An interesting day! I couldn't help but remember that the first meeting on the Clubmans calendar was the beginning of March for many years (in snowstorms in this writer's experience) and yet this one, almost one month later, produced one of our lowest Clubmans combined grids in a decade. The organisers decision to amalgamate was a no-brainer but wasn't popular amongst the drivers - hardly surprising considering the rivalry of some competitors 'twixt Classic and Cup.
An horrific accident in quali' one between a passive Malcolm Jackson entering the pit entrance, and a coming together between the Peter's Burnham and Richings on the exit of Deer Leap, gave everyone heart failure as the Richings' Mallock tipped upside down on collecting Burnham's car as he narrowed the gap between Jackson and the available track. Richings' subsequent inverted trip from pit entrance armco to pit exit road some 30 yards further could have been catastrophic. Hero of the moment was Richard Mallock who was on the scene soon after the nearby Marshals and pulled Richings out of his fuel-emitting car despite the protestations of the meetings M.O. and a Marshal who, we assume, weren't allowed to move the driver because of possible neck injury. Yet another example of the rule book not allowing common-sense to prevail. Mallock may well have saved Richings life had the fuel ignited. Meanwhile a hospitalised Burnham returned to the circuit in a bruised but unbroken state whilst Richings escaped with cuts and bruises and humour intact. A despondent Jackson loaded his very broken car with brand-new engine and tyres on to his trailer reporting that his "pockets weren't deep enough to return to his beloved Clubmans again"
Quali' two and the races were relatively event free apart from some disappointments in the Harper, Webb and Hart camps who broke a diff on the startline, crashed in quali' two and failed to cure a persistent misfire respectively. Highlights were the re-emergence of Derek Walker in his self-designed and built Ladybird alongside his old buddy, Bob Yarwood, in an earlier model Ladybird dicing for honours in Classic's D Class. Honours to Yarwood this time but I suspect that Walker will be considering revenge as I write this! NewYork's Bob Crozier was on fire for the weekend and led his first ever race off the start of race two, finishing a very fine second to Steve Chaplin. It was great to see newcomers Trish Wood and Brian Hunter sharing their Mark 16 Mallock in their first ever race with Brian taking the faster lap but Trish vowing to wipe the self-satisfied grin from Brian's face at Croft - especially as Brian had rubbished their nosecone in quali' two.
Cup "Driver of the Day" was Clive Lester for a leap forward in lap times from last year. Champkin (Alex) proved that younger ball size matters and dominated both Cup races after Webb's over exuberant quali' and retirement for the day. Spencer McCarthy did likewise in Classic's B Class and Steve Chaplin kept Mark Charteris honest throughout their championship race.
On a personal note I find myself wanting to see how loud the Noise Tester's scream when I've got hold of their testicles. Their "one rule for all" testing, in front of the collection area, meant that the Denham A Class car was held for far too long in the queue resulting in overheating and a water pipe exploding. As it's Clubmans, his car was immediately surrounded by help, led by Richard Mallock (bear in mind the car (Doris) is not a Mallock!), and the pipe reconnected and water topped in time to race. What is wrong with track-side testing and black flags?
BARC North West's organisation was stupendous, with special note of thanks to John Leck (Secretary), Ray Sumner (Clerk of the Course) and John Harland (Chief Scrutineer) for their support under trying conditions. I also look forward to seeing the cheerful and super efficient Michelle Harland at signing-on at Croft
My day was tainted by my friend Ian Titchmarsh telling me, during our race commentary, that I sounded like Nicholas Parsons. I'd would have preferred Eddie Waring or better still Murray Walker.
A curate's egg day and lots to consider before re-grouping at Croft 17/18th April.
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