Rushing Around Again!

We seem to have done a splendid job of leaving everything till the last minute and now find ourselves running round in circles trying to get it all done in time.   Work has been manic too so there’s barely time to sleep at the moment, but in current times it certainly isn’t something to be moaning about!

I think we’re getting there with the car now and another good evening tonight should see it pretty much finished.   The front has all gone back together nicely, and apart from one small setback involving the angle grinder and the radiator, it has all been pretty uneventful.    I think the crash frames that the Haird cars like mine run are a really good idea as they do just what they are designed to and bend on impact saving the chassis - and in this case the suspension too.   They literally just bolt off and within a couple of minutes you can undo the 6 bolts and basically remove the front two feet of chassis and replace it.   My car certainly isn’t as lightweight as some of the others out there, but it is really strong, and seeing as I’m prone to so many accidents we need something that can handle the odd encounter with the wall!

With the exception of the set-up and some stickers to put on, the car is ready to go now.   I must admit though, I’ve been a bit tight and not bought any new tyres for the weekend; the slicks I had on were obviously new for the world final and they have done such little work it seemed pointless to replace them.  I also decided not to use my new wets and to save them for the qualifying campaign - I had a really good set here so decided we might as well use them and save a few quid.   On top of this another set of slicks is needed for practice on Friday and luckily I’ve still got four from the qualifying rounds last year that are really good.   They are all on random wheels but you can’t see both sides at once anyway so who would know?

My Dad has given me Thursday afternoon off so I can get everything finished and loaded and that has made things a bit easier.   Otherwise I think we would have been running round like complete lunatics trying to get sorted.   Working with the family does have its advantages sometimes!  I’m going to meet Steph tomorrow evening and her and Ross are coming up with me on Friday morning.    John will be coming down from Scotland to join us at some point and I’m still working on convincing Jay that it really is the place he needs to be this weekend!    I know he will kill me for saying this but its Ross’s 21st birthday on Tuesday and he is treating the weekend as a bit of a birthday celebration.

I’ve got a bit of a challenge for you all this weekend too . . . in our haste to rebuild the car we have made a little bit of a cock up.   It’s nothing major or anything that will affect the car, it’s just something stupid.  I’m going to offer a prize of either a beer or a signed pair of Jason Kew Racing Pants to the first person who picks up on it and tells me what it is!   My Dad, Mum, Ross, Kewy and I are the only people who know, and there’s no point trying to wheedle out of us what it is – you’ll have to look for yourselves! 

Jay and Sarah from TPR signs have launched their new website this week and you should all check it out.  I’m sure you know that they do all our sign work and I don’t think there is anyone offering such good quality and variety of products out there.  They are also official Koolart dealers now and can put the colours and signs onto a design of your favourite car or you can choose from the thousands of existing ones they already have.  The website is: www.tprsigns.com so please have a look.   I just want to thank them both for their continued support and for putting up with my faffing around.  There isn’t a week goes by that I’m not pestering Jay for something or another.   I am really looking forward to the weekend now - it’s definitely one of my favourite meetings of the year.   I love the social side to it and the fact that you can stay at the track is a bonus too.  I’ll be around all weekend so feel free to come over and have a chat . . . . I’m sure we have enough beers to be able to share a couple with you!

Thanks as ever for reading.

Until next time

Mikey

The Break

If I’m honest things have been pretty quiet since Spedeweekend, we obviously have a car that needs repairing but with a month to do it we’ve been a bit unenthusiastic.   I’m still sort of buzzing off the feeling from Spedeweekend and a month without racing feels like an age.

We did get the car unloaded and all the panels taken off the night after we got back.   It’s not really that bad.   The damage was all on the front of the car so it has avoided the wheels and suspension parts (there must be a first time for everything as normally it would guarantee to bend a wheel!)   The only mechanical damage to the car is the radiator and fan, and as much as it breaks my heart seeing the mangled rad. in our skip at work it really could have been a lot worse.  The only really depressing part is looking at the pile of smashed panels thrown into the corner of the garage and knowing that they have only done 17 laps!   But that’s racing and you can’t moan about it.   Taking the rough with the smooth and all that!

Seeing as the National Weekend is the one weekend of the year we use the lorry to sleep in, it’s usually a bit of a rush getting everything sorted so it’s all working and ready to go.  Even though we take it to every meeting it’s a bit different using it for a day than turning it into ‘home’ for three days, especially when there’s no electric to plug into and you have to rely on generators, gas and batteries to power everything.   It isn’t the nicest or most reliable truck in the pits but it does have a shower and at National Weekend when you’re either filthy dirty or soaking wet it suddenly becomes worth its weight in gold!

