Lynn final. Consistent form on the loose stuff has seen him in.
Unlikely to progress much further but will look to Consolation as route in.
276  Murray Jones
Murray switched from Higgy to Elite at the start of the years and despite an early season spot of tag team with brother Todd, Taunton helped him a lot. 
An outside chance to sneak in, you gotta be in it to win it!
231  Matt Clayton 
Won the Kings Lynn QR in convincing fashion back in March, but the overgrading that has given him a bit of an albatross round his neck. 
Will have better luck come Consolation Semi, I think this might be too much.
72  John Broatch
The Son of "Nail 'em" another of the new breed that took white to red at the start of the season. Loads of experience to hand in the form of dad Paul.
Will enjoy the day and might pick up the pieces starting from the back
SEMI FINAL 2
401  Barry Goldin  (Bolton, Lancashire)  
Our Barry seems to have had a resurgence. The 2003 Champ, currently holds both British and European titles and is currently one of the men to beat on both surfaces. This writers current favourite for gold, just purely because of the other semis line up could see a favourite fall.
Gone in the distance, I expect a win. 

606  Andrew Palmer 
Numerous Times World of Shale champion, consistently a top performer on the loose stuff, but not averse to tarmac racing. If a good result is achieved will seriously be in the shake up
Could be a casualty, but best case scenario is a podium.
647  Chris Burgoyne
The youngest ever winner of the world title in 2002, Eddie has been keen to get some shale under his belt, with travels to Kings Lynn, and some success at Belle Vue. He has the speed. 
Podium at worst, could spoil Goldin's charge...
324  James Thackra
JT is one of these drivers you can never discount. Few would begrudge him a title, he is equally capable on both surfaces, and could be a dark horse.
Top 3 is a real possibility, however might be on the wrong side of the track to avoid a prang
823  Sam Wagner
North East based Sam improves year on year and is not afraid of travelling. Car looks the business. Might be leading the charge into the first corner.
If he survives the first laps, podium should be achievable
676  Neil Hooper
SuperHoops set the Westcountry alight with his new Harding car which. Neil raced the Hednesford Qr with some success and carries the majority of the Westcountry's hopes on his shoulders
Should be in the 10, would expect a podium if it is a lively start.
641  Dennis Middler
One of the few characters left in the sport, he certainly livens up any pits with his wit and smile as big as Hadrian's wall.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't progress, but whatever Wee Den will be smiling.
59  Lee Dimmick
Lee loves the midland tar tracks and with that RCE mobile of his, he is certainly one to keep an eye on at the big midland tracks.
May make it through as local folks often do. 
270  Mark Gibbs
Midland based, loves a bit of Brum, so a spot of home track glory might be required for Mark, who has travelled far and wide in search of the WCQR points.
Might sneak in, hoping that track experience plays on his part
154  Steve Green Jr.
A tarmac racer of some repute, the 154 pilot is always there or thereabouts on the midlands tar tracks. Some rumours of disillusionment with the sport abound, but a decent position might aide a new enthusiasm
Qualifying a possibility, if not, the gold train stops here.
871  Mark Simpson 
It hasn't been a glorious season so far for Simmo. However he's no mug on either surface, last shale WF saw him lead up to the last bend.
Experience will aide him to sneak in to the final. 
768  Tom Adcroft
Certainly one of the most travelled drivers in the sport currently. Girlfriend in the westcountry, regular at Cowdenbeath, this boy knows the motorways!
Top 10 could be a shout, but plenty of experience surrounds him
494  John Dowson
The North East driver can be seen everywhere, maybe next year might be more favourable to him. Has the machinery to do it at Hedno mind. 
Top 10 is best hope.
377  Daz Shaw
Daz is one of the top shale racers, and well if he gets into the big one, could be a fancied runner as shale form and Kings Lynn is one of his top battle spots.
