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Pooley Power - Gordon Takes the June Cochrane Cup
The Grand Prix Midgets made the trip to Arena Essex with the threat of heavy rain failing to deter the drivers. There were welcome returns to the field for young Leon Retchless in the Bullitt and Klaus Kilianski from Germany for the second time this season.
Marc De Land could not get his car fired up in the practice session and he had to sit out the first race leaving Leon Retchless to set the early pace from Nigel Robinson who got away well. Despite the quick start Nigel was soon caught and passed by Gordon Pooley from third on the grid. Retchless held on for a couple more laps before Gordon made it past to assume the lead he would not lose over the remainder of the 15 laps. At one stage it looked like Neil Clarke might overcome the leader in his Sidewinder but despite setting the fastest lap Neil ran out of laps and had to content himself with the runner up slot from Daniel Pooley, Klaus Kilianski and Phillip Retchless, the latter pair having had a great battle throughout.
De Land made it to the grid for the second race – his first ever laps of the Arena raceway but his engine was misfiring badly in the early laps. Things were not helped by two re-starts, the fist of which was down to Leon Retchless getting stuck briefly on the line. The second was down to Daniel Pooley losing a wheel. Possibly after some wheel to wheel action with Clifford Bunn. Leon was away smartly on the third start and led well as all eyes were on the eight strong pack of blue and red graded drivers whp piled around bottom bend three wide. It looked like it might end in tears but Kilianski tore around De Land to take fourth with Clarke following through from Phillip Retchless. Gordon Pooley retired from second with fuel problems with Leon Retchless still in front, now from Robinson. Kilianski was on a mission however and went into second and then the lead a lap later down the main straight with five laps to run. Clarke was tearing through the pack as well and he soon took second with Phillip Retchless having got the better of a dice with Jonathan Pooley to get into third. Jonathan was having a miserable time as well and retired with an electrical problem whilst Andrew Bilby retired with a broken rod-end. De Land’s car fired into life with a handful of laps remaining and although he was at the back of the field he closed in on his rivals with a fair turn of speed over the remaining laps. To underline just how competitive things are this season the entire field was virtually all on the same straight at the finish.
Kilianski was at the very back for the final (the June Cochrane Trophy) but he was, as expected, very quick away. Leon Retchless led from Nigel Robinson with Gordon Pooley again third from a very fast starting De Land who looked like he had something to prove. Pooley deposed Robinson and Retchless in successive laps to take over at the front whilst De Land, Clarke, Jonathan Pooley and Kilianski chased the leading trio. Retchless and Robinson eventually dropped away although it was clear that their pace was increasing race by race. De Land was catching Gordon Pooley but not really quickly enough as Jonathan Pooley reeled in Neil Clarke. The latter pair engaged in a thrilling side by side stand off for a couple of laps with Jonathan eventually taking third on the inside. His next target was De Land and although Pooley caught him there was no hap on the inside, De Land keeping his SRV glued to the inside line. Pooley looked up the outside but seemed reluctant to commit as Clarke was right behind and looked set to nip back up the inside to get back into a podium position. That’s the way it stayed to the flag with Gordon Pooley taking his second win of the day from De Land with Jonathan Pooley third from Neil Clarke and Klaus Kilianski. There was some equally great racing further down the order with Philip Retchless, Clifford Bunn, Andrew Bilby, Leon Retchless, Daniel Pooley and Nigel Robinson all having a great race which the Arena fans clearly enjoyed. Fastest lap in the race went to Philip Retchless who had traded the honour with Klause Kilianski over the 20 laps.
Arena Essex Preview
The Cheetah returns to the Arena Essex Raceway for the first time since former world and national points champion Jason Carnwell left the formula in early 2008. The formidable car is now driven by current points leader Philip Retchless (9) who seems to be getting the most out of the unique machine. Retchless has already picked up the West Country championship earlier in the year has quietly accumulating place positions to head the points chart as they arrive at Arena Essex and must surely be one to watch.
Other men to watch is current world and national points champion Jonathan Pooley (31). JP has up to his high standards a very frustrating 2009 and finds himself in the wrong half of the points table and without a win to his name. Brother Daniel (32) has fared better in 2009 picking up a hat trick of wins at Great Yarmouth which, included the east of England championship however, the open fast Arena Essex raceway is totally different to the small Yarmouth bowl.
One man you cannot discount is rookie driver Marc DeLand (15) in the Sayell build SVR (see picture). In only his fourth race of the year and starting in the red grade Marc took the first major honour of 2009 by winning the British Championship. The happy brum has had an excellent 2009 season to date and at one point held the silver roof going into round three. Another driver to carry the silver fin in 2009 is Neil Clarke (77) in his Barbie racing colours is one of the characters if the sport and nobody would be more happy if Neil took home some silverware this Sunday.
New driver Leon Retchless (99) is another new driver to look out for along with red grade drivers Gordon Pooley (33), Andrew Bilby (16) old timer Cliff Bunn (23) all names to look out for. Looking out of the star men, driver to watch are Allen Herbert (76) and Nigel Robinson (67).
Dan Dan the Hat Trick Man!
The Grand Prix Midgets rolled into Great Yarmouth for the first time this season on Sunday evening contesting racing in front of an appreciative crowd enjoying some of the best racing weather seen so far in 2009.
Nigel Robinson was the sole yellow grade driver and he duly led all three races in the early stages with his BMC Dart. Just a couple of laps into the race Daniel Pooley established what was to become the pattern for the evening by taking the lead around the outside of the pits bend. Robinson then fell back into the clutches of Clinton Dorrell in his Westfield swiftly followed by Cliff Bunn in the Fireball down the inside line on the Casiter Road turn. The senior member of the Pooley clan, Gordon, was back in fifth although things were not all roses for the family as World Champion Jonathan had already pulled onto the infield with a repeated broken drive shaft – the same fate had befallen him in practice. Pooley senior then had his luck run out as well as he spun on the first bend. Phil Retchless was getting the Cheetah wound up and passed both Neil Clarke after a great tussle and then Robinson to claim fourth at the flag.
