Race Report Silverstone June 2008

Many thanks to those of you who have sent in photos of the meeting, although I have to say the latest album in the gallery looks more like the results of a destruction derby, anyhow on with the report!

Practice.

Although there was a normal practice before the race some of you couldn’t resist having a play on Friday could you…and what happened? That’s right car 13 (unlucky for some) Pete Burchill realised that his generous offer to buy drinks at the bar on Saturday night could prove too expensive (especially at Silverstone prices) so he took evasive action and smashed up his car instead. This may still prove to work out cheaper in the end as we do have some very thirsty drivers I must say.

Unfortunately Burchill set a bit of a precedent and a casualty of the Sunday practice was car 7 Blaine Neaves.

Remarkably, both drivers managed to get the cars repaired and took part in the race. This is more than I can say for my brother Alan car 45. I understand that the damage has proved a little more severe than originally thought but he hopes to bring the estate out for Cadwell, although it is a bit shorter than when he first got it.

I am pleased to report the web site predictions proved correct and not only was Lew Bergonzi  back, (car 9) but also Jeremy Rogers in car 99 sporting his trade mark Teflon race suit.

I noticed car 54 Sam Polley had acquired a new go-faster stripe and it seemed to be working as he qualified bang in midfield at 20. But the shock of the weekend was Mr Delmonte in the clockwork orange. Yes Paul Rayment in car 21 blew everyone away in class A and took pole.

The Race.

Sadly, (for me) the weather was glorious and I found myself well down the grid feeling sorry for myself. (I mean feeling pleased for the excellent performances put in by the other drivers).

As I looked round the corner I could just about see the lights they were so far away. In truth it was only what I expected as what with my lack of power and poor driving skills it was pretty inevitable.

In my mirror I think I saw car 54 take to the grass as we formed up, and I can only presume he suffered some terminal problem as I never saw him again.

More gremlins struck car 18  Simon Tinkler, who having qualified well, developed a fire in the engine bay and was unable to race on. The warm weather looked to have had a similar effect on car 57 John Edison Moon’s Frogeye which was smoking heavily at the start and retired after 3 laps.

For my part I had hoped to make up some places off the start and was in with a chance when on lap 1 there was contact between what looked to be Mr Delmonte and the blue Loony car. Not only did this slow them up, but I virtually came to a standstill as car 21 exited the track on the infield, forcing me to stop and watch the rest of the cars pass me by on my nearside.

Nevertheless this did not stop me making a general nuisance of myself with Pete Burchill (13) as we swapped places repeatedly, although the cheers from his supporters camped on the back straight were so loud I could hear them above the squealing of my tyres.

I also saw some glimpses of John Wreghitt (5) but he certainly had the legs on me this time!

The only other action I can report other than me over cooking it at Becketts  and taking to the grass in time honoured fashion, was the sight of Alan Brooke in car 44 performing a tidy pirouette in the same location on the last lap.

I guess we’ll both be dropping this race then Alan?

So we all live to race another day…bit of a breather before Cadwell, just time to try & sort out that understeer!

And finally…

Just to mention that not only do the MGCC provide a very good hospitality tent throughout the meeting but this is also where the presentations are done roughly 30 minutes after the race. I am surprised at how few people turn up for their trophies and to congratulate the winning drivers….

Also we send our sincere best wishes to Peter Andrews (car 18) who was unable to beat me at Silverstone this weekend as he was hospitalised. Get well soon Peter, I really mean that as Simon who shares your car is getting far too quick!!

Results Class A

1st James Walpole car 15

2nd Shane Terry car 28

3rd Lew Bergonzi car 9

See you all at Cadwell.

Jonesey