Lots of fast cars likely to take advantage ahead of Daz, another fave for the Consi.
888  Paul Ford
Back this season after a few seasons off Paul has forsaken the regularity of weekly Cowdies and gone for a wee travel or two, with varying degrees of success.
If he gets in, would be another Scot not afraid of the shale. Top 10.
302  Dale Moon
Dale started racing just over 12 months ago, in a car bought of eBay. He traded up for the ex Chris Stephens Bingley, and has been flirting with greats. First time blue top came in May and is certainly looking the part, and looking to emulate dad Mark (ex226) 
Here to enjoy himself, unlikely to qualify, unless something major happens in front
488  Liam Bentham 
A brand new RCE for the tar proves that there is the ability to match. Also consistent on the shale too, so a dual surface driver hoping to get through.
Lower reaches of the top 10 should be his aim, but another who wont be afraid of the consolation semi. 
650  Gary Stirk
A shale only driver also - scoring heavily at Coventry and Sheffield. If he races, there will be plenty of chargers. 
Unlikely to make progress as no tar form to speak of. 
571  Darren Clarke
Instrumental in the Ryder Cup Victory at the K Club, and recently won the Open, oh hang on, wrong sport. Another dual surface driver has seen him race up and down in search of  the semis.
Faster cars around him making him a bit below par, might struggle to make the cut. Stop it with the golf references already! 
124  Ollie Skeels
Another whippersnapper straight out of minis drives that car that did that move by Polley on Moodie at Skeggy. Jaguar came in all guns blazing and certainly will be one to watch for the future.
He should make it through, however if he doesn't plenty of time to do so.
NI 271  Gary Chambers
Although from Nordern Orlan, Gary has been a Northampton regular for some years. Will be suited to the fast and wide expanses of Hednesford. The grid might benefit from having another foreigner
Might get a Top 10.
977  Dave Massey
Another shale racer who's form this year has been brilliant taking a few heats and finals, Tarmac form is little to speak off.
Hope for the tar boys to tangle and he might pick up pieces but chances say that he'll be in the consi semi scrap
721  Graham Kelly
One time fancied runner and Scottish favourite, Graham restricts the majority of his racing to his local track of Crimond nowadays. 
A regular qualifier in years gone by, might make the cut
448  John Wright
John's form on shale has got him this far and he does do the occasional tarmac meeting, with this in mind, and the grid in front, he has a good chance.
Outside chance for a place, but all depends on what happens around him.
700  Adam Rubery
Ex Rebel Racer Rubery has been one of the driver of the RCE generation, and that particular chassis favouring the larger tarmac tracks. 
Top ten this time might be likely as no stranger to the tar
169  Richard Stott
Impressive driving from the start of his fledgling career has seen him hit the back of the grid, 
I don't think this will be his time, but his career is barely out of the womb!
116  Ashley Rundle
"Crashley" as he is affectionately endeared by his peers is a death and glory merchant- he's either on the victory wagon or on the tractor. Not afraid of the challenge.
From the back he can certainly have a go, but I think it will be too much
24  Jon Palmer
The Westcountry's most controversial driver, since, er his dad, sneaked in to the semis using the only rounds available to him after his fighting misdemeanour. Certainly one of the prettiest cars doing the rounds at the mo. Fears no one. 
Might be too much from the back, will benefit from others misfortune, if not he'll cause some.

RESERVES

615  Josh Coleman
798  Mark Sargent
742  Nick Rogers
557  Andrew Spence
885  Dave Tomlinson
115  Mike Green
710  Brett Townsend
101  Kelvyn Whalley
326  Johnny Hall
290  Jay Tomkins
254  Richard Beere
189  Paul Butcher
226  Billy Webster

Who's Got A Semi On....

After the lights went out at Skeg we are left with the following. Semi 1 looks the better one on paper for the spectators, Semi 2 the better for the competitiors! Jon Palmer (24) racing 2 QR's has snuck in at the very back and now a lot of people will be looking at Barry Goldin (401) as a favourite for the title.

