Round 6 – Sunday 19th August 2007.
As we are coming to expect for the middle of August there was a very real risk that rain could severely affect the outcome of Round 6. The weather forecasters were predicting heavy and possibly thundery showers all through Sunday.
Ten drivers signed on, this event traditionally being the quietest one of the year as holidays etc prevent more people attending. Amongst the entry Pedro was once again out in the Escort MKII this time sporting a fresh new colour scheme. Andrew Springett had taken delivery of his ex Autograss Mini the day before and was keen to see how it performed.
As the winner of the previous round Jim Hedgecock was first out and was fortunate to get his first lap of the first stage in before the rain started. Not so lucky were Craig Schofield and Darren Knights who were sitting waiting to start. Both drivers started stage 1 and were visibly slower than Jim as their tyres filled with mud and grip was almost non existent. They both dropped over a minute to Jim and short of a miracle any chance of a victory. The shower stopped within minutes and Alex running fourth car on the road, set a time 30 seconds faster than Darren. As the rest of the field completed Stage 1 the track became drier and quicker.
The difference between the fastest and slowest times on Stage 1 was 1 minute 39 seconds. This compares to just 37 seconds on Stage 2 with Mike Bishop setting fastest time on an almost dry track.
Stage 3 was a repeat of stage 2 and everyone bettered their times as the track continued to quicken.
Baz had again come up with a different stage combination for stages 4, 5 and 6 and this 2 miler meant you ran one lap in each direction. At the start of Stage 4 the rain returned, but only briefly, but it was enough to catch Craig and Darren out again. Stages 5 & 6 were dry and as the last cars completed stage 6 dust was beginning to kick up.
It was another great event with excellent stages and the weather kept everyone focused. Everyone finished but Mike Bishop completed the last stage with no brakes and Craig and Sam had no front dampers left. Also Alex was suffering a misfire/fuel problem but he managed to nurse his Escort to the finish.
In Class A we had some new names at the top of the leader board. Alex Cannon finished a solid 3rd after his engine problems, Andrew Springett impressed everyone with his speed and commitment in his new Mini finishing second in class and Pedro drove very well to win class.
In Class B Jim Hedgecock continues his good run with another well deserved win. Sam Schofield also set some very good times in the BMW and came home an excellent second in class 17 seconds behind Jim and ahead of Mike Bishop in third. Craig Schofield and Darren were back on the pace in the afternoon but there simply weren’t enough stage miles to make up the time lost.
After the last round everyone seemed to be treating the barrels with more respect as there did not appear to be any fresh panel damage on the cars at the end of the day and it was good to see no retirements.
It was also great to see Baz get the chance to drive, using the white and green RPM Skoda as course car. After all the effort he has put in to all the previous rounds it was only right that he had the chance to enjoy the stages with everyone else. Maybe next time we will see him in something with a bit more power.
It was a very good day again and thanks must go to all our marshals, Mick on the start, Aaron on the finish, Jane on times and Pauline on catering.
Next round is September 16th, who knows what the weather will be doing, could even be snow !!
Darren Knights
Club Chairman.
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