Result: 1st Daniel Polley, 2nd Cliff Bunn, 3rd Philip Retchless, 4th Neil Clarke, 5th Nigel Robinson, 6th Andrew Bilby, 6th Mark De Land, 7th Clinton Dorrell
Race two was on a difficult track to say the least, some Lightning Rods in the previous event had dropped some oil and this caught out Robinson on the first of the two warm up laps although of course it’s better to find the limits before the race actually gets underway. Nigel duly led once again until Daniel Pooley passed him on lap three with Dorrell passing on the next corner on lap four. Bunn was soon into third with Gordon Pooley leading Bilby and Clarke whilst De Land and Retchless were also trying to make progress in the difficult conditions. Jonathan Pooley had another driveshaft failure and pulled of whilst Neil Clarke also retired with a broken wishbone. Daniel Pooley was again well clear taking the win from Bunn this time, the Fireball passing Dorrell’s car on the last lap as the latter had suffered broken suspension. Gordon Pooley came home in fourth with Robinson, De Land, Bilby and Retchless the place men.
Result: 1st Daniel Pooley, 2nd Cliff Bun, 3rd Clinton Dorrell, 4th Gordon Pooley, 5th Nigel Robinson, 6th Mark De Land, 7th Philip Retchless.
Clarke repaired his car for the final, the East of England Championship whilst Jonathan Pooley borrowed a drive shaft from Gordon’s car as the senior member of the Pooley household elected to watch the race from the banking. Daniel Pooley was keen to retain the title and set off rapidly after Robinson and taking the lead on lap three once again. Jonathan Pooley’s luck (and supply of prop shafts) ran out again as he pulled onto the infield after a promising looking start. Bunn soon made second place but all eyes were on Retchless and De Land who were having a great battle which was settled in favour of the former. Retchless was clearly getting to grips with car, circuit and also the longer race distance and was soon into third although some way behind the leading pair. With five laps to go De Land retired (also with drive shaft failure) whilst Clarke and Robinson fought tooth and nail of fifth – Robinson holding on to the flag. It was still Daniel Pooley leading comfortably from Bunn and looked all sewn up until the last lap when Pooley slowed dramatically but he had done enough to secure an impressive hat trick and successful defence of the East of England Championship.
Result: 1st Daniel Pooley, 2nd Cliff Bunn, 3rd Philip Retchless, 4th Nigel Robinson, 5th Neil Clarke, 6th Andrew Bilby.
Drivers Page updated
Happy Klausmas
Marc reaches De 'Promise' Land
Marc DeLand raised a few eyebrows as he ran away with the British Championship in his only forth ever Grand Prix Midget race. The meeting was billed by Incarace as a follow up from the 2008 end of season finally where the racing was overshadowed by the carnage that claimed so many cars.
The meeting started with the prestigious 25 lap British Championship. On the front row Nigel Robinson and Alan Herbert (76) led the cars away with the rest of the field bunching behind them. Within a couple of laps Nigel clipped the inside rumble strip forcing the BMC Dart to spin. Fortunately the closely following pack manage to avoided the stranded car and began to close in on the 76 car. At this stage of the race rookie racer Marc Deland (15) was starting to cut his way through the blue grade from the front of the reds. At the mid point two pre race favourites started retired. Cliff Bunn had engine problems forcing him into the infield and 2008 world and points champion Jonathan Pooley had suspension failure which led to him hitting the wall at the end of the straight. Marc DeLand challenged Alan Herbert for the lead and took over in the Vauxhall powered Midget. As the laps ticked away West Country Champion Philip Retchless took over second and then started to close in on the 15 car. with five laps to go you could not split the first two as all eyes were focused on the head of the field. On the last lap Deland looked to have lost it going into turn one however, it had a positive effect as it made a chain reaction to the pursuing Retchless as the Cheetah had to slow down to avoid causing a crash. This allowed Marc to pull away and claim his first major title in his only forth race. The beaming brum could not believe it as he raised the historic trophy.
British Championship:- 15 Marc de Land, 9 Phil Retchless, 77 Neil Clarke, 76 Alan Herbert, 26 Clinton Dorrell, 32 Daniel Pooley, 59 Steve Young, 16 Andrew Bilby.
In Heat 1 Nigel Robinson and Alan Herbert leading off the cars with Alan getting the jump at the start which, he never looked like giving up. Mid way through the race the Midgets lived up to the Incarace billing as a multi car pile up on the main straight caused major damage to many cars Daniel Pooley and Phil Retchless had a coming together the following pack tried to avoid however, the blinded Clinton Dorrell drove up the back of Nigel Robinson's car which ended took off into the air and destroying the suspension when it hit back to the earth. At the end of the race Andrew Bilby closed in on the 76 car and only just finished second by only 0.054 seconds.
Heat 1:- 67, 16, 31, 15, 77, 59, 67.
Compared to heat 1 the last race of the evening passed with no real issues. The drive of the race came from Andrew Bilby who was rewarded with an excellent second in the previous race with one better by taking the spoils in heat 2. Andrew did not have his own way and had to keep a very fast Jonathan Pooley as bay for the last 5 laps of the race.
Heat 2:- 16, 31, 9, 15, 76, 23, 59, 77, 67.
Midgets go Facebook
Richard John Neil has set up a Grand Prix Midgets facebook page - All pictures from race meetings will be posted on the website after each meeting. Videos of vintage racing from mainland europe can also be seen. Anyone can post pictures, videos and comments etc. Those elderly people like Cliff Bunn who may not know what facebook is and would like to know please speak to anyone under 40!