SEMI FINAL 1

INSIDE --------------------------------OUTSIDE

886  Chris Bradbury  1         218  Rob Speak

7  Gordon Moodie       2       702  Allen Cooper

905  Rob Mitchell     3        732  Daz Kitson

968  Micky Brennan       4  100 George MacMillan

70  Brian Shadbolt      5    844  Darren Phillips

854  Robbie Dawson   6        126  Jamie Avery

662  Steve Wycherley  7              990  Paul Rice

921  Jack Aldridge          8    259  Simon Farrington

677  Chris Roots    9 725  Paul Broatch

744  Tom Smart    10 150  Mark Thoms

315  Justin Fisher   11 541  Luke Phillips
143  Marc Lammas 12       103  Carl Issitt
495  John Cayzer       13   276  Murray Jones
231  Matt Clayton 14 72  John Broatch

SEMI FINAL 2

INSIDE --------------------------------OUTSIDE

401  Barry Goldin       1   606  Andrew Palmer
647  Chris Burgoyne 2  324  James Thackra
823  Sam Wagner  3  676  Neil Hooper
641  Dennis Middler 4      59  Lee Dimmick
270  Mark Gibbs         5  154  Steve Green Jr.
871  Mark Simpson 6   768  Tom Adcroft
494  John Dowson 7     377  Daz Shaw
888  Paul Ford     8  302  Dale Moon
488  Liam Bentham 9     650  Gary Stirk
571  Darren Clarke 10   124  Ollie Skeels
NI 271  Gary Chambers 11       977  Dave Massey
721  Graham Kelly 12 448  John Wright
700  Adam Rubery    13 169  Richard Stott
116  Ashley Rundle 14    24  Jon Palmer


RESERVES
615  Josh Coleman
798  Mark Sargent
742  Nick Rogers
557  Andrew Spence
885  Dave Tomlinson
115  Mike Green
710  Brett Townsend
101  Kelvyn Whalley
326  Johnny Hall
290  Jay Tomkins
254  Richard Beere
189  Paul Butcher
226  Billy Webster

Brizzle's Pink Shizzle!

Greetings.

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.

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.

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!!

The Pink Ribbon Trophy : EXCLUSIVE

Thanks to Andy Maidment for this Picture exclusive.

The trophies are up for grabs on the meeting final, and look the real deal!

And a few lines stolen from Lively.....

Entry list (as of 19/7) below. If there are any more drivers planning on racing that have yet to book in please do so via the website www.mendipsraceway.com or graham@mendipsraceway.com.

Superstar
886 Chris Bradbury

Red
315 Justin Fisher
522 Chris Mikulla
676 Neil Hooper
783 James Rygor

Blue
105 Ross Rowe
127 Matt Stoneman
126 Jamie Avery
189 Paul Butcher
254 Richard Beere
290 Jay Tomkins
505 Ivor Collins
605 Liam Rowe
835 Matt Westaway
990 Paul Rice

Yellow
14 Mike Priddle
76 Chris Rowe
116 Ashley Rundle
374 Gary Stephens
544 James Rogers
707 Jeremy Moss
776 Liam Cornish
797 Dan Moss
830 Andrew Bennett
954 Jamie Beere

White
104 Shaun Robinson
245 Paul Milsom
851 Gary Smith

Cmon guys, lets get this up to 40. Brum the night before, only an hour or so further down, so come, so the racing doesn't stink, if we all THINK PINK!!!

Taking the Euro-ine

Why do we have a picture of Myleene Klass? Cos this entry is based on Hear'Say! Pure and Simple!

So everyone decamped to Northamptonshire for a spot of global relations, round a barbecue with some beer. Bev Greenhalf polishes and dusts off his "Dutch for Dummies" phrasebook, and we all go in search those elusive red and yellow chequers. Everyone bar me, who hasn't been to the European since 1995, when the Undertaker (Peter Gilbert (542)) drew pole and disappeared into the MAY evening. I know it was May as my memory serves me right it was when Everton won the cup final, beating United 1-0 with a goal from Paul Rideout and we had it on in the car. My reasons are I find the racing at Northampton generally dull, I'd prefer not to pay for camping in a field with no facilities, and I just think it needs a break from NIR. Give everyone a chance not just the hot rodding uber tarmac drivers.

