Race Report - Donington 24th March 2008

As the snowflakes wisped through the air the long awaited 2008 season began. Confusion was the order of the day as the Peter Besters were swapped about like “Old McDonald” …. Here a class there a class everywhere a class or so it seemed.

PRACTICE

The pit lane was echoing with excited banter amongst the drivers, all keen to share details of the modifications that had been completed during the closed season and of those yet to be undertaken. Peter Andrews (car 18) had high hopes for success after completing a series of mods on his car during the winter. James Walpole (the champ) coyly still sporting his lucky number 15 was keeping his cards close to his chest. James Darby (retired) was seen wandering round the paddock disguised as a Cossack taking notes for his next project.

Practice commenced and Andrews set off at a blistering rate leaving all in his wake. Sadly for him the traditional Bank Holiday melee ensued. Yes his Mods & Rockers were never going to get along and the Rockers lost. Peter was last seen adjusting the mirrors on his Vespa and heading off into the sunset, no race for him this time out.

My car decided to fill up with smoke towards the end of practice but other than that (from what I could see) no other problems occurred.

THE RACE
The day wore on and finally we were called to the grid. Unaware that the race start was being organised by Fred Karno (the younger drivers may need to Google this), the BCV8’ers went out first and lined up and then we followed.  Rumours had been circulating during the day of a Union Jack start. However, no information about the start was given in the collecting area and we were formed up behind the BCV8s. Although a couple of “ours” were included in their grid from what I could see.

I eagerly awaited the green flag lap and was a little surprised to see the red lights go on….then out they went and we were off, or rather we weren’t,  as  a couple of cars started and some didn’t. I stopped as I saw one of our intrepid competitors reversing back into his grid position; I looked over to the starting gantry where the starter was nonchalantly unfurling the Union Jack. This was given a quick wave apparently signifying the start proper? It was all too much for James Walpole and his car expired on the line, the remainder of us set off to make the “Best” of it as it were.

I have to say no criticism is warranted of the drivers who went with the lights as to be honest it was anyone’s guess what was going on. Unfortunately for them they were the subject of a series of black flaggings presumably to penalise them with a stop-go for a jumped start which effectively ended their race.

I must admit my recollection of the race is a bit vague, either it’s my memory or it was the fact that most of the cars in front of me were BCV8s. All except Alan Brooke car 43 (for this race) in his Metro. Alan had previously assured me his move from class E to A was purely for accounting purposes and he was really not that quick at all, (Drivers excuse number 87). Nevertheless he went off like a long dog setting a blistering pace!

I took up the chase but (Drivers excuse number 12) noticed on lap 3 that my car had filled with smoke again. Presuming this to be a characteristic of the car I carried on regardless doing a fine impression of a mobile bonfire. On full throttle through Craner Curves (doesn’t everyone?) taking the left hander,  my oil  cooler ( I later discovered) decided to dump its contents onto my offside front wheel causing me to momentarily lose control of the car. Unsure of what was happening as the car lurched around I closed my eyes & waited for the crunch! But when I opened my eyes I was still on the track, so I stuck it in gear and got going again.

The smoking was only intermittent now and as the oil leak seemed to have stopped or slowed; I nursed the car round (Drivers excuse number 49) for the rest of the race and also managed to get past a few of the BCV8ers too!

I was especially pleased to get past the Montego Estate that had decided to join the series. I am told it is great for doing the shopping run. Unfortunately although it was driven by Dan Ludlow this was in fact a ruse and I can now reveal that the true owner is, ……….no it’s too embarrassing……….well, some of you know already but perhaps this may need to wait until the next  bulletin.

The final placings for Class A, I have just been told were:

1. Alan (I’m not very fast) Brooke.
2. ME!!!  (Quite how this happened is still a mystery).
3. Dan Ludlow yes in the Montego…this is getting too surreal!

As a rule my reports will generally concentrate on class A but I will include anyone who laps me in the other classes if I get a good enough look at them! However on this occasion I have the chance to use another pun so congratulations to Blaine Neaves (car 77 in this race) who made a valiant effort to shake off his Crank of the Year Award and finished a close second to Simon Hutchinson in car 43.

It looks like Blaine had three Weetabix for breakfast or was it a bowl of Special K???

That’s all for the time being so for me it’s off to get a new oil cooler and  get ready for the next meeting at Mallory on April  27th.

I have my ear to the ground and will keep you posted of the latest gossip in a pre-race report shortly before the next race.  Keep sending that info in everyone!!

Jonesey