Retchless Survives Pooley Pressure
The Grand Prix Midget Club season commenced at the Grimley Raceway on a warm Easter Monday afternoon. The main race of the afternoon was for the West Country Cup which turned out to be an absolute classic. Marc DeLand (15) battled fellow newcomer Leon Retchless (99) at the head of the field however, the chasing pack led by Philip Retchless (9) who challenged and took over the lead. The remaining cars then started to stack up behind the Cheetah and at one point a lenth of a straight only separated 1st to 12th as cars battled side by side for at least 10 laps. Regrettably such close racing was going to end in tears and within a lap Retchless (99) and Dorrell (26) both got to close to the rumble strips and sustained damage. All cars managed to swerve and avoid the mayhem however, the field was now spread out. Retchless (9) now came under huge pressure from Daniel Pooley (32) and Jonathan Pooley (31). As the laps ticked away it was Philip Retchless to hold on to claim the first title of 2009 only half a car length from 31 and 32 running behind in a close third.
Heat one was a less close affair as Mr Chairman Allen Herbert (76) jumped Retchless (9) at the start and never looked back. The rest of the field went through the motions of trying to catch 76 however, was unable to do anything about the lead he had managed to pull out on the early laps of the race. In heat two saw a maiden race win for 2009 rookie driver Marc DeLand. Feeling very comfortable in his new machine the Brummy gardner pulled out a good lead and finished the race a full length of a straight from Neil Clarke (77).
13th of April - Grimley Raceway - West Country Cup
Gentlemen - start your engines.
The Grand Prix Midget Club descends on the compact Grimley Raceway for the 2009 opener. The west country challenge is the first title up for grabs on what is shaping up for an exciting season. Defending National Points and World Champion Jonathan Pooley will want to get off to a season flyer but will receive strong compition from the rest of the field who will be out to dislodge Jonathans crown. The tight Grimley raceway is very unpredictable and winners could come from anywhere on the grid - so suspect a surprise or two during the meeting. Veteran racers Neil Clark, Steve Young and upstart Daniel Pooley took away silverware in 2008 at the Grimley Raceway so experience could play a factor in the outcome. Racing gets underway at 1:00pm.
2009 Drivers Licence
Please be reminded to complete your licence application forms ASAP. Licence forms have been emailed to all drivers however, if you require the application form please contact Clifford Bunn or Nigel Robinson - details can be found on the contact page.
NEC & Expo 2009
During January the Grand Prix Midget Club was in attendance at the NEC Autosport International Show and Expo '09 at Arena Essex. At the NEC Jonathan Pooley's 2008 World and National Points Championship car was placed in the centre of the Spedeworth stand (see pic). At Expo 2009 John Lowe's rear engine Gazelle and Nigel Robinson's Dart joined Jonathan's Scorpian on a very cold January weekend. Despite the weather many people came to the GPMC stand to view the thee cars. Hopefully the two events showing these cars will have been a great advert for the club. Many thanks to all members who helped over the two weekends.
2009 SEASON
The starters flag is soon to go up for the 2009 season. It promises to be even more exciting and varied than last year. As you will see from the events list, we will be racing at the superfast Cowdenbeath Racewall. We are sure this will prove to be enjoyable for spectators and drivers alike.
Some familiar faces will be missing from the starting grid, but I am sure it won't be long before the pull of the Midgets draws them back into the fold. On a posotive note this season will herald the arrival of new drivers in familiar cars and established drivers with brand spanking new models (cars that is!).
The first meeting is Sunday 13th April at Grimley raceway, we look forward to seeing you there.
AUTOSPORTS SHOW and EXPO 09
The midget club will be represented at both of these shows, so please come pay us a visit. The stands will be manned by drivers who will be able to answer any questions you may have about the formula. Jonathan Pooley, the World and National Points Champion will be at the NEC with his Grand Prix Midget and Nigel Robinson a Previous National Championship winner will be taking his car to the Expo 09.
Annual Dinner, Dance and Presentation Evening
On Saturday 29th November at Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf and Conference Centre the midget club held their annual dinner and dance and presentation evening which was a great success. The awards presented are as follows;
National Points Champion 2008 Jonathan Pooley
1st National Points 2008 Jonathan Pooley
2nd National Points 2008 Cliff Bunn
4th National Points 2008 Steve Brattan
5th National Points 2008 Gordon Pooley
6th National Points 2008 Daniel Pooley
100% Attendance 2008 Cliff Bunn, Andrew Bilby, Steve Brattan
Jonathan Pooley, Neil Clarke
90% Attendance 2008 Steve Young, Gordon Pooley, Daniel Pooley
80% Attendance 2008 Geoff Bunn, Allen Herbert
Chairmans Award 2008 Neil Clarke
Best White Grade 2008 Peter Dorrell
Best Yellow Grade 2008 Gary Bonner
Best Blue Grade 2008 Steve Young
Best Front Engined Car Cliff Bunn
Best Rear Engined Car Jonathan Pooley
Steve Piggins Loyalty Award 2008 Linda Sheldrick
Sportsman Award 2008 Steve Brattan
Best Newcomer 2008 Gary Grimsley
Best Presented Car 2008 Jonathan Pooley
Steve Scoops Skylighter.
Billed as a “fun day” with all of the championships and the National Points chart being completed, eleven Grand Prix Midgets made their way to Grimley Raceway in Worcestershire.
With the overnight torrential rain, pit and track conditions were always going to be difficult. Promoter Alan Lewis had reserved an area where the Midget Club set up camp in preparation for an end of season barbecue.
