Whatever the format, we all know that at the end of practice it is time to do the business, and no matter how well this time was spent the marshalls would ensure that it would all come unravelled in the heat of competition! No matter, on with the racing and first up was DTM.
DTM is a good class and in my view is not raced as much as it could be. Some fine models from several manufacturers and a chance for some of the better Carreras to show what they are capable of! In my case it was time to dig out an old war horse in the form of an early SCX Astra with Pro Turbo power. The Ninco models were going to be hard to beat but they weren’t necessarily unbeatable, far from it.
First heat saw controversy regarding lane power but this issue was soon sorted and the complainant was suitably reprimanded! Once everyone was back under control, Norm stormed into the lead and took the heat with a degree of comfort. Heat three saw inter group competition between Ken and Alan. Both made an early move which lasted the heat length.
In later heats Norm continued to stamp his mark on the order of things while I had to contend with Jordan occupying my space on the track on several occasions! A later heat saw a last minute deslot and some less than classic marshalling help Jordan take a heat off what was up ‘til then, a masterful Eggmeister. Bad luck John I know how it must have felt.
Heat nine saw Ken have another good heat and he gave Group A driver Glen a good run for his money. Well done Ken. In the closing heats Justin issued a very profound statement after a series of disastrous heats. “I’m only here for the rally†was heard on more than one occasion. Eventually the race was called and the results, accompanied by chants of “Ken for A grade†were as follows:
Race 1 DTM 25 laps 1. Glen (Scaley Astra) 20’ 12.144†2. Norm (Scaley Astra) 20’ 46.402†3. Phil (SCX Astra ProTurbo) 20’ 55.244†4. 1. Ken (Scaley Astra) 5. 2. Jordan (SCX-NC8) 6. 3 Eggy (Carrera) 7. Kev (Scaley) 8. Alan (Carrera) 9. 4. Bob (Ninco) 10. Justin (Carrera) 11. 5 Peter (SCX)
Next up was Classic Sports for NC1/NC8. Another Q32/Legends favourite and one which would bring out more driver ability than other classes. Lots of beautiful models in this class and mostly Ninco too. But this class allows other ‘favourite’ models to be upgraded to NC1 for the purpose. The race was for 20 laps duration and there was plenty of time to correct any early driver errors but the race was not too long as to become boring. A much anticipated class which unfolded as follows.
First heat saw me and Norm go race distance after a restart. I was lucky to take the heat by a small margin but the standard of racing was to take its toll. Some racers had brought their prized possessions for the occasion. One such was the blue Ninco XK120 Jaguar of the Eggmeister. Normally used to sitting in pride of place in his extensive collection, this model had been summoned to do battle with the Q32 elite. A desperate measure indeed and one, I suspect, that was motivated by the Eggman’s strive to regain A grade status!!??
Heat three saw carnage at turn three and a lot of ‘self’ marshalling attempts. As we speak, the stewards are watching the video replay. Always a nasty business but needs must when the devil drives, eh!! One of the high points for the event was when Glen and Jordan went head to head up to the last lap of their heat. Both driving Testa Rossas, but as always, for the most part, NC1 racing is civilised and heat succeeded heat with great aplomb and decorum. Small wonder that at the end of the event the computer decided in favour of its creator and issued results commensurate with its instructions.
Race 2 Classic Sports NC1 20 laps 1. Phil 16’ 18.296†2. Norm 16’ 47.214†3. Kev 16’ 57.658 4. 1. Eggy 5. Justin 6. Glen 7. Alan 8. 2. Jordan 9. 3. Bob 10. 4. Ken 11. 5. Peter
At this stage the sumptuous spread prepared by Jacqui was augmented by a superb barbeque, and we took time out to re victual with an array of pabulum befitting the King of Egypt!!
Last up was the Rally class. An event, by now, we had come to realise, was what Justin had come for! So, could he substantiate this claim?? Heat one was called and it was time to ‘Put up or shut up!’ I had decided to field a much set up SCX Peugeot and it proved to be capable of the job but, unfortunately, at this late stage, Several regional breweries had conspired against me causing me to struggle with the recognition of my car on the track! Let alone which lap I was on. So, someone else had to take the battle to Justin, but was anyone up to it?
Heat after heat saw Justin grinning like a Cheshire cat which said it all. Heat after heat he crushed all who went before and eventually the computer, contrary to my instructions, dealt us all a mortal blow and pronounced the results as follows!!
Race 3 Rally 20 laps 1. Justin (Ninco Subaru) 15’ 53.481†2. Kev (Ninco 997) 16’ 11.879†3. Glen (Ninco 307) 16’ 14.998 4. Norm (Ninco Subaru) 5. Alan (Ninco Porsche 997/Subaru) 6. Phil (SCX Peugot 206} 7. 1. Jordan (Ninco Subaru) 8. 2. Eggy (Ninco Citroen Saxo) 9. 3. Bob (Ninco – several) 10. 4. Peter (Scaley Subaru) 11. 5. Ken (Ninco Subaru)
So that was it. All Justin’s pigeons came home to roost at the same time. Ken drove well and Norm and Kev also put in some good results. With the rest of the season to run, once again it will be survival of the fittest! Bring it on boys!!!
