As the exceptionally hot and humid weather continued, 6 Speedmoggers in 4 cars convened at Curborough for a weekend of sprinting.  James Walter and Alan Foster had driven from the southern reaches of the country to join the double driven cars of the Clarkes and the Baileys.  Saturday would be the figure of 8 configuration of the circuit.

The temperature was already in the mid 20’s when competition commenced at 9am. The Morgans were in the last batch to run, and we expected the proceedings to move quickly, however we were wrong.  Each run was taking about an hour and a half, so we didn’t line up for noise testing until 10.30.

The double drives were out first to enable time for change of drivers, with Michele Bailey and Simon Clarke the first to test the circuit.   Simon managed a spin as he was pushing hard, and although he had all 4 wheels off the circuit did complete his run, but without a time.  As it was practice it didn’t matter. There was a bit of consternation (and laughter) in the paddock, as the times showed Michele 6 seconds faster than Chris; it turned out they had the wrong numbers on!

First timed runs arrived before lunch, which everyone completed on the circuit.  Times were inputted and showed that Simon was leading followed by Chris and Paul.  Alan, James and Michele were having the bottom of the pack battle.

After lunch in the shade of the trees, as even the Baileys trailer was too hot to sit in, there were 2 more timed runs.  It was close at the top with Chris and Paul closing in on Simon after the second run.  It was also close at the bottom with Alan edging ahead of Michele and James.

So, onto the final run of the day.  Paul and Simon swapped their running order as Simon was aiming to get into 65 seconds so Paul went first to ‘tyre warm’, producing his fastest time of the day.  James had decided it was too hot and went off to his hotel for a cold shower, while Alan and Michele were both slower.  It was therefore down to Simon and Chris.  Simon went off like a rocket but managed a spin at the corner where Chris could see it.  Although Simon kept all 4 wheels on the circuit the time was slower.  Chris accepted the challenge to produce his fastest time of the day and snaffle first place from Simon.

An excellent if hot day of fun and sprinting.

Final results:

1 Chris

2 Simon

3 Paul