Two new drivers made their debut at this meeting. Mark de Land (15) has purchased the Sayell Racing Vauxhall powered car and Jessica Retchless was borrowing the Gordon Pooley (33) Scorpion. Mark has not raced any form of car previously to this meeting but he does come from a racing background with his father Gordon (150) racing Hot Rods at Wimbledon and other venues in the seventies and eighties. Jessica is the nineteen year old daughter of former Midget driver Marcus Retchless and the niece of returnee Phil Retchless (9). She currently has a Formula 2 stock car that she has been practicing at Swaffham with a view to racing it there in the near future.
The format for the day was a normal graded heat and final for regular drivers and a further race for mechanics.
The rain managed to hold off as heat one lined up. Track conditions were greasy and the drivers had chosen differing tyres with some on full wets, some on full slicks and some on intermediates. Gary Grimsley (2) and Peter Dorrell (8) made up the front row of the whites with Jessica on row two. With no yellow grade, the blues came next with Neil Clarke (77), Allen Herbert (76), Geoff Bunn (28), Phil Retchless (9) and Steve Young (59). The red grade was made up of Steve Brattan (75) and Cliff Bunn (23) with Mark de Land (15) electing to start from the back. Steve Young was showing his liking for the wet conditions making a lightening start and hanging the tail of the Mk 18 Dastle out to take up the lead early on. Geoff Bunn was trying to hang onto Steve and follow him through the pack. Gary Grimsley was having trouble with his car “pushing on” and he had a coming together with Neil Clarke on the pits turn. Steve Brattan was also making good progress until he span out trying too hard exiting the pits turn also. Cliff Bunn had to remove his silencer prior to the start of the race on the grid as it had worked loose. This caused a smile or two in the pits after the race as it is normally his brother Geoff, the British Champion that suffers from exhaust problems! Young continued on in stretching his lead to take the chequered flag from Geoff Bunn as Brattan recovered for third. Both Mark and Jessica finished their first Midget race with smiles on their faces accrediting themselves well holding tidy lines.
The next race of the day was the mechanics race. There was a few “ringers” in this race namely former Midget legend John Lowe in the Herbert car that he looks after, F1 and F2pilot Clinton Dorrell in his dad’s car, current F2 driver Jamie Young also driving his dads car and former Stock Rodder Kev Butcher in Steve Brattan’s car. Geoff Bunn’s car was being driven by a former Legend and Hot Ford driver whose name I unfortunately did not get. Jessica Retchless and Mark de Land also took up positions on the grid with Gary Grimsley. Clinton managed to claim the inside pole position which he put to great effect winning the race. Rumour has it that he may make a few appearances next season in his dad’s spare car once built. As the race progressed all of the drivers grew in confidence getting quicker. A special mention must go to Jamie Young. You can see that he is a “chip off the old block” with his all action, tail out style of driving. He even did the Young trademark move of exiting the pits turn and waving with his right hand whilst sideways! This is the position from where all of the regulars were watching their cars being raced.
The Skylighter final was the last race of the season for the Midgets. Once again Steve Young was away taking an early lead after passing Dorrell and Jessica Retchless and the rest of the blues around the outside. Allen Herbert managed to hit the pits turn fence after getting out of shape on the straight to cap a poor week for the Bedfordshire based driver. Brattan passed Geoff Bunn for second place and Cliff was running in fourth. This was how the race progressed with there being no chance of catching Young, Brattan and G Bunn had a mini battle which appears to have been the norm for most of the season, with Cliff latching onto the back. At the chequered flag Young won by the length of a straight from Brattan and the two Bunn’s with Geoff beating his brother for third. Something for them to talk about at work methinks!
Just to prove that Midget racing is a family affair, Christine Young, Steve’s wife and the Bunn’s sister had started the BBQ aided by Linda, Steve Brattan’s better half, to welcome the drivers back into the pits with welcome hot food and drinks. Thanks must go to Christine and Linda for undertaking the cooking (well it is woman’s work) and Phil Retchless for supplying the gas BBQ.
To summarise, a good meeting which was a “fun day”, although the racing was serious once on track, with smiling faces, especially the mechanics on return to the pits.
The next item on the Midget Club agenda is the presentation dinner and dance Saturday 29th November.
Northern and Midland Championship For Jonathan Pooley (31)
Fifteen cars attended the Birmingham Wheels Raceway on a pleasant autumn evening for the Northern and Midland Championships. This meeting would also determine the final placings in the national point’s championship.
This meeting saw the return of Gary Grimsley (2) in his revamped Vauxhall powered car. “Mr Chairman” Gordon Pooley (33) has been reworking the car changing suspension pick up points etc and his son Jonathon (31) has built a new engine for Gary. Also returning for his first meeting of the year was Barry Goldsby (78). Due to other commitments, the club president has been unable to race thus far but will make a full return for next season. Another welcome addition was Klaus Kilianski (93) from Germany. Klaus and his brother Josef had left their home at 4 am to get to Birmingham on time.
The cars made an impressive sight as they took to the track to race under the lights. Peter Dorrell (8) and Grimsley lead the pack away but the race was to come under waved yellows as Goldsby failed to start. At the restart the two white tops were being chased by blue grade. Steve Brattan (75) made a fast start to outstrip Phil Retchless (9) to the first turn. These two were chasing down Grimsley and Dorrell. Brattan took up the lead on lap 6 when the race came under caution again due to a high speed accident involving 3 cars abreast exiting the pit turn. Retchless (9) and the father and son duo of Gordon (33) and Daniel Pooley (32) came together in a big way in front of the sizeable crowd with Cliff Bunn (23) and Steve Young (59) also having a coming together. The crash enforced the retirement of Retchless with steering, suspension and oil pipe breakages, Steve Young (59) with broken steering, Cliff Bunn with major suspension and bodywork issues and Daniel Pooley with chassis problems.
