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Series reviews: | 2006 Summer | 2006/7 Winter | 2007 Summer |
Series reviews: | 2006 Summer | 2006/7 Winter | 2007 Summer |
Bolwextric home page | Contact | Clanfield RC home page | Forum
Series reviews: | 2006 Summer | 2006/7 Winter | 2007 Summer |
Series reviews: | 2006 Summer | 2006/7 Winter | 2007 Summer |
The Truggy 'B' final was very much a two horse race with Kevin Twine and Adam Dobson swapping places, depending on who had last been in to refuel. Towards the end of the race Dobson's effort fell away, leaving Twine to claim victory.
Simon Freeman continued his domination of the truggy series, leading the 'A' final from the start. He built such a significant lead that he was able to ease off a fraction. However, disaster struck some 3 laps from the end of the race. Steering problems forced him out, allowing Mark Byrne the win. Grant Fibbens and Jamie Simpson also sneaked ahead, to push Freeman down into a disappointing fourth place.
Buggies
Ed Kerry held sway in heat 1, winning all 3 rounds, with Rob Rasey close on his heels. A clean sweep of third places by track owner Tony Bolwell was prevented in round 2 by Clanfield club member, 15 year old Tom Maisey, in the only round in which he managed to get to the start line.
Heat 2 looked like going a similar way to heat 1, with the top 3 places in heats 1 and 2 taken by the same drivers, Grant Fibbens, Rachel Merry and Neil Catley, all achieving 8 laps. Round 3 saw these three 3 drivers slip down the positions as 3 more drivers suddenly achieved 8 laps for the first time, with Mark Johnston taking the win.
The 'B' final was a two horse race between Rob Giles and Tom Maisey. Getting to the start line on time and managing to keep his car in one piece for the full 20 minutes, Tom was a mere 4 seconds behind Rob at the finish.
Five drivers achieved 30 laps in the 20 minute 'A' final. Justin Mackay, who had only achieved one 3rd place in the heats, suddenly found form, taking 1st place. Rob Rasey continued where he left off in the heats, taking the runner up position. Third place went to Rob Giles, in the 'A' final by virtue of winning the 'B' final. Like Mackay, Giles started poorly in the heats, gradually improving as the day went on, peaking at the right time.
Current positions:
Mark Byrne currently leads the Truggies, with Simon Freeman close behind.
Grant Fibbens, as well as holding down third place in the truggies, leads the Buggies, with Justin Mackay and Rob Rasey equal second.
The Trucks are headed by Ben Champion, followed by Oliver Green.
Results of this round
Further rounds: 10th December, 14th January, 11th February, 11th March, 8th April.
Simon Freeman continued his domination of the truggy series, leading the 'A' final from the start. He built such a significant lead that he was able to ease off a fraction. However, disaster struck some 3 laps from the end of the race. Steering problems forced him out, allowing Mark Byrne the win. Grant Fibbens and Jamie Simpson also sneaked ahead, to push Freeman down into a disappointing fourth place.
Buggies
Ed Kerry held sway in heat 1, winning all 3 rounds, with Rob Rasey close on his heels. A clean sweep of third places by track owner Tony Bolwell was prevented in round 2 by Clanfield club member, 15 year old Tom Maisey, in the only round in which he managed to get to the start line.
Heat 2 looked like going a similar way to heat 1, with the top 3 places in heats 1 and 2 taken by the same drivers, Grant Fibbens, Rachel Merry and Neil Catley, all achieving 8 laps. Round 3 saw these three 3 drivers slip down the positions as 3 more drivers suddenly achieved 8 laps for the first time, with Mark Johnston taking the win.
The 'B' final was a two horse race between Rob Giles and Tom Maisey. Getting to the start line on time and managing to keep his car in one piece for the full 20 minutes, Tom was a mere 4 seconds behind Rob at the finish.
