2000 RACE RESULTS

Silverstone race 1

The 1st race of the season has been entered by 58 competitors. From testing my car seems to be in the top ten and as long as I get a clear track in qualification I hope to be amongst them.

Qualifying 

I went out towards the back of the field, like I do normally but on this occasion I forgot that in the first couple of races we are mixed fast and slow cars together. Every time I tried to put a good lap together I was blocked in one way or another. I did manage to get one average lap in before the fifteen minutes was up. After the second qualification the times where put together and I was lucky enough to be 9th on the grid.

Race 1

A superb start by my standards, only a little bit of wheel spin saw me hold position to Copse where I lost one place but gained another. I followed Peter Featherstone for two laps as we both tried to pass Simon Smith. Simon was defending very hard but Peter managed to pass so the following lap I did the same into Luffield, what I did not know was another car had made contact with Simon forcing him to spin. The following cars had to take evasive action to miss him but as John Mcniff came into Luffield he was blinded by the low sun and collected Simon side on. The race was red flagged as John could not get out of his car. We lined up back on the grid but as the accident was severe the Clerk of the Course said that we had run out of time to continue and the results stood . So a 7th position to start the season off.

Snetterton Race 2

Qualifying

I was third out of the paddock so I had a clear track in front of me, so their was no excuse for me not to put a good time in. Goram was still damp after the night's rain which I could not get too grips with. Jay Frost overtook me so I decided to follow him round and use his lines. This worked but I was still 1 second off his pace. Jay had got pole position, and I was 4th.

Race 2

The start was not bad but still I had lost 1 place off the line. As the pack entered Riches Phil Waite did a do or die into this corner, I swerved so he did not hit me but in doing so I lost speed and dropped another 4 places. I was now in 10th and behind Matt Potter. Andy Burgess lost power and pulled off which put me now 9th. Matt and I fought for 7 laps when I passed him in the Esses. I saw Robbie Watts and Alan Thorndyke go off which put me 6th which I stayed to the finishing line.

Brands Hatch Race 3

Testing

I tested on Friday with Julian Griffin and Steve Powlesland, Steve and I put in times off 1.00.30 approx while Julian got his arse kicked by his lovely wife. She was going to drive his car to show him the right lines, but he got his arse in gear and despite the horrendous traffic he put in some good times (not bad for a northerner). I would just like to say thank you to Julian for his hospitality and for the use of his video camera and his bed!!

Qualifying 

The weather was terrible, but the qualifying was great. I had put on my un-buffed tyres and the car was handling brilliantly. I started off slow and let Paul Taylor and Pete Featherstone overtake, I then followed them and put a few quick laps in before we hit traffic. 5th on the grid which I was pleased with, all I had to do now was make a good start which I normally do not!!.

Race 3

Well where do I Start!!!. I got off the line and Paul Taylor nipped down the right hand side as we approached Paddock Hill. This made me brake harder and when I turned in I went down Paddock on the right. There was Phil Waite and Steve Powelsland on my front left and Peter Featherstone just in front. A coming together between Phil and Steve resulted with Steve collecting Peter and as they slowed I hit Peter pushing him into the Tyres. The race was red flagged as Peter was injured and we where lined up on the grid for a restart. The marshals had a look at my car and decided that the bumper was hanging half off my car and that I should retire. The race was restarted but due to another accident it was Red flagged. When they finally did start the race Steve Powelsland won it with Jay Frost second.

Lyden Race 4

Qualifying 

Saturday night when I arrived at Lyden was dry and the weather forecast was for sun all day on Sunday. When I woke up it was raining!!! great, the qualifying was at 12.00 and it was still raining. My session was the first out off the Stock Hatches but one competitor dropped oil all over the track and we all slid about like naked mud wrestlers!!!!!. (Michelle) only Jay Frost seemed to be going quick as he set the fastest lap and I was 15th.