At the restart Brattan sped away pursued by Geoff Bunn (28) and a fast moving Kilianski. “Mr Chairman” Gordon and Andrew Bilby (16) worked their way past Neil Clarke (77) and Allen Herbert (76) for fourth and fifth. Kilianski passed Bunn to chase after Brattan. The German was not making any progress as Brattan took the chequered flag. The rest of the order remained the same with World Champion Jonathon Pooley retiring also with broken suspension.
Heat two started minus Retchless, D Pooley, C Bunn and Young. As per the previous race Grimsley and Dorrell sprinted away at the green flag. The usual suspects made quick starts from the blues with British Champion Geoff Bunn, Herbert and Brattan taking up the chase. Geoff progressed into the lead with J Pooley and Brattan having a dice for the minor places. At mid way the race came under waved yellows as Gordon Pooley and Neil Clarke came together down the back straight causing Clarke to hit the fence hard wiping each corner off his car. At the restart Kilianski and Bilby held a watching brief waiting for a mistake from the top three and it happened with four to go as Brattan span out of third place on the exit of the City turn. This allowed Kilianski through for third. Klaus was showing his liking for this track as he was recording quick times. Bunn took a good win from J Pooley after a close battle, with Kilianski third, Bilbly fourth, a creditable fifth for Grimsley, Dorrell sixth and Brattan seventh.
The final was for the last two championship titles of the year, namely the Northern Championship and the Midland.
With the field reduced due to the crashes in the heats, the race was lead away by Dorrell and Grimsley. Brattan beat Herbert off the line with G Bunn away quickly also. Jonathon Pooley was on a mission chasing down the front runners on his trademark blasts around the outside. Brattan hit the front as Pooley and Bunn diced for second and third. A close three way battle then ensued. Jonathon passed Bunn to take it up. Geoff’s exhaust had broken again, some remedial work required during the winter me thinks. Kilianski was lurking in the background as Brattan span out of third place on his own water. Pooley was driving a faultless line to take the titles from Bunn and Kilianski. Brattan recovered for fourth, Herbert was fifth and Grimsley sixth.
All in all a satisfying turn out of cars, Jonathon added to his list of titles and Klaus enjoyed his visit to the Wheels Raceway with a deserved haul of points.
This meeting certainly sorted out the top six in the National Points chart which will be covered in another report.
Bilby Bounces Back.
The Grand Prix Midgets returned to Gt Yarmouth for their second visit of the season. The track was a little dusty for practice, but this was soon swept clean by the practice sessions for the little cars and the ministox. Speeds seem to have increased around the circuit since three quarters of the track was resurfaced.
Heat one saw Gordon “Mr Chairman” Pooley (33) retire before the race had a chance to start with fuel problems. Pete Dorrell (8) lead off from Phil Retchless (9) in the Cheetah, Neil Clarke (77) in the Barbie mobile and the recently down graded Andrew Bilby (16). Upgraded Daniel Pooley (32) made a fast start from the red grade hotly pursued by Steve Brattan (75). Retchless took up the lead with Brattan passing Daniel, Clarke and Bilby to take up the chase. World Champion, Jonathon Pooley (31) was making progress from the back with his normal around the outside runs. Brattan was reeling Retchless in when his car went onto three cylinders causing him to drop out of second place. Daniel took advantage of this to catch Retchless for first place. Jonathon was up to third and this was how they remained at the flag.
The second heat started minus Brattan as a broken cam follower was diagnosed. Dorrell made a quick start followed by the ever improving Retchless and Clarke. Bilby did not make such a quick getaway and was soon caught by Daniel Pooley. As they exited the Caistor turn they touched causing them both to spin. Pooley restarted fairly quickly however Cliff Bunn (23) had passed the stranded cars. There was another coming together involving Neil Clarke and Jonathon Pooley causing a broken drive shaft for the world champion. Phil “The Thrill” had cleared off by now to take his first win since returning to the formula. Mr Chairman came home in second with Clarke third.
So to the final. Jonathon could not repair his car in time for this race and with Brattan already out numbers were sadly down. Things got worse as Gordon could not get his car started again for the warm up laps and had to retire to the infield. Dorrell was off again from the white grade and was improving all night. He appears to be getting used to his new car now and is getting quicker with every meeting. Peter had travelled to Yarmouth from his Malvern base alone to race at this meeting, demonstrating a great commitment that should be copied by others. Bilby had made a much quicker start taking up the lead early on. Retchless and Clarke gave chase from the blues passing Dorrell for second and third. Young Daniel was on the move again first passing Clarke and then Retchless to set off after Bilby. Andrew had the length of a straight lead which Daniel was eating into. With five to go Young Pooley was in sniffing distance of Bilby’s exhaust. This was going to finish in a tight finish with Bilby hanging on for his first trophy win of the year. Daniel was a close second and Retchless was third.
The prestigious trophies were presented by the Kisby family and it was great to see them in attendance and keep in contact with midget racing.
Another different driver wins a final which is good news for the midget club. The race for the top six positions is hotting up with one points scoring meeting to go, Brattan dropping out of the six. Jonathon Pooley continues to lead the point’s race with Cliff Bunn in second place. Gordon and Daniel in third and fourth, Andrew claiming fifth and Steve Young sixth.
Now onto Birmingham for the Midlands and Northern championship
Bunn creams the British.
Geoff Bunn (28) is the new British Champion. There is a bit of “keeping it the family” involved as his brother in-law Steve Young (59) was the defending champion.
The British was the first race of the day and when the drivers arrived at Northampton International Raceway the inside line, about ten feet out from the curb, on both bends were under water. The track crew managed to get rid of the excess water but this left the track wet and greasy. With two other races before the big race, drivers were anxiously surveying the track to aid their tyre choice.