Five drivers achieved 30 laps in the 20 minute 'A' final. Justin Mackay, who had only achieved one 3rd place in the heats, suddenly found form, taking 1st place. Rob Rasey continued where he left off in the heats, taking the runner up position. Third place went to Rob Giles, in the 'A' final by virtue of winning the 'B' final. Like Mackay, Giles started poorly in the heats, gradually improving as the day went on, peaking at the right time.
Current positions:
Mark Byrne currently leads the Truggies, with Simon Freeman close behind.
Grant Fibbens, as well as holding down third place in the truggies, leads the Buggies, with Justin Mackay and Rob Rasey equal second.
The Trucks are headed by Ben Champion, followed by Oliver Green.
Results of this round
Further rounds: 10th December, 14th January, 11th February, 11th March, 8th April.
Peter Maisey
Mirage Winter Series, Round 1, 19th November
A frosty but bright day greeted participants for the first round of Clanfield RC Club's Mirage sponsored Winter Series. Following several days of torrential rain, the tracks reputation for being fast drying was upheld once more. Underlying chalk ensured rapid drainage and no standing water.
Club members had put in long hours during the preceding fortnight, rolling the track, building higher banking on two bends, as well as creating more hollows and jumps. Much of this work was sadly undone by off road motorcyclists, requiring some late-
The Mirage sponsored Winter Series caters for Truggies, Buggies and Trucks.
Trucks
The truck event is currently attracting a small number of drivers. Despite a high rate of attrition, some very respectable times and distances were achieved. Each of the heats produced different winners, with Ben Champion living up to his name and winning the 10 minute final. His fastest lap of 38.25secs was also on a par with the some A final Buggies and Truggies.
Truggies
The Truggy class had the largest entry of the three racing categories.
Elliot Bracher dominated Heat 1, winning rounds 1 and 2, although mechanical problems dropped him back to sixth place in round 3.
Heat 2 was also dominated by one driver, Clanfield club member Simon Freeman. He was also the only driver, in buggies, truggies, or trucks to complete nine laps during the heats, a feat which he achieved twice. His involvement in the major revamp of the track in the previous fortnight was obviously worth the effort.
Heat 3 also saw one driver, Jamie Simpson, winning all three heats.
With failing light and rain threatening, the Truggy 'C' final was shortened to 10 minutes. Apart from 3 laps in the middle of the race when refuelling, Simon Hunter led from start to finish.
Trucks
The heat results introduced a new name to the series. Jez Blaber won the first two races, with Ben Champion hot on his heels. Champion took the third race. Racing was clearly having an effect on the trucks, with only two making the start of the third race, and winner Champion only completing 3 laps, as opposed to 7 in race 2.
Blaber returned to winning ways in the final, being the only truck to race for the duration. Champion took second place, with 6 laps complete, half of Blaber's final count. Alan Wong filled third place.
With two rounds of the series gone, Ben Champion leads the way with 397 points out of a possible 400, with Chris Mcanulty, his nearest rival, on 389 points.
The heat results introduced a new name to the series. Jez Blaber won the first two races, with Ben Champion hot on his heels. Champion took the third race. Racing was clearly having an effect on the trucks, with only two making the start of the third race, and winner Champion only completing 3 laps, as opposed to 7 in race 2.
Blaber returned to winning ways in the final, being the only truck to race for the duration. Champion took second place, with 6 laps complete, half of Blaber's final count. Alan Wong filled third place.
With two rounds of the series gone, Ben Champion leads the way with 397 points out of a possible 400, with Chris Mcanulty, his nearest rival, on 389 points.
Truggies
Once again the Truggies provided the largest class of racing.
Heat 1 involved some very close racing. Alan Wong, Rob Higgs and Richard Ford won one race each. However, no single driver totally dominated this heat, with several drivers completing the same number of laps as the winner.
Heat 2 included Clanfield driver Simon Freeman, who had dominated round 1 of the Winter Series. But unlike the weather, this was not to be a repeat for Freeman. He started with a win in race 1, slipped into second place behind Justin Mackay for race 2, but pulled up in race 3 after 3 laps, whilst Mackay took his second win of the day.
