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Presentation Evening
Happy Klausmas or Christmas comes early for Klaus
A nice autumn evening greeted all the drivers as they made there way to Ipswich raceway for the GP Midgets world final,
And it was a classic, with Jonathan Pooley 31 and Klaus Kilianski 93 putting on a great race.
The cars got under way with a very dusty track as the previous race someone had an oil spill, all the cars made it round ok for there two warm up laps.
On the front row of the grid Daniel Pooley (32) and his brother current world champion Jonathan Pooley (31) made a great start as the green flag came out . Back down the field Klaus Kilanski (93) who started 8th on the grid was starting to make his way through the field,
By lap 6 Jonathan (31) led Daniel (32) followed by Phil Retchless (9) Andrew Bilby (16) then a close battle with Gordon Pooley (33) and Klaus (93) then there was a gap building to Neil Clarke (77) Cliff Bunn (23) and Marc deLand (15).
On lap ten Jonathan (31) was still out in front but the man on the move was Klaus (93) as once he managed to pass Gordon (33) he set about Phil (9) who slid a bit wide going into turn one which was enough for (93) to slip up on his inside, Daniel (32) retired on lap 12 with a puncture . This was followed by Marc deland (15) with engine failure, and Andrew Bilby (16) .
On lap 15 Gordon (33) who was in 4th had a very big in-counter with the pit turn wall in which a full the red flag came out to stop the race while Gordon`s car was removed from the track, this bunched all the cars up for the restart in which Jonathan (31) and Klaus (93) put on a fine display of fast and close racing where Jonathan just had the edge these two cars where neck and neck until lap 25 where Jonathan`s (31) engine let go and had to retire leaving Klaus to take the chequer flag. His 6th world title.
Phil Retchless (9) finished 2nd And Neil Clarke (77) 3rd, a nice way to celebrate his 40th year in oval racing.
1st-93 2nd - 9 3rd - 77 4th - 59 5th -23 6th -76 7th-100 8th - 19 9th - 8 10th - 20
Heat one.
Cars lined up in graded order where Luke Retchless (19) took up the lead from Pete Dorrell (8).
Daniel pooley (32) was on a charge from the red graded cars with Cliff Bunn (23) Klaus (93) Neil clarke (77) and Andrew Bilby (16) and Phil Retchless (9) all starting to close in on the leading cars, By half distance Luke (19) was still in the lead with Daniel (32) and Klaus (93) right behind him, lap (10) Daniel takes up the lead but luke closes the door on Klaus and hangs on to 2nd then going into the pit turn young Luke goes wide onto the dust as he battles with control of the car Klaus nips up on the inside, for 2nd , coming out of the corner the back of Lukes car starts to spin him round where he collects Neil Clarke and Pete dorrell, the race is stopped . Restart is a shoot out between Daniel and Klaus but no 32 holds onto the win,
1st - 32 2nd -93 3rd -9 4th -59 5th -20 6th -100 7th -16 8th -23
Heat 2
With no white graded cars it was Steve Dawson (20) who led the cars away from Steve Young (59) and Toni Scheepens (100),
Jonathan (31) who had repaired his car was make very fast progress from the red grade, with 5 to run Jonathan takes up the lead with Daniel taking up 2nd and steve young driving well to hold Phil Retchless for 3rd.
Final result
1st - 31 2nd - 32 3rd -59 4th -9 5th -23 6th -16 7th -20 8th -100 9th - 43
Wee McHodges Highland trio.
A quick practice session was held to familiarise the drivers with the track, which proved to be quite bumpy, resulting in Cliff breaking his drive shaft. Luckily he had a spare and with the help of some of the other drivers he was good to go for heat 1.
Heat 1 - Traditional weather change, heavens opened and down it poured making the track very wet. Unfortunately the track does not lend itself to overtaking, so Mark Hodges led from Neil and Andrew. Jonathan “living on the edge” Pooley fancied his chances early on and made a move down the outside entering turn 1, only to kiss the famous wall and damage his suspension. In his debut race Luke stayed on course and finished the race in one piece, and seemed to enjoy the experience. Mark took the win closely followed by Neil, Andrew and Cliff.
Heat 2 - The rain had eased and the track was slowly drying out, but still very slippy. Mark still on slicks led the way with the only overtaking occurring on the green flag by Phil and Jonathan, who nipped past a slow starting Cliff (sun sending him to sleep no doubt!). Mid way through the race the yellow flags went up as Neil on entering the home straight had lost control (of the car that is). Not one to be unsociable he gripped Luke in a little twirl and spun him round. This put both of them out of the race and they hobbled to centre green. Gordon unfortunately retired with fuel problems. This meant the race continued without further change and Mark took his second win with 16, 9, 31, and 23 in hot pursuit.
Heat 3 - Tourist Trophy Final. Weather had improved and everyone was in good spirits. Unfortunately Neil was out of the race due to his battery shorting out his electrics. Everyone pulled together and Luke was good to go. The excitement was high as the flag went down and they were off, Mark out in front closely followed by 16, 31, 23 and 9. It was a much faster and closer run race, as the track had dried considerably. Unfortunately Gordon was to retire with a blown engine. With a clean race run Mark took the flag, followed by Andrew, then a small gap and a very close finish with 31, 23 and 9 all crossing the line together in that order.
Everyone agreed they really enjoyed their time at Cowdenbeath and hopefully in the future we can organise a weekend racing at Cowdenbeath and Knockhill.
Again thanks to everyone who made our visit memorable and enjoyable.
Bilby shines in the sun
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.
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.
