27/11/2006

The start of the 1/8^th IC 2006 season saw us at the Mendip circuit at Weston Super Mare in Somerset. With an entry of 63 drivers the prospect of a quiet track throughout the weekend was always going to be difficult. Saturday saw the pits full of drivers ready to start practice, sadly the weather didn’t help and in all we only had a couple of hours when the track was in any sort of condition to allow any meaningful practice. When the track was capable of being used to anything like it’s full potential we had a string of drivers who all looked capable of putting together lap times that would see them into the open final(sadly with new race  software the traditional 1/8^th open final is no more and it’s now reverted to the A final -  no difference I know but after all these years for a driver who didn’t expect to make it, the cry of I’m in the A as opposed to I’m in the Open just doesn’t seem to have the same ring to it)  Speaking of the new BBK software that was to be used for the first time by the section it was pleasing to see  Bob Nelson present to see that everything went off without a hitch, nice after sales Bob! By mid afternoon the rain was so heavy many decided to call it a day and see what Sunday would bring, although the forecast wasn’t encouraging.

Sunday saw us back at the track and by very early morning the pits were a hive of activity. The weather at this time was mercifully dry as was the track but the forecast was for more rain (and heavy) later in the day. Following free practice and an official practice, racing was underway by mid morning. The first three heats saw moderate 14 and 15 lap heats, heat 4 saw Ian Milford record  a 16/312 a time that would surprise him with a place in the A final. Mark Parnell and John Carr were just a second apart in heat six with 17/308 and would also make the A. The last heat saw Dave Dixon record an 18/305 a time that would ultimately secure him FTD. Significantly Gareth Bell, Glyn Beal, and Kev Brown would fail to record a time in this round and that would prove costly later in the day.

With menacing dark clouds rolling in we were into round two. With the track improving Dean Lacey posted a 16/307 in heat two, whilst Kyle Branson’s 18/315 showed just how much the traction was coming up in heat four. As heat four came off the track the first spots of rain began falling and that reduce heat winner Chris Edwards to an 11/315. With the rain increasing all the time the remaining two heats saw drivers sheltering in the pits.

Following lunch the rain seemed to intensify and for those with either no time recorded or a slow time it was make your mind up time.

With the track now awash with water in places, those who had qualified for a final had to make the decision as to whether or not to race. Many looked at the track conditions and decided to pack in and go home. This led to some problems as drivers were bumped into higher finals in order to have enough marshals available.

With so many drivers having decided to go home the first final on the road was the C final, in ever worsening conditions Chris Edwards with 26 laps was first home, followed by Daniel Bancroft who was a lap down. Martin Thurston was in third a further two laps behind Daniel.

With more water gathering on the track the B final was the next final on. The water on track quickly took its toll and within the first five minutes we were down to only three cars. Of those three Paul Dewsnap coped with the conditions the best coming home for a well deserved victory on 31 laps, Mark Wakelin followed him home some five laps down with Dave Jones a further three laps down on Mark.

Pole sitter Dave Dixon didn’t make the start and it was left to Tim Wood to lead the final away on a very wet track. Initially Richard Hicklin and John Carr found a way past Tim, and began to pull away. John eased past Richard and for the next 15 minutes the lead changed with pit stops. Pete Hastings started to move up as the rain eased slightly and we were left with a nail biting last five minutes as Pete and John battled side by side for the lead. That came to an end when Johns throttle servo cried enough and he was out(scant reward for a long drive in such terrible conditions) Pete now reeled off the last few minutes for a well deserved win on 69 laps, Richard Hicklin was second just 17 seconds behind with Tim Wood third a full two laps adrift. Thanks to the Mendip club and race director Dennis Jones.

The next round is at the Halifax circuit over the Easter weekend   

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