The Truggy B final was taken by Mark Byrne, two laps clear of second placed Adam Dobson, and 5 laps clear of all other runners.
Justin Mackay continued his winning ways, taking the Truggy A final, with Simon Freeman in 2nd place 1 lap behind, and Rob Higgs in 3rd place, another lap adrift of the winner.
Current standings have Simon Freeman leading the way on 395 points. There is a long gap to second placed Martyn Poolman on 377 points. So, even at this early stage, Freeman is clearly the man to beat.
Once again the Truggies provided the largest class of racing.
Heat 1 involved some very close racing. Alan Wong, Rob Higgs and Richard Ford won one race each. However, no single driver totally dominated this heat, with several drivers completing the same number of laps as the winner.
Heat 2 included Clanfield driver Simon Freeman, who had dominated round 1 of the Winter Series. But unlike the weather, this was not to be a repeat for Freeman. He started with a win in race 1, slipped into second place behind Justin Mackay for race 2, but pulled up in race 3 after 3 laps, whilst Mackay took his second win of the day.
The Truggy B final was taken by Mark Byrne, two laps clear of second placed Adam Dobson, and 5 laps clear of all other runners.
Justin Mackay continued his winning ways, taking the Truggy A final, with Simon Freeman in 2nd place 1 lap behind, and Rob Higgs in 3rd place, another lap adrift of the winner.
Current standings have Simon Freeman leading the way on 395 points. There is a long gap to second placed Martyn Poolman on 377 points. So, even at this early stage, Freeman is clearly the man to beat.
Buggies
Heat 1 of the Buggies was dominated by two drivers. James Baxter took a first and two second places. Once again, Tom Maisey proved his ability as a driver if only his buggy would stay the course. Lasting only two laps in the first race, he won races two and three.
Heat two repeated the Rob Rasey - Tony Bolwell rivalry from the November running of the series, with Mark Johnson mixing it with them. Rasey won two races to Bolwell's one, with Mark Johnson taking 2nd place in all 3 rounds.
Johnson, saving his best until late in the day, emerged winner of the Buggy final, a mere 4 seconds ahead of Rasey, with Baxter half a minute behind in third place.
The positions in the Buggy final are also reflected in the current standings after two rounds. Rob Rasey leads with 395 points out of 400, Mark Johnson is second on 385 points, with Tony Bolwell third on 376 points. Taking 4th places in the Buggy final has moved Tom Maisey into 4th place overall, on 368 points.
With two rounds of the Mirage Winters Series gone, four to go, with four rounds counting, the series is still wide open. There are clear front runners, but the opportunity is still there for regular or new faces to make their mark.
Heat 1 of the Buggies was dominated by two drivers. James Baxter took a first and two second places. Once again, Tom Maisey proved his ability as a driver if only his buggy would stay the course. Lasting only two laps in the first race, he won races two and three.
Heat two repeated the Rob Rasey -
Johnson, saving his best until late in the day, emerged winner of the Buggy final, a mere 4 seconds ahead of Rasey, with Baxter half a minute behind in third place.
The positions in the Buggy final are also reflected in the current standings after two rounds. Rob Rasey leads with 395 points out of 400, Mark Johnson is second on 385 points, with Tony Bolwell third on 376 points. Taking 4th places in the Buggy final has moved Tom Maisey into 4th place overall, on 368 points.
With two rounds of the Mirage Winters Series gone, four to go, with four rounds counting, the series is still wide open. There are clear front runners, but the opportunity is still there for regular or new faces to make their mark.
*
Mirage Winter Series - Round 2 - Sunday 11th December 2006
Review and pictures by Peter Maisey
Weather wise, round 2 of the Clanfield RC Club's Mirage Winter Series was very much déjà vu. As with round 1, race day was preceded with a week of heavy rain, and a frost on the morning of the meeting. The similarity was further extended by evidence of more motorcycle damage to the track.
