There were 6 Beetles on the entry list the week before this the first race of 2010, but as is the case with racing 1 week to go but 3 weeks work still to do!
Race day dawned with 3 cars on the grid to fight it out. Let battle commence.
Qualifying saw Dave ‘The Bandit‘ Charlton in his reliable 1600cc ex rally beetle only staying out for 7 laps coming in with a slight smoking problem (Nothing a Nicorette patch and some self-discipline didn’t sort out!). Craig ‘Grandad‘ Winfield in his 1914cc ex beetle cup car and Nick ‘The Vicar‘ Whitty in his 2332cc ex beetle cup car both stayed out for 9 laps. Dave qualified in 1.02.052 Craig in 1.03.031 and Nick in 1.09.841. This was Nick’s first time out and the others need to watch out for him as he gains more experience and track time.
Race 1 was a good battle and won by Dave (having solved the smoking problem) Craig put up a good chase but was just lacking in enough power to get past Dave (That pesky HP Robbing gearbox… will be sorted for Mallory! so expect some fireworks and more dogfighting!). Their fastest times being 1.02.320 and 1.02.344 respectively!!!. Nick unfortunately had a spin and damaged the exhaust so back to the pits for him.
Race 2 was looking like the rain could play a major factor however the hailstones actually held off until 2 minutes after the race finished. Although Nick had managed to get another exhaust on his car he was not happy with it and so decided to withdraw and live to fight another day. Well done Nick for getting to the grid in the first place and having a go. An achievement in itself. So this left Dave and Craig to again commence battle. This time it was Craig who had a problem (a fire!) Nothing too serious (Exhaust Lagging, oil and heat = ignition!) but obviously the end of his race. Dave was flying in this race actually doing a fastest lap of 1.01.669 and so taking victory again.
We should have a lot more beetles on track by Mallory in May making “The 2010 Beetle Challenge” a real Beetle Challenge! (Hopefully the biggest class in the race)
So what happened to the other 3 cars which were registered to race?
Simon ‘Monster‘ Sergides: Oh… so close but no cigar! (Gutted) Fresh engine only went in on the Weds before the race.. and then had some gearbox issues… all should be sorted for Mallory.
Steve ‘Cookie‘ McV: Was working on his car until the 11th hour… and just needed a few more hours.. (Double Gutted) All done now and ready to race.
Lawrence ‘Can I have it for Free‘ Butcher: Only Lemony Snicket has had more unfortunate events.. Rebuilt his engine… raised the compression.. bugger the starter was not man for the job!.. Painted the wings.. and a freak Charlie Brown cloud showered on the not-quite-cured-fresh-paint… end result… Galaxy Aero style paint finish! the list goes on! LoL… but now it’s running, and the once long list of To Do’s has rapidly diminished.. and he’ll be out for Mallory.
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