Back o the Year

Well it went down to the wire at Lydden. Race one, Steve "12 pounder" Thomas and I tussled all the way to the flag. It wasnt that he was faster than me, it was just that I didnt feel completely comfortable with him that close behind me. I arrived early Friday afternoon. Shortly after this I was glad I had watched David Attenboroughs "Life on Earth" for I then recognised the approaching creature as "Rangi Rotundus Australasis." Normally a shy retiring creature, usually nocturnal, it frequently attempts to fly without either benefit of wings or a valid pilots licence.

He thrust his hands warmly into my pockets, tho all he found was small change - been that way since my Brands off. Finding a quid he generously allowed me to give it to him and state how I thought the championship would go. I had Fish by 6 points, so John Puk you are definitely off my christmas list ;o) I am, and dont call me Shirley. Hearty congratulations to John for winning the championship, especially given the calibre of the opposition.

Race two, It may have been that she was uncomfortable handling my equipment but Shirley's filming of the second race is big girls pants. Shirley come back to racing you'll never make it as a camera person. I am and you are called Shirley.

Steve Hoel, Gav and myself were all baulked by the carnage at the top hairpin and tippy-toed throught the debris and coasted down to paddock expecting a red flag. I think we then looked at each other realised at the same time there wasnt going to be a flag and got our heads back down. I chased Steve for a couple of laps but then got the wrong gear out of the elbow and that was that. He then made a pass on Gav and I chased Gav to the line. So that was it a season completed with only the long dark teatime of the soul that is the close season ahead.

I started this year with a rookie vest and finish as a hairy arsed clubman with scuffed leathers n boots. I have learned a lot this year and aim to put it into practice next year with a new File engine replacing the peaky Stephens engine I have run most of the year.

High point of the year was not thrashing Purple Pete in the wet of Pembrey but taking 6 seconds out of my previous PB at Croix. Low point was binning it at Brands just as I started to get comfy with the track. Next year I hope to do as many practice days as I can.

Still the close season isnt all bad - long lay ins of a sat morning and hours spent tinkering in the shed. So for Back O the Grid, this is George Watson and I'll see you all at Snetterton in March if you're Hamster enough ,,,

BACK