As the cars took to the track, with some drops of rain falling, most teams had decided to either fit two “wets” and two dry tyres or go for full wets. The grid formed up in graded order with non qualifiers starting at the back and was lead away by Allen Herbert (76) and Geoff Bunn (28), both had made good starts from the blue grade as had Daniel Pooley (32). Bunn had taken advantage of his starting position taking up the lead at an early point. Gordon Pooley (33) had beaten Andrew Bilby (16) for the drop from the red grade and was making good progress. Both he and his other son Jonathon (31) the world champion, had two new wets on and as the track was drying quickly the tyres began to suffer with chunks of rubber flying off in all directions. Gordon and Jonathon fought their way through to second and third respectfully with the rest of the red grade arguing over the minor places. Steve Young (59) had to retire following a visit to the fence after an incident with Cliff Bunn (23). Andrew Bilby (16), Allen Herbert (76) and Steve Brattan (75) were having a mini battle for fifth, sixth and seventh. Geoff was carrying on his merry way and starting to get amongst the back markers who played the game and gave him plenty of room to take the win from the father and son duo, Cliff hung on for fourth.
Heat one lined up without Steve Young as his car could not be repaired. Daniel Pooley was on a mission taking up the lead early on. The usual suspects were giving chase namely his dad and his brother. Geoff Bunn was also away from the Blue grade hanging on to second with the pack in pursuit. Herbert and Brattan clashed on the Horton turn with Brattan hitting the inner curbing and damaging his suspension causing retirement. Phil Retchless (9) was having a better run in the Cheetah and seemed to be getting to grips with the car. Daniel claimed the win with Geoff second and Gordon third.
A similar race for heat 2 with Daniel taking the win again from a much improving Retchless and the world champ was third. Neil Clarke had his best result of the day coming home in sixth to end a quiet day for the Midlander.
With Daniel having another good meeting, this will ensure an upgrading to red as he climbs into the top six. Jonathon continues to lead the points, with Cliff Bunn in second.
The next meeting is the following week at Gt Yarmouth for the Derek Kisby Memorial Trophy, a much prized trophy in the midget calendar.
Grimley Raceway - 25th August 2008
Forget Barbie, trust Pink!!
Travelling to Grimley on a Bank Holiday Monday should ensure good weather, but cloudy skies welcomed the teams in the morning as they set off from their various locations.
The sun did shine to welcome Peter Dorrell (8) back to racing in the ex Gordon Pooley car. Although being experienced in front engined cars, he is new to this car and Peter decided to start at the back for the first heat.
Heat one was lead away by Neil Clarke (77) in the “Barbie Mobile” and Allen “Sicknote”Herbert (76) in the Lowe’s racing machine. Talking of the former midget legend John Lowe brings a picture to my mind of John sitting in the driver’s seat of the midget all the way from their Bedfordshire base to Grimley due to the lack of seats in their Ambulance that has been converted into a transporter.
Geoff Bunn (28) and Daniel Pooley (32) had a coming together from the off with Geoff spinning out. The track was oily at their starting position in the blues. “Mr Chairman” Gordon Pooley (33) made a fast start from the red grade followed by the two Steve’s Brattan (75) and Young (59) with Andrew Bilby (16) slow away. The world champion and current points leader Jonathon Pooley (31) had an unusual choice of tyres for this race having wets on the back of his Scorpion Vauxhall.
Gordon got through to second place where he was destined to finish behind a fast moving Clarke. Geoff Bunn recovered for third, Allen Herbert drove well for fourth with Young fifth, Cliff Bunn (23) just beating Brattan to the line for six and Jonathon was eighth.
The second race of the day had the usual suspects leading off with Geoff Bunn determined to take advantage of his blue grade start. He managed to pass Herbert and Clarke to take up the lead. Daniel Pooley got a puncture and on breaking into the Grimley turn his car mounted the inner banking where he was to stay for the remainder of the race. Gordon was away again from the reds followed by the Steve’s again. Brattan’s fan had shook loose and holed the radiator on the pits turn allowing water onto his outside rear tyre causing him to half spin letting Young up the inside for fifth. This time Brattan beat Cliff Bunn to the line for sixth with Bilby coming in eighth.
So to the final. Peter Dorrell led the cars away from the white grade with Allen Herbert and Daniel Pooley in pursuit. Neil Clarke and Geoff Bunn also made a fast start and were in chase. Herbert passed Dorrell and Daniel Pooley in turn passed Herbert to take up the lead. Jonathon was on the move from the back now shod in slicks. He was taking his time and picking cars off around the outside. Daniel span out on the pits turn as Clarke took up the lead. Geoff was right up his exhaust pipe just waiting for that one mistake. Jonathon was up to third. Gordon had to retire with broken rear suspension a victim of the bumpy track. Steve Young passed Herbert for fourth with Bilby circulating in sixth. Cliff Bunn inherited the Bunn luck with regard to drive shafts with his failing at about half way. With three to go the aforementioned one mistake nearly came with Clarke seemingly clipping the inner curb pushing his car wide and Bunn trying up the inside. Clarke wasn’t having any of it slamming the door closed going on to take the win. Geoff was second, Jonathon getting his best result of the day in third, Young fourth, Herbert fifth and Bilby sixth.
Talking to a delighted Clarke afterwards, it would appear that he had suffered suspension problems in the race also.
With three points scoring meetings left, the battle for a top six finish is hotting up.
The next meeting sees the midgets move onto Northampton, Brafield to us oldies! for the British Championship. Can Steve Young retain his title? You never know. Why not come along and see for yourself. It won’t rain as this is the summer!?
East of England Championship - Great Yarmouth - 3rd August 2008
West meets East.
It was the turn of another member of the Pooley racing team to take the honours at a very wet Gt Yarmouth circuit where Daniel (32) won the East of England Championship. He seems to be making a habit out of winning these” compass point” titles having won the Western championship earlier in the season at Grimley.
Most of the cars that raced at Ipswich the night before made it to Yarmouth with one or two exceptions, Klaus Kilianski (93) had to return to Germany but Richie Scheepens (101) stayed over from Holland to compete. Richie was racing his dads car during the weekend as his own has not been tested sufficiently.