For the first time in ages,  I came very close to breaking my self imposed boycott of the Euros, and whenever there is persuasion for J-ho, there's usually a woman or two involved. One wanted to be abused by Rattler, and another just wanted to abuse me over a certain race at Taunton...... I stood fast, watched the golf at home, in full HD, and then in the break of the showers, went to help the YFC lot with a Pirate ship in the Callington Carnival, walked 4 miles and had a lovely tea, cooked to perfection without the threat of food poisoning or E-coli. Smugly, I retired to my lovely warm bed.

Now Northampton has come into some unjust criticism this season. The F1 world is at Northampton, considering the fans moaned at Ipswich being chosen, and then moved to NIR, without the grandstands of 2005. When the 1's are there its usually rammed, and the brolly blockers don't help things. but the general consensus amongst fans and drivers alike is that it could have handled a lot better...

1. A lack of communication from the promoter in the lead led to a few angry people. Whether it was 3 different driver lists (considering it was a closed booking) or the fact that the majority of fans didn't know that weekend tickets couldn't be bought at the weekend.

2. The Saturday meeting has little importance to the Sunday, meaning a lot of drivers and fans just chose to come to the Sunday meeting. Maybe the format needs tweaking?





3. In changeable conditions and with a busy pits, like Northampton can be, it is crucial that you make any decision available to all drivers. There is a communication black spot in the "overflow" pits.
It was therefore a ridiculous decision to refuse entry on the ground of being out of time.It denied a championship pop for some fancied runners, Nigel Green (445), National Champion Jack Aldridge (921) along with Kelvyn Whalley (101) and Mark Simpson (871). If your gonna do this have better PA's or runners, like the excellent Pit Lady Margaret at Autospeed, especially as the weather was so changeable. Also as I am led to believe, cars were still being lined up. Harsh and appalling treatment. Now I understand there was a lot to do with 3 championship races to organise, but surely that's a problem of the promoters making. You could have quite easily had the F2 European on the Saturday night. I think if the same had happened and it was Messrs Wainman, Smith and Hines it would have been a much different story. there would have been a riot!

4. Race goes one lap, yellows come out. Most tracks would throw a red and start again. It's baffling that on a championship day the fans aren't given the chance to see a proper race - if this happens in a domestic final, and a star grader can see the front, then usually its all over red rover! Despite the soggy conditions and the lottery it causes, from the video below, it was a little dull.



I think its about time we moved it away from Northampton. I will keep on saying it until it happens. By running it there every year, not only are you excluding shale drivers from ever winning it, but by having such a closed format.
The argument that "well you get such a good turnout of foreigners" doesn't wash with me. No track has had the opportunity to take on the amount of overseas entrants for 15 years!!! The continental scene is in rude health, as are the Irish - they regularly decamp to Taunton for their weekend, and well you just have to look at Skeggy - loads of Irish and Dutch there!
Having the same track for a championship may work in F1, where you have a loyal following, happy to be fed the same pie, peas, chips and gravy every year, works because there are only 10 or so tracks that race them. F2 is different, it's a national, nay, international formula, with twice the amount of tracks, twice the amount of promotions, tracks in all shapes and sizes. Now this is fantasy talk, but imagine the European round Barford or St Day, the clog wearers finding a 5th and 6th corner might freak them a bit!

Brisca, seriously consider dropping the European from NIR. It is devaluing the title, and in many eyes it has about as much status as the domestic "title" the UK Open. Move it about, if not, make sure we get the chance to shine and not play third fiddle to the tractors and the ridiculous Rebels.

Rant over...

A few points of order to bring to the debate
- Well done Barry Goldin (401), who's barbecue that resides at the Truran household now is in the shed for some repainting. With form like he is showing on both surfaces presently, our Barry could be needing a more shinier paint come September.
- Gordon, Gordon, Gordon - how many finals have you been diddled out of by poor reliability this season. It reminds me a bit of the F1 season of 2009, the Red Bull of Sebastien Vettel was by far the quickest, but didn't have the reliability. Schmacher levels of dominance await both Vettel and Moodie
- Speaking of multi world champions on a comeback, Speakie took back to back finals - certainly looking omnious for many now!

That's shallot for now, I'll be getting my pink on this weekend, will you!!!!