I’ve always said I enjoy the social side to racing as much as anything and this weekend has been no exception.   With not much happening here it was decided that a weekend in Ipswich was in order to catch up with everyone and enjoy a beer or two....   Jay and Sarah invited Ross and me to stay with them at ‘Hotel Austin’ for the night; we could catch the racing at Foxhall before heading off into town for a much needed night out then off to meet Steph for the day Sunday.

As soon as we arrived at the track it became apparent the drinking was more favoured than the racing, and this was certainly true - in all honesty I don’t think I watched more than ten laps all night.  It was just one of those good evenings with a really sociable feel and lots of people to chat to.   The rain held off as well, adding to the enjoyment.   From the track it was straight to the pub for the fun to really begin.   Steph’s perfectly timed arrival saved me from the most evil of drinks - Sambuca.    From the pub it was off to the night club.    We finally crawled into bed about half past three.   It was a really great night out and long overdue.    I’ve said it before but I really have met some wonderful people through racing over the years and have had some really brilliant times with them all.

The best laughs came from looking at the pictures over breakfast the next morning, I can’t decide what’s worse; the pictures themselves or the fact no one remembers them being taken ... good memories of an epic night though - get them on face book please Rosco!   We spent the rest of Sunday just around Ipswich popping to the cash-and-carry to get some essential National Weekend supplies ...... consisting mainly of vodka, Haribo sweets and Pringles!   I won’t be drinking but according to the shopping trolley it looks like the rest of the team are planning a very good time!

I was a bit shocked the other morning when I read about Angie and Graham’s retirement from the sport and the sad fact that Brian will be going too.   They have all been involved with the sport since long before my time and although I’m sure their replacements will be as capable and committed to the sport as they have been, it just feels a little bit strange knowing such a big change has taken place.  The hours they must have put in was incredible and the dedication to do what they did for such little reward is really something we should all be thankful for.   So on that note from both myself and I’m sure all of the other drivers both past and present, thanks to the three of you for playing such a massive part in making National Hot Rod racing everything it is today.  On the other hand maybe you can enjoy watching some racing now safe in the knowledge you’re not going to have drivers ringing up and moaning for the next two weeks afterwards!

I’m sure that whatever happens now the sport will continue to move forward and grow, there is a huge number booked in for National Weekend already so another great weekend no doubt.  We’ve got quite a lot to do before then though so I’ll be back next week and bring you all right up to date.

Thanks as ever for reading

Until next time

Mikey

The Greatest Days

 Spedeweekend began for Ross and me outside in the garage polishing the car at 7am so we could leave at 9am and get to Ipswich in good time.  This was then followed up with sitting waiting for the car wash for 45 minutes and a McDonalds breakfast before getting on the road and heading east at about 10.30.  We had all agreed to make a weekend of it and enjoy the time we had off work. The first stop was Jay’s to pick up the new T-shirts, then on to Steph’s house to collect her before finally stopping at the pub.   The pub is to become quite an integral part of this weekend as will be revealed later but I was driving, so only orange juice for me!

After leaving the pub we headed straight off to the house we’d rented for the weekend to get settled in, before heading back to Ipswich for the evening’s fun to begin.   We were sharing the house with my very good friends John and Mel, and they had arranged to meet Chris Harvey and his team in their hotel for a few drinks and to watch the tennis.   My friend Neil was coming straight from work and meeting us there too.   After a good few hours Chris suggested just heading round the corner for a pizza as it was only two minutes away!   We must have different views on times and distance - that definitely wasn’t two minutes Chris!   We got there just as they wanted to close and I’m sure a table for 9 was the last thing they really wanted.   It was a brilliant night though, and one of those moments where you just realise how many good people there are at racing.

Saturday morning was an early start ready to meet Dad at the track for 7am, get signed on and unloaded and everything sorted for practice.  As soon as we were done, we weighed the car and the waiting began.   I can honestly say I have never been as excited as I was last weekend - I hardly slept for days before and was like a coiled spring from the minute we got there until we left to come home.   All the cars looked great and it was nice to catch up and have a chat with everyone.