The new world champion Jonathon Pooley (31) charged through from the back to take the first heat from Daniel. Allen Herbert had a much improved and deserved finish coming home third. It would appear that John Lowe has worked some of his magic on the car as it was actually going where Allen pointed it and not “pushing on” all the time. Mr Chairman Gordon Pooley (33) was fourth with Cliff Bunn (23) fifth followed by Andrew Bilby (16), Steve Young (59) and Richie Scheepens (101). Steve Brattan (75) had made it up to fourth only to retire when his ball joint fell out without permission.
Heat two got under way as the rain started to fall. Some of the drivers had fitted wets but the majority were on slicks. Richie Scheepens lead the cars away with Daniel in hot pursuit. Steve Young and Gordon Pooley had a coming together on the pits bend which sent Andrew Bilby wide and allowed Steve Brattan to nip up the inside with Gordon retiring to the centre infield. Young was enjoying the conditions hanging the tail of the Mk 18 Dastle out. Jonathon was moving through the field but ran out of time to pass his brother as Daniel took the win. Young came home in third with Cliff Bunn fourth, Bilby fifth and Brattan sixth.
It was really pouring with rain for the East of England Championship and visibility was going to be a problem. Everyone was on full wets. Richie lead the field away again with Daniel and Allen following on. Brattan had made a good start and was moving through the field only to spin out on the Caister turn. This caused a marker tyre to pop out onto the track on the exit of that bend. Daniel had passed Richie and was pulling away into a large lead. Jonathon battled his way from the back again to try and chase down his brother. Young, Bilby, Bunn and a recovering Brattan were fighting over the minor places. Allen Herbert retired through lack of vision as the spray from the open wheeled racers combined with the heavy rain made conditions very difficult. At the chequered flag a delighted Daniel Pooley took the title, Jonathon coming home second with Steve Young a sideways third. Daniel completed a number of doughnuts for the appreciative crowd.
The Grand Prix Midget WORLD Final
IPSWICH - 2nd August 2008 On an evening when the weather could have gone either way, it pleased the crowds, if not some of the drivers and turned out a pleasant night. As usual with such a prestigious trophy to race for tension was high and everyone determined that this year was going to their year. It turned out to be Jonathan Pooley (31) who after four years of chasing the coveted award finally got to take it home. Many congratulations Jonathan from all the club, a well deserved win. Very closely following home in second was Cliff Bunn (23) with only yards between first and second as they went over the line. In third place was Steve Young (59) who is always well up in the points and placings. Mid way through the race Neil Clarke (77) and Steve Brattan (75) had a coming together. Unfortunately despite Neils best efforts he was unable to repair the 'Barbie' car and take part in any further racing. Steve came off better with only panel damage, not able to get his car started again immediately he was lapped before the engine finally fired up. A few laps further on saw the retirement of Geoff Bunn (28) after he spun out after clipping the curb hitting the fence breaking part of his wheel hub which meant the end of Geoff's racing weekend. The only other retiree of the race was Gary Bonner (27) with an engine that was overheating. The club was very pleased to welcome Klaus Kilianski (93) from Germany, whose trip proved worthwhile with him claiming fourth place in the World final. Also making the journey over the water was Richie Scheepens who is new to driving Gand Prix Midgets although not the midget formula with his dad Toni having driven a midget for a large number of years and is a strong driving force in their support in Holland.
The National Championship - Buxton - 27th July 2008
The defending champion Nigel Robinson (67) was unable to attend so this guaranteed a new National Champion for 2008. Some of the drivers arrived on the Saturday with Ben Pashley (3) taking advantage of some practice in the afternoon.
The “National” was the first race of the afternoon being lead away by Pashley. Neil Clarke (77) and Andrew “new tyres” Bilby (16) were making rapid progress in pursuit. Jonathon Pooley (31) had made a lightening start from the back of the field passing the two Steve’s, Brattan (75) and Young (59) in one around the outside lap. “Mr Chairman” Gordon Pooley (33) was struggling with handling spinning out and damaging the front and the rear of his car. Young Daniel Pooley (32) was also suffering and had to retire. Cliff Bunn (23) showed his liking for the track getting up to third place. The race finished with Jonathon taking a fine win from the improving Bilby in second, Cliff Bunn had risen to third, Clarke was fourth with Young and Brattan fifth and sixth. Returnee to racing Phil Retchless (9) brought the Cheetah home for seventh with Pashley eighth.
The second race of the day followed a similar pattern with Jonathon winning from Cliff and Neil. Andrew Bilby was fourth, Brattan managed to pass Young for fourth and Gordon minus his nosecone was sixth.
The last race of the day was a flag to flag win for Neil, the first win in the Barbie mobile I believe. Andrew was second holding off a fast moving Cliff Bunn. Brattan and Young were fighting over the minor places again.
So on to Ipswich.
The June Cochrane Memorial Shield - Bovingdon
“King Edward” the track commentator at Bovvy, normally opens the meeting by saying “Welcome to sunny Bovingdon” and on this occasion it certainly was. The last time the Grand Prix Midgets raced here it absolutely threw it down with rain and Steve Brattan (75) won the Southern Championship.
Neil Clarke (77) had travelled down through the night and greeted everyone into the pits. I think he was there early so that he could collect all of the 59th birthday cards from the other teams as they arrived.
Unfortunately for Geoff Bunn (28) his clutch failed in practice and he could take no further part in the meeting. Incidentally, Geoff has a new nickname of “Ariston” because since his win at Aldershot he has gone on and on and on and on!
Pooley Plant Hire have decided to give a trophy at each meeting for the fastest recorded lap time of the day. Thanks to all at Team Pooley for that.
