Skegness Speed Weekend
12 & 13 05/07
A story of inexperience on my part this week! After
many a late hour at the garage the week previous we made it to Skeggy by the
skin of our teeth with the paint drying on the chassis rails as we travelled!!!
My first race lasted just 4 laps, I set off OK, caught Saul Hockling (66)
and “planned” a sweet nudge to move the 66 car aside and carry on my way.
To be honest I completely misjudged the hit, I ended up following Saul off-line
and then planted a hit on his back bumper which far out weighed my expectations.
I managed to get past OK and a quick look in my mirror confirmed my thoughts
that the 66 car had hit the fence and was now about 20 yards behind me.
Right!! I thought I need to get a move on ‘cos he’s not going to be happy with
me. I carried on for a few laps and seemed to be going OK but in my
eagerness got very sideways going into turn 1 at which point Saul saw his chance
and helped me into the turn 1 wall. NO complaints…I’d have done the same.
I was winded for a few moments or so and was a bit battered about but the track
staff acted quickly checking I was basically OK and helping me from my car.
The car suffered a bit as well!! Destroyed nerf rail (outer this time), bent
rear panhard, bent rear wheel, snapped air filter securing bolt + various other
odds and ends. To the entire credit of Al, Tony and Steve the car was somehow
made ready for the consolation event and I was soon back out on track. The
race went OK but I was very uncomfortable and spent most of the race just trying
to stay out of trouble. The car seemed to handle OK, I finished the race
but played no further part in the meeting.
Big thanks to Al Bateman, Steve Cording and Martin for their help after the
crash, to all the 218 team for their help during the meeting and to Neil Fitton
of NFR Racewear for the loan of the truck again and his valuable input wherever
needed. Final thanks to Ian Helliwell for travelling back on Sunday with me to
make sure my very sore body could cope with man-handling the truck back across
country.
I will next be racing at Buxton this Sunday (20th
May), here’s to a SUNNY day!!
Mike