With temperatures starting below zero but rising steadily, and with rain forecast for late afternoon, the track surface was bound to change through the course of the day.
The track was solid for the first few races, having frozen overnight. It was slippery enough to begin with to give problems to throttle happy drivers, even for trucks on the start-finish straight.
A slow thaw made for high grip racing in places, but the first corner remained slippery for most of the day. The top surface slowly thawed out until it was quite mushy, but still with some grip.
Round 3 will be held on Sunday 14th January, gates open at 7.30am, practice starts at 9.00am, with racing beginning at 9.30am. Further rounds will be held on February 11th and March 11th with the last round on April 8th.
Mirage Winter Series -
Weather wise, round 2 of the Clanfield RC Club's Mirage Winter Series was very much déjà vu. As with round 1, race day was preceded with a week of heavy rain, and a frost on the morning of the meeting. The similarity was further extended by evidence of more motorcycle damage to the track.
With temperatures starting below zero but rising steadily, and with rain forecast for late afternoon, the track surface was bound to change through the course of the day.
The track was solid for the first few races, having frozen overnight. It was slippery enough to begin with to give problems to throttle happy drivers, even for trucks on the start-
Round 3 will be held on Sunday 14th January, gates open at 7.30am, practice starts at 9.00am, with racing beginning at 9.30am. Further rounds will be held on February 11th and March 11th with the last round on April 8th.
Trucks
This category continues to grow in popularity and reliability. Round 3 had 7 entrants, most of whom started and finished every heat. No single driver dominated the heats. Alan Wong was the most consistent driver, with one win, a second and a fifth place, closely followed by Trevor De ath, with two second and a third.
The leading trucks are also showing a turn of speed, with Jex Blaber and Alan Wong both managing eight laps on one occasion each, a distance not bettered by any other class.
The final simply confirmed the heats, with Alan Wong competing 14 laps, one ahead of second placed Trevor De ath, and two laps ahead of Ben Champion.
Ben Champion currently leads the class, with Chris Mcanulty in second place. These are the only two drivers to have competed in all 3 rounds so far. But with seven of the nine entrants to date having completed in two rounds, the series is still wide open.
This category continues to grow in popularity and reliability. Round 3 had 7 entrants, most of whom started and finished every heat. No single driver dominated the heats. Alan Wong was the most consistent driver, with one win, a second and a fifth place, closely followed by Trevor De ath, with two second and a third.
The leading trucks are also showing a turn of speed, with Jex Blaber and Alan Wong both managing eight laps on one occasion each, a distance not bettered by any other class.
The final simply confirmed the heats, with Alan Wong competing 14 laps, one ahead of second placed Trevor De ath, and two laps ahead of Ben Champion.
Ben Champion currently leads the class, with Chris Mcanulty in second place. These are the only two drivers to have competed in all 3 rounds so far. But with seven of the nine entrants to date having completed in two rounds, the series is still wide open.
Truggies
Like the Trucks, heat 1 of the Truggy event was dominated by no single driver. Damien Tutton appeared the most consistent driver starting with a win in the first round, but slipping to third and fourth in subsequent rounds.
Heat two saw the usual suspects leading the way, with a couple of exceptions. Grant Fibbens and Justin Mackay swapped places in rounds 1 and 2, with a win and runners up place a piece. Whilst Justin took a second runners up spot in round 3, Grant failed to make it to the start line.
The form of Simon Freeman, currently leading the Truggy series, was another surprise. Not starting in round 1, he just scraped into 3rd place, a mere 5 seconds ahead of Mark Byrne, in round 2. The status quo was returned in round 3, when Simon took his first win of the day.
Martyn Poolman took the win in the Truggy 'B' Final. In a close run affair, Martyn was one of four drivers on twenty laps, Ben Champion taking the runners up spot.
The top four drivers from the 'B' final were bumped up to the 'A' final. Ben Champion fared best of this group, finishing in 5th place, some 3 laps behind winner Justin Mackay.