Race 4

The rain had stopped and the promised sun had finally arrived. The track had dried out for our race and I was lined up on the right hand side off the track behind Hilary Howett. If you have been reading my pages you might know about my starts by now but on this occasion I got a blinder. I had even overtaken Steve Powelsland by the first corner. As I got to Devil's Elbow I turned in but was side swiped by Leslie Ott, the car slide a little but I carried on up the hill still behind Hilary. Their was a coming together with Hilary, Paul Sheehan and Andy Elliot which slowed their cars and I passed 2 of them before we had got to the Devil's Elbow. I caught Paul Sheehan as we started lap three, he went into Chessons Drift a bit hot  and could not put the power down. I overtook him on the brakes into Devil's Elbow and climbed the hill to the hairpin. I repeated the same manouver to Tyrell the very next lap, but got a couple of taps for my trouble, neither cost me too much time and I still got passed. I saw Glen Stokes who was 4th and I slowly pulled him in over the next six or seven laps, when I had finally got behind him the last lap board was shown and as we went into Chessons Drift he indicated left and moved out off my way. I thought he had a problem and was pulling off but after the race I found out that I was lapping him. Doh. 4th place and a smile that could not be wiped off my face, I think I like this racing Game.

Lyden Hill Race 5

Qualifying

Our fastest race laps in race 4 are our qualifying times for race 5. Even though I came through the field and was visibly catching the leaders I was only 6th fastest. Julian Griffin who started 18th and finished 18th put in a couple of blinders and was 9th on the grid. He said after the race that he got some space between himself and other racers and used this time to put in a good lap to qualify for tomorrows race. A lot of racers who are normally in the A race found themselves in the B race because they where caught in traffic and did not put in a good lap. For all the people  who found themselves in this situation and where laughing at my miss fortune at Brands Ha Ha Ha ha ha.

Race 5

I'm back to my usual starts again, I thought I fluked that last one. Even though I had the fluffed start by leaving 2 black lines and lots of smoke I still stayed in the top ten. Mathew Potter known as Trotter in the racing circles was ahead of me. He held me off for two laps untill I out braked him into Devil's Elbow and with two more going off I was up to 4th just behind Anthony Ridd. This is where I stayed for the remainder of the race despite all my attempts at getting passed he defended well. Their was a couple of times where a little nudge would have made a him get out of shape and I could of then got my car through but I refused to take that option as well as Trotter did with me. Jay frost took the second win of the weekend with Paul Taylor second, these two are both driving superbly and are way out in front in the championship. In all a good weekend for myself, and as I was in a good mood the Wife might be lucky tonight as well !!. Their is a question from which last year arose, this being Steve Gordon who went off did not qualify for the A race as normal. He then asked if after the C race if the top five or so could join the back of the B race but was refused!!. There was a competitor who had the grid extended at last years race because they did not qualify for the A race, some competitors obviously are in favour with the powers to be and some are not. There can not be rules for one and not for other's, but as I do not know the complete story we shall have to see if their are any more instances like this during the season to then make our own minds up!

Cadwell Park Race 6

Testing

Their will be a Orange Peugeot the same one which was my team mates from last years championship racing at this event and all of the remaining races. We will have to wait and see who is in it but this car loves Cadwell and always does well. The person who will be driving it will have to get used to the car so hopefully he won't qualify to high as I need the points!. Steve Gordon will be at testing with his gas guzzling fire spiting fiesta, the last time I was behind this car I got within two feet and had all the paint burnt off my front bumper. I believe the army are coming to Cadwell as Steve's car has a better flame thrower on his exhaust than their tanks have!!!. 

Checking

Bill Gregory and the committee of Stock Hatch representatives will be looking at cars to make sure off there eligibility. This way we will self police our championship to make sure it is fair for everybody. If there is a problem with a car and a solution is not found between the driver and the committee then Dave Lovey the Chief Scrutineer will then be informed. As the club and Scrutineers have little time to check cars then this new option is the best way to stop any cheating. On another note Phil Waite has now officially had his membership revoked over his driving standards and the board of Directors find the penalty may deter other drivers from ignoring basic MSA regulations.

