A long way forward

With the way the averages are now being worked out I knew I’d be starting near the back at Northampton, but it was a bit of a shock starting right on the back row with Gavin and Chris.

Once again the weather was kind and the car was brilliant in practice.  It always seems to fly at Northampton these days and even after a few laps I was happy with how everything was going.  Back in the pits with my car all ready to go Jason and Chris offered me a few laps in the #174 machine, so with a look of pure worry on Dad’s face I strapped myself in and headed back out.  It was good to try something different and compare it to my own car.  As it wasn’t mine I took it steady and didn’t do anything silly!  It was obviously my lucky touch though that led Jason to win two races later in the day!

Starting from where I did I knew I wouldn’t create any miracles but I managed to finish 14th in both heats and 15th in the final.  I enjoyed starting at the back as it created an entirely different challenge.  Every car I overtook was a huge achievement in itself and I can’t believe how tired I felt when I got back into the pits.  I also learnt some valuable lessons:  firstly, just how fast Chris Haird really is.  Starting last position on the grid, week in week out, and getting the results he does, is pretty amazing.  Secondly, just how hard it actually is starting at the back.  When you line up for the final and see all the other cars in front you realise just how much work you need to do.  And finally, you see just how little respect drivers give each other.  You see all that is happening in front and the total lack of respect people have.  The same applies when trying to overtake.  The amount of people who run you into the wall or cut your nose off lap after lap makes it a miracle the top boys actually finish any races at all!

Maybe it wasn’t the best night results-wise but I came away with no damage and learnt a great deal from the evening.  My top five position in the points chart will be long gone but I think I should still just about be in the top twenty which is good.  We have a month off now, so a bit of time to catch up on some overdue jobs.  It’s been a great few weeks but racing every weekend can get a bit hectic.

As you read this I’m away on a fishing trip to France, so you won’t hear from me next week.  It’s going to be a complete contrast to my usual crazy lifestyle and I can‘t wait for a bit of peace and quiet!

Thanks as ever for reading.

Until next time.

Mikey

A busy couple of weeks

Recently we’ve had a lot of meetings in a short space of time. This, coupled with a new venture at work, means I’ve been very busy this past few weeks, leaving little time for much else.

By now you will know that I personally think Birmingham Wheels is the best Hot Rod track in this country.   The location however, leaves much to be desired and the hill up into the pits is a bit of a killer - but from a spectator point of view it’s pretty good.

After having a few handling problems with the car at Ipswich we decided to head up to Birmingham for the Wednesday night open practice. On the way we drove through some truly awful weather but luck must have been on our side because when we arrived at the track it had stopped raining.  Lucky really, as we hadn’t taken any wets with us!

We’d left work late so there wasn’t much time left to practice when we got there but we got a few good runs in and changed everything we needed to.    We left the track happy and made a pit stop for food at Big John’s on the way out of Birmingham.   That rounded off the evening nicely…

As the meeting itself came around the weather was looking promising and with a fair number of cars booked in it was set to be a good night.  The car flew in practice so that made the Wednesday night practice worthwhile.   I managed to finish all three races with 4th and 5th in the heats and 6th in the final.   Maybe I didn’t create any miracles or get the whole world talking but it was three top ten results and a good haul of points to go with it.   After the meeting it was a rush to get everything away and get back to Big John’s to eat.   I’m sure this is the reason my Dad likes going to Birmingham - with the car and racing second on his priority list!

I knew I’d climb up the points chart after that meeting but I didn’t realise I’d be fourth.  It was a great feeling even if it was only for a few days!   What a shame it’s not July but never mind!   Luckily I escaped any damage so it was just the routine bits to do.  When you only have a week between meetings it all seems a mad rush, and after a breakdown with one of the work vans on the way home on Friday, we were still rushing around trying to get the car loaded up on Saturday morning before going to work.

On the drive up to Ipswich the weather looked as if it would be kind to us again, and sure enough it held out and made for a fast and furious night of racing.   Now, like most drivers from that particular meeting, I could probably fill a book with moans.  As much as I love Ipswich I will say that it’s the worst night of racing I’ve ever been to in my years racing Nationals.  It seemed as if everyone left their brains at home and thought they were driving National Bangers.

I was incredibly lucky and managed to escape the chaos pretty much unscathed.  The car has a good few battle scars and the bumper could really do with replacing but besides that I got off very lightly compared to a lot of other drivers.   I was also starting further back on the grid and all I’m going to say is “Fair play to the boys who start at the back week in week out and make their way forwards.”  I can assure you it’s not as easy as it looks.  Besides all the chaos happening around me I managed to finish every race with points picking up 15th in the first race, 9th in the second and 10th in the final.  Not an outstanding night, but a brilliant one considering the car drove off the track in one piece - unlike so many others.

Obviously I’ll have slipped in the points a little but I’m hoping to still be in the top ten.   It’s Northampton this Saturday then a much needed couple of weekends off.   I’m already well underway getting the car ready and hopefully everyone will have calmed down a little and wound their necks in by Saturday.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Thanks as ever for reading.

Until next time.

Mikey