I went out for the practice at 9.30 and everything felt good with the car.   I came off the track, turned the car straight back round and headed off to do the hot laps.   We always knew I wouldn’t put it on pole and would probably do one of the slowest lap times but the whole point was to enjoy myself.  I had drawn sixth for the laps, so not long for the old nerves to kick in.   It’s quite a weird feeling pulling out onto the track knowing that all eyes in the stadium are on you and any little slip up will be seen by everyone . . . . . never one to disappoint anyone I managed to brake a bit late and launch myself into a slide through the last bend - just managing to keep hold of it and getting it across the line in one piece.   I put in a lap time of 14.95; a long way off the fastest time, but under the 15 second target I set myself.    It meant I would be starting 24th on the grid

With the laps done it was time to relax and enjoy the day.   Spedeweekend is a great chance to see the people you don’t get much chance to talk to and actually sit and enjoy some racing.   Sharing one of the tents down the back straight with Jay and Gav Murray always makes for a good laugh as well. The atmosphere is always brilliant round the stadium and it really is just one of those feel-good weekends.   It was a good excuse for John, Ross, and Neil to have a few beers too!

For Saturday’s comfort break, all the drivers had to be in the marquee in the pits for the ‘meet and greet’ session with the spectators.   I’m sure a lot of you will be aware of the friendly banter between Jason Kew and myself, so when we sat on a table next to each other it was always going to turn into a laugh!   Sure enough it did and I think it was a real success with lots of people coming in to say hello and collect pictures.    I was really shocked by all the people who said they read this blog, and thanks for all your comments - it really means a lot to me.   Jason and I had one pen between us so things were getting a bit chaotic at times as we fought over use of the Sharpie.   We spent about an hour in there chatting to people and signing their pictures and programmes . . .  and yes, David O’Regan, you definitely are my favourite Irish fan!

With the ‘meet and greet’ over I went back to watch the 2.0-litre final before joining the fight to escape the car park and get back to the house ready for a good night’s sleep.   My parents were joining us at the house too, so the peace and quiet of the Suffolk country side was about to be spoilt by our lorry and trailer thundering down the driveway.  

It was another early start and I hardly slept at night with the excitement for the big day.   We were up and ready to leave the house at 6am and after a quick turn around on the golf course we were off and on the way to the world final - the day I had been waiting so long for was finally here.   We arrived and got everything sorted and the countdown began.

We all had new tops and trousers for the parade lap and I can honestly say I have never been so excited in all my life as I was when we stepped out onto the track.   I had all the people who I care about around me, and I was making the most of every moment.   After all the pictures and interviews were over everyone left and it was just me and the car ready to go.   When I tried to turn it on the power switch was off!   One of the marshals turned it on for me and Kevin came over and re-adjusted my mirror.   We were finally ready to go!

I always knew it was going to be emotional as I sat in the car on my own, and sure enough, looking up to the lyrics from the song “Just Drive” over the start/finish line (a song I find hard to listen to at the best of times) and listening to start your engines in my headset soon had me fighting to keep back the tears!   I soon pulled myself together though, and the feeling of the rolling lap behind the pace car was just out of this world and I can’t think of words to describe just how amazing it is.   The atmosphere was buzzing and I couldn’t stop my legs from shaking.   As the green flag dropped I think it was easily the best feeling of my life.

The speed of the world final is really intense and I soon found myself being lapped by the leaders.   I was just trying to keep out of trouble and make it to the flag.   It wasn’t to be though and a collision with Carl Waller-Barrett on lap 17 put us both out of the race.   It was the fault of neither of us; as he got spun, I caught him and the damage done was enough to put us both onto the infield.

It turned out to be a really clean race with no yellow flags at all, and surely that must be a first for the world final?   A massive well done to Malcolm on his second world final win.   Also well done to Gavin for his fourth place, you really deserve it mate!

Back in the pits it was decided there was too much damage to fix at the track, so rather reluctantly we loaded the car back into the trailer and called it a day.    It’s a shame as I was looking forward to the other races but never mind - that’s racing!   We enjoyed the rest of the day’s racing before Mum and Dad had to head off home, leaving us to enjoy our last night before returning to reality.

I’d heard about nights in The Golf pub after the world final, but I was still taken aback at just how insane it actually was.   People thrown over fences, water everywhere and enough drink to easily fill an Olympic swimming pool were just some events from the evening.    I was driving so once again no drink for me but it was one of the best nights out I have had for ages and a very good way to round off what I would describe as one of the best weekends of my life.

I just want to say a quick ‘thank you’ to both my parents, Ross, John, Neil, Steph, Jay and Sarah for coming on the parade lap and sharing the moment with me, and also to Mel and Nicole for cheering from the outside!   Also thanks to everyone who just made it such a brilliant weekend!

Quite a few people asked me “what now ?” and the simple answer is “try again.” Thanks as ever to everyone for reading.

Until next time.

“I want to be the only one to make it to the line.”

Mikey