Qualifying

My front tyres where not the best and my front left wheel would lock under heavy braking, this accounted for my lack of pace. I tried to stay with Jay Frost but I went on the grass and throw another lap. Fourteenth place was a good result considering the cars performance Peter Featherstone leant me two tyres and checked my tracking for me. I hoped this would be enough to make my car competitive, but I still have poor brakes!!

Race 6

With the top 8 in qualifying given automatic A race places, from 9th onwards would be the qualifying race. The top 16 would make up the rest off the field. I started 6th in this race soon getting past Hilary Howlett, I then managed to pass Robbie Watts, Paul Sheenan and over the next few laps pull in Jay Frost. After a good line out of Charlies 2 I got partly along Jay down the back straight, as we approached the corner I braked first but Jay braked a bit late and went off. He rejoined just behind me but I held my position to the line for a second place behind Julian Griffin who had led from pole. The car was much better and I managed to get fastest lap and the lap record.

Main Race

I dropped two places on the start but still came through the field as the race unfolded, I got behind Julian Griffin in his orange pug. He forgot to adjust his mirrors and every time I tried to overtake, their he was. I did manage to squeeze past as we entered the Gooseneck but had to drive over the grass. I'm sure Michelle his wife had told him that if he was going to let anybody pass then make sure it was not Blumson. As much as she loves me (as I am having an affair with her) she did not want to show favoritism with me or Julian might find out about us. Everything was going well untill I came into the hairpin too hot and found a chain of cars slowly going round. I applied the brakes but wasn't able to take enough speed and hit the back of Jay Frost's car. Of course he was not very happy with me, but justice was served as I lost water from my broken radiator and cooked the engine. I retired and did not see what happened in the rest of the race, but Peter Featherstone won the race with Paul Taylor second, Pete Morgan third, Mark Davies fourth and Anthony Ridd fifth. My lap record did not last very long as Mark Davies in the ex-Carvell car was 1 second faster.

Mallory Park Race 7

In preparation for this race I have had to re-build my engine. Julian & Michelle Griffin came down to help and I can now say Michelle has slept in my bed!! Julian fixed the problems I was having with compression and I am now running the engine in. Thanks to you both for your help and a special thank you to Michelle for wiping her crutch as our carpets are still clean.

Qualifying

Started ok but the car had lack of power and towards the end the handling was terrible. The oil catch tank had filled up then overflowed spilling onto my near side tyres. Julian Griffin had a good session and ended up 5th with Tony Scarlett taking pole. Steve Gordon was 15th and I was 16th.

Race 7

After the first few laps where over Mark Davies moved wide at the Hairpin to find me there. We collided but with minimum damage. He then went on from about 18th place through the field to finish 4th. It was noted how quick his car was, not just by the mid field but even the leaders who where flat out and he caught and passed some of them.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Now he may not be cheating but a full engine and gearbox strip would not be a bad thing to put any doubt to the legality to his car to rest. Tony Scarlett won, second was Andy Burgess Julian was Fifth. I ended up 17th. Doh

Silverstone race 8

Qualifying

The car is still slow but with a near perfect lap I qualified 6th!. All my other times where in the 17's.

Race 8

A good start up to 5th but as we went into Luffield I went onto the grass then rejoined sideways and was collected by Paul Taylor. The cars handling was very strange and I went backwards to finish the race 17th. Julian Griffin had a great race to finish second behind the so quick Mark Davies.

Silverstone Race 9

Qualifying

I qualified 25th due to the slow laps I had put in in the previous race.

Race 9

Another good start by me, but still with only 108 bhp at the flywheel I could not hold my place. Over the following laps I did manage to retake some places but with a strange noise coming from my front nearside and again the cars handling was not right I just hung on. Last lap into Copse I lost my font wheel, into the kitty litter and over and over I went. Doh

Pembrey Race 10

Qualifying

After spending a week re-shelling my bent car with Steve Powlesland we thought we would not make the race due to the differences with the B Reg car I had and the new C Reg I got from Steve. But as Steve knows Peugeots inside out he sorted all our problems. In qualifying the car occasionally cut out putting me on the grass so I brought the car in early and only qualified 22nd.