Current standings after three rounds still have Simon Freeman out in front, followed some distance behind by Mark Byrne and Martin Poolman. However, Simon would do well to look over his shoulder at several drivers who have competed in two of the three rounds so far, and have produced some consistent results. In particular Justin Mackay has entered two rounds of the series and has won both.
Like the Trucks, heat 1 of the Truggy event was dominated by no single driver. Damien Tutton appeared the most consistent driver starting with a win in the first round, but slipping to third and fourth in subsequent rounds.
Heat two saw the usual suspects leading the way, with a couple of exceptions. Grant Fibbens and Justin Mackay swapped places in rounds 1 and 2, with a win and runners up place a piece. Whilst Justin took a second runners up spot in round 3, Grant failed to make it to the start line.
The form of Simon Freeman, currently leading the Truggy series, was another surprise. Not starting in round 1, he just scraped into 3rd place, a mere 5 seconds ahead of Mark Byrne, in round 2. The status quo was returned in round 3, when Simon took his first win of the day.
Martyn Poolman took the win in the Truggy 'B' Final. In a close run affair, Martyn was one of four drivers on twenty laps, Ben Champion taking the runners up spot.
The top four drivers from the 'B' final were bumped up to the 'A' final. Ben Champion fared best of this group, finishing in 5th place, some 3 laps behind winner Justin Mackay.
Current standings after three rounds still have Simon Freeman out in front, followed some distance behind by Mark Byrne and Martin Poolman. However, Simon would do well to look over his shoulder at several drivers who have competed in two of the three rounds so far, and have produced some consistent results. In particular Justin Mackay has entered two rounds of the series and has won both.
Buggies
Far more consistency was seen in the buggies. Heat 1 was largely the Martyn Meddick / Matt Ross show, with Scott Champion and Rob Stevens-White trying to break their dominance.
Rachel Merry took two of the three rounds of heat 2, closely pursued by Mark Johnson. A clean sweep for Rachel was only spoilt by Marc Knight wining round 1. Tony Bolwell kept plugging away with a 5th and two 3rd places.
Marc Jacka took the Buggy 'B' Final, 10 seconds ahead of Luke Cartwright, the only two drivers to complete 19 laps in the 15 minute race. These two drivers, plus 3rd and 4th placed Jim Eddins and Rob Stevens-White were bumped up to the 'A' final.
The twenty minute 'A' final was a repetition of heat two of the buggies. Rachel Merry, Mark Johnson and Marc Knight took the top 3 positions. Belying his lowly positions in the heats, Neil Catley filled 4th place, ahead of a number of drivers who had fared better in the heats.
The buggy standings, as with the truggies, are led by competitors who have entered all three rounds to date. Rob Rasey leads, with Mark Johnson only 4 points adrift in second place. Of those who have only competed in two events so far, Rachel Merry and James Baxter are well positioned to make an attack on the leading positions as the series progresses.
Far more consistency was seen in the buggies. Heat 1 was largely the Martyn Meddick / Matt Ross show, with Scott Champion and Rob Stevens-
Rachel Merry took two of the three rounds of heat 2, closely pursued by Mark Johnson. A clean sweep for Rachel was only spoilt by Marc Knight wining round 1. Tony Bolwell kept plugging away with a 5th and two 3rd places.
Marc Jacka took the Buggy 'B' Final, 10 seconds ahead of Luke Cartwright, the only two drivers to complete 19 laps in the 15 minute race. These two drivers, plus 3rd and 4th placed Jim Eddins and Rob Stevens-
The twenty minute 'A' final was a repetition of heat two of the buggies. Rachel Merry, Mark Johnson and Marc Knight took the top 3 positions. Belying his lowly positions in the heats, Neil Catley filled 4th place, ahead of a number of drivers who had fared better in the heats.
The buggy standings, as with the truggies, are led by competitors who have entered all three rounds to date. Rob Rasey leads, with Mark Johnson only 4 points adrift in second place. Of those who have only