The grid saw Neil Clarke, Daniel Pooley (32), Scott Roth (7) and Cliff Bunn (23) lead the pack away. Steve Brattan (75) and Jonathon Pooley (31) were having an intriguing battle for the minor places and Steve Young (59) was having a somewhat sideways slant on things. “Mr Chairman”, Gordon Pooley (33) managed to run into poor old Andrew Bilby (16) for the second time in two weeks and is starting to get a complex. Gordon stamped on the brakes that strongly that he snapped off the brake pedal! On questioning after the race, he said that it had nothing to-do with the amount of weight he has put on recently. Daniel managed to keep all of his tyres on for this race and took the win from Scott, Cliff, and the two Steve’s. Brattan recorded the fastest time for this heat.
The same pattern for heat two. Gordon had welded his brake pedal up and was away from the red grade. He was chasing down the fast moving Scott Roth and Cliff Bunn. Bilby appeared to be suffering from a lack of grip spinning out in front of Brattan at the half way mark. At the chequered flag it was Scott (7), from Cliff (23), “Mr Chairman” (33), Sidewinder Young (59) and the “Brat” (75). Gordon had taken the fastest time of the day so far in this heat by 0.5 secs.
The 25 lap final was for the impressive June Cochrane Memorial Trophy. The blue grade made flying starts with Scott and Cliff having a good battle for lead position. Brattan and J Pooley were having their now customary side by side battle for the minor places with Jonathon making a late breaking move on the pits bend, managing to get by. Brattan’s car was suffering from jumping out of gear again at critical points i.e. on braking for the bends! Jonathon was then away chasing down and passing Steve Young in pursuit of his dad for third. The laps ran out for him as Cliff got around Scott to take the win. Gordon was third followed by Jonathon and the two Steve’s again.
Jonathon recorded the fastest time of the day but declined to take the trophy home as Sue has too many to clean as it is! This will be retained for another time.
The points chart is getting interesting now with Jonathon Pooley 24 points in front of Steve Brattan and the next three places separated by one point each with Gordon, from Cliff and Steve Young.
On to Buxton for the National Championship which was won by Nigel Robinson last season and then the World Final at Ipswich.
The Bill Boarer Memorial Shield (another Bunn has risen, Cliff this time)
With everyone else possibly going to Ipswich for Spedeweekend, The Grand Prix Midgets hit the road again travelling to Arena Essex for the Bill Boarer Shield.
Team Pooley had arrived early hoping to run their new engines in and as other drivers pulled into the pits they were to be greeted with mixed weather, dark clouds and showery. Tyre decisions may have proved to be a contributing factor today.
The cars started the first heat with Gary Bonner (27) and Neil Clarke (77) leading the pack away. Neil got a flyer and was progressing well in the lead. These two were pursued by Cliff Bunn (23) and the newly upgraded Allen Herbert (76). Steve Brattan (75) got the jump on Andrew Bilby (16) as the red grade chased after the leaders. Current “silver fin” Jonathon Pooley (31) had obviously run his engine in properly as he was making outside overtakes whilst battling with the other drivers. Gordon Pooley (33) had taken the decision to run two wets and two dry tyres in this heat and despite the track being dry he was charging through also. On the subject of tyres, Brattan got a puncture with six laps to go dropping down to sixth place. He didn’t realise he had a puncture until he pulled into the pits and his mechanic was ready with the jack! “I just thought the car was getting taily” said a relieved Brattan. Jonathon went on to win from Clarke, Bonner and Cliff Bunn.
A similar story for heat two with Bonner getting the jump on Clarke. Cliff had raced away from Herbert to take chase. “Mr Chairman” Gordon had changed to all dry tyres and appeared to be going backwards complaining of no grip after the race. Could it be that he was just getting tired due to age? His boys were showing him the way though. Jonathon was on the move again having good battles with Brattan and Clarke for the minor places. This slowed his progress down as he was unable to catch Cliff Bunn for second. At the flag, a good win for Bonner, his second in two meetings, Cliff Bunn second, Jonathon third from Clarke and Brattan.
Steve Young, Daniel Pooley and Geoff Bunn were having quiet afternoons by their standards. Perhaps the final would tell a different tale.
Once again Bonner and Clarke charged away from the yellow grade. Cliff Bunn had made a lightening start from the blues again pursued by “Sicknote” Herbert. Well he does transport his midget around in a converted ambulance! Cliff meant business this time making in- roads into the leading pair. Brattan had also made good progress passing Herbert only to be challenged by Jonathon Pooley. These two had a number of side by side laps with Pooley getting the better of Brattan to go on and have another mini battle with Neil Clarke. Geoff Bunn and British champion Steve Young were having a better final having their own duel. Andrew Bilby span out on the exit of turn two and the yellow flags were slow to appear as he was spread eagled across the track. There was also confusion as to whether they should be waved or held yellows. Gordon Pooley was either unsighted or too busy concentrating on beating his son Daniel as he clipped the stricken Bilby car causing him to retire. To be fair to Gordon the inner curb is high when sitting in these low cars and his eyesight is deteriorating with age. Cliff Bunn had taken up the lead which he was to hold until the chequered flag. Poor old Gary Bonner had to retire from a certain podium position with a suspected failed weld on his rear hub. This left Jonathon Pooley to finish second, the ever improving Neil Clarke in third, Steve Brattan fourth and Geoff Bunn fifth.
Neil is getting to grips with his radically designed new car and will be due for an upgrading I feel. Another driver facing an upgrading could be Gary Bonner, although he will miss Bovvy due to work commitments.
The midgets move onto Bovingdon for their next meeting for the third meeting in as many weeks. This will see Jonathon Pooley leading the points chart from Steve Brattan with Geoff Bunn, Steve Young and Gordon Pooley completing the top five.
With the world final around the corner, grid positions for this race are starting to get interesting.