Race

I only managed half a lap before the electrical problem returned. This caught alight and I had to be towed back to the pits. Steve and his mechanics rewired my car as I sulked in my motor home. I spoke to the clerk of the course who said that I could race in the next B race but as I hadn't posted a time I would have to start at the back!. The A race was won by Tony Scarlett second was Peter Featherstone third Jay Frost and a superb 4th by Steve Gordon.

Pembrey Race 11

Qualifying

Pants, no time posted. Last place.

Race

As I had to start at the back I had nothing to lose and soon made my way up the grid passing Mark Davies on the first lap !. By the fourth he had got in his stride and I held him for a couple of laps before he passed me. Paul Tibbs, Paul Sheehan and myself then changed placed trying to hold onto 9th place. Paul Tibbs finally beat me by half a cars length, so I ended up 10th.

In the A Race I had qualified 22nd and again as I was towards the back of the field I thought I had nothing to lose so I might as well go for it. Not a bad start and soon after a few settling down laps I made some places, but I had fuel surge problems and finished 13th. Again Tony Scarlett won to Peter Featherstone, Anthony Ridd was third, Jay was fourth and Mark Davies came in fifth.

Overall with the help of my friends and the knowledge of Steve Powelsland my re-shelled car preformed well. Snetterton is next and some fine tuning to my car, I hope to try and be in the top ten??

Some bugger has swiped my BASHER number plate from the Pembrey circuit. If anybody has got any information on this incident then please contact me and I will dish out the relevant punishment. 

CONGRATULATIONS to Mark Davies whose car has been found LEGAL, we all know the car can handle and it has lots of power but without a good pilot that counts for nothing. I doubted the car's legality so I shall be the first to shake Mark's hand and congratulate him on his driving.

Snetterton Race 12

Qualifying

The session was wet and very slippery for both Stock Hatch Qualifying. Lots of cars found them selves on the grass or spinning. I qualified 22nd, Pants!  Paul Taylor out drove the lot of us and poled it by 1.40 seconds.

Race

This was not too bad and for the third race in a row no damage. The car is still a little down on power but I battled with Paul Sheenan for the best part of the race to finish 11th.

Snetterton Race 13

Qualifying

Our times are made up from yesterdays best race laps so I qualified 15th.

Race

My un-damaged record has gone, Paul Sheenan tried to pass me into the Esses but as he was about four cars back I had already closed the door and hit the apex when he collided with my rear quarter. The race progressed when Don Hughes followed myself, Andy Elliott around Goram and as we slowed he did not. I saw him coming and waited to turn into Russel Bend, he shot past me collected Andy and they went into the Kitty litter. Andy came out first but as Don reappeared he pulled straight out in front of me and I had to stamp on the brakes but still tapped into him. This cost me two places which I soon re-took and caught and past Don again. As we went down the Revert Straight I defended my place as Don was faster in a straight line, I moved over to the right but his front near side bumper touched my off side rear bumper and my car all most spun. There was cars going off the track so the Marshal's brought out the yellow and black quartered flag and we all bunched up. On the re-start I took John Mcniff as we crossed the line and took Andy Elliot through Riches. He came back at my down the Revett Straight but as we hit the brakes for the Esses I spun all on my own and was collected by a car with nowhere to go. This knock pushed me forward into John Mcniff's near side door. I carried on not losing any more places and finished 11th again.

Jay Frost won both races with old Potter (the number plate thief) coming second in the last.

Their are some people who do not agree with my view of what has happened in the instances above. TUFF. DON'T READ IT, B**GER OFF YOU WINGING W*NKERS.

From the table of results Jay Frost looks like he has won this years championship. A very well done to a deserved winner. Jay and myself have never really got on but you have to hand it to him on his driving in this years championship.

At Oulton Park Mark Davies came from fourth to win followed by Peter Featherstone and Paul Taylor. Martin Rogers got tapped on the last lap at the last corner and had his car smashed to bits. I am glad I did not compete as the conditions were very wet and slippery.