COLERNE CHILL –WESSEX SPRINT 3rd MAY 2010 by Wendy Vickers
“> It was a Bank Holiday so we knew that it wouldn’t be warm but the icy wind that swept across the airfield was positively Siberian. As usual the Organisers and Crew – Marshals, Scorers, Support and Ambulance were there ahead to put everything in place. They always do a sterling job, especially when they turn out in such inclement conditions, having given up precious Bank Holiday time on Sunday as well. Not to mention Monday’s early hour! Carole Morgan and team busily kept the results board firmly updated throughout the day.
On arrival the eager racers quickly donned Nomex suits, the triple layers giving much needed extra warmth. David Morrison wore his helmet around the paddock to keep the piercing cold from his ears. David and his colleague Terry Pigott had been competing in Anglesey over the weekend and had already raced from there to be at Colerne by 8am. That helmet worked because David took fastest MGCC member driving an MG.
The camaraderie of MG drivers is well known, Rob Orford arrived to find that a space had been reserved with his name on – courtesy of his pals. No towels or s“> un beds needed here! Rob, Mike Cole, Terry Drinkwater and Konrad Kentsch are so well matched that a little friendly rivalry goes on. Today it was Rob who took fastest time of the group and also Best MGA/MGB award at close of play.
Morning practice went well with Drivers testing themselves and the track in the cold. The chuck wagon was greatly needed for warm refreshments. Second practice went even better as both cars and drivers acclimatized to the conditions and good times were recorded. Great expectations were therefore envisaged for the afternoon timed runs – imagine the tactics that were discussed over the lunch break.
Peter Hall came 3rd in his class despite the cold and hail which covered the track for the final timed lap, he also won the MGCC Class Index Trophy. It was good to see John Hawley racing again after recovering from a hip operation and Steve Luscombe who also was recently in hospital, both did well and finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in their class. Roy Clarke had the enviable honour of living in spitting distance of the track (as long as he didn’t try spitting into the wind). Martyn Phillis was one of the farthest travelled, coming from Surrey.
Most of the MG drivers at Colerne were competing in the Luffield Speed Championship. There were many supporters even though this event is not open to the public. The hailstorm that descended on the track for all drivers on their second timed run marred the day. Naturally result times were far slower than for the first timed run, a disappointment to all. Despite the weather a good day was had by all without serious mishap. Once the meeting was over the hail quickly melted and the sun came out!!
Further details of 2011′s event will appear here later in the year!
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