TEL's TALE's 058/2016

So here we go for the 2016 speed series which has a good number of entries despite the enforced MSA changes to roll over bars, cages, tyres etc. Class F seems to be well supported and this years sees a few more in single seaters or having sold their Westfields.

Despite all the doom merchants suggesting it would be cold, wet and snowy it was actually dry, reasonably warm and we had sunshine. Nine speed series contenders were there. Only the track stayed a bit on the cold side but we are still in March so we were happy with hat we got. I had the usual start at 0445hrs meeting up with John Hoyle and Steve and Margaret Everall on route. Due to his blown engine Steve had to spectate which was a shame as he went well here last year. Spectators included Martin and Michell Harvey who turned up on the Harley Davidson, Derek Hodder and Matt Hillam. After a straight forward scrutineering for all we got stuck into the convoy runs. John Hoyle and I were out alost last wth me leading John as he had not walked the course. John was having trouble with the electronics on his new Sadev gearbox and his altered rear brake calipers. I has a brake snatch at the first corner so I opened up a gap from John down the main banking straight and just before the bend I braked hard to test the brakes. The car snaked around a bit and had a short lock up but were then fine ( no use since October last year and sat in the garage does not help). John slowed behind me but his brake bias was wrong so he moved alongside me as there was plenty of room. Unkown to us the Sierra cosworth turbo car behind John for some reason thought we had stopped on the circuit (we never got below 40 mph) and locked up, skidded , just missed both of us and slammed into the wall. I felt a bit sorry for the guy until I heard him say that he was in 4^th gear and doing 130mph!!!!!. In reality this was a convoy lap where you do not overtake anyone, you can check everything is working ok and you normally go around 50 to 60mph. This guy was clearly in his own little world and nearly wiped out John Hoyle and myself. I think that was not a clever way to drive on a convoy lap.

Practice saw a reasonable level of grip and newconers Simo Jones and Paul Beesley geeting to grips with their cars on this testing track. Simon Jones admitted that he had been on a trackday practicing the day before so he knew the right lines to take and was feeling confident. John Hoyle and his brakes were still giving him concern as he had too much rear brake bias as well as missfiring due to the electronics on his Sadev box deciding that they did not want to play ball. On his second practice he braked hard for the 180 deg lefthander at the end of the banked section and glanced the concrete wall causing damage to the rear offside wheel arch and his brand new immaculate bodywork. He was not a happy bunny. Eventually disconnecting his gearbox electronics at least gave him some smooth runs but he did need to use the clutch. Pete Goulding was really enjoying his new Formula Ford Mygale 1600cc ecoboost and improved his tomes all day.

In summary here is were we all ended

Class B1 Simon Jones 85.57

Class C Mark Bishop 87.40

Graham Frankland 88.73

Craig Spooner 83.09

Class F John Hoyle 76.82

Gerry Houghton 88.11

Class G Terry Everall 74.10

Class J2 Peter Goulding 71.64

A good start to the season for most but John Hoyle has a bit of work to do before Croft on Easter Monday but he will be there.

Terry Everall

Speed Series Correspondent

Class G competitor.