If this weekend is a genuine prelude to the years TA and EDC activities, then all followers are assured an entertaining season. Some real great laughs mixed with some planning and procedural 'oversights' meant that the weekend was filled with highs and lows.
Our accommodation at the Grange was exemplary and the majority of the organisation from Rob, Glenn and the guys behind the scenes was impressive. The logistics must have been hideous with such a large number of punters ready to cock it up at any given opportunity.
From the participants point of view, I think the guys did very well. Bladey drove brilliantly overall and only a rather unusual loss of speed from his adversary which resulted in James firing him up the arse (not the only time J did that to another man this weekend, I'm sure) The contact meant an immediate disqualification and that was that. Still, for Bladeys bogey track he drove well and was full of confidence. A new improved Orange will be wheeled out for Knockhill next month and I for one, cannot wait.
The TA guys........Jesus, where do I start?
Saturday was one of those really surreal days for weather. Bright, blinding low level sun, followed by hail, driving winds, sleet and more sun. Cracking. Add temperatures barely above freezing and the tyres just couldn't and wouldn't get hot enough (On the second practice session tyre temps were up to less than 20 degrees, a third of what they should be ideally)
The disparity in lap times with the pro class was massive. Auto Sportif in their Tein backed Impreza were blistering fast, pulling up to 2 seconds a lap out of Zen and RCM. At the other end of the scale GBH were tring to get to grips with a 2 way diff, rock hard suspension and no traction at all.
Gary was a little nervous but did his usual of shrugging his shoulders, digging in and getting on with it in a truly British way. Chris, his right hand man for events, was a true hero in the pits. The dedication from the APT team overall was a big factor in how competitive the car was. The APT evo is a stunning piece of kit, but it probably represents something like 10% of the build cost and investment of the Gobstopper Roger Clarke car. With that in mind the times were very encouraging for the season ahead.
More crap weather and more casualties. Cars were taking a battering out on circuit and the saddest thing was one of the guys that suffered was the man Hayward. I'm sure Gary will elaborate if he wants to but suffice to say that the cage and seam welding saved the car from being a write off. Testiment, if ever you needed it, to the value of decent safety equipment.
With Gary crocked and Bladey out, my enthusiasm evaporated quicker than Kevs subtlety and discretion
Time to go home and time to have a sherbet or three. We found a cracking restaurant at the second time of trying (well done Dunk) and 25 of us descended upon an Indian restaurant in the village. If you ever go in a large party to the Popadom in Shepshed, you'll need patience and a calculator. The guys can cook but they cannot add up for shit. Tan intervened in the end and showed them how to divide the bill. Back to the Black Swan for a pint afterwards and more piss taking. NB- Keep Kev and James seperate in future.
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Sunday arrived and for us, was far more leisurely. Bladey and Gary were both 'out' and therefore we could all relax and enjoy a days spectating. I'm getting bloody good at that :lol:
The weather was great. The crowds were building and it was great to see so many proper users of the forum in the pits all ready to go. The practice was going well for MichaelH, a first timer to Donny. Mike Payne was flying, Zak from Mocom was peddling well and Dunk looked 'quick'. I could go through each and every member that competed but I'll leave that until tomorrow for another update
In summary, Tanya and I had a great time. Some good new friends made, some old relationships strengthened and some great driving.
When I left HockeyBoy was storming in his 32, Auto Sportif were dominating their class and the club class guys were starting to get really competiitive.
A wonderful weekend and 5 weeks time in Bonny Scotland can't come soon enough.
- and generally managed to annoy/pishtake/laugh/frighten almost everyone within 20feet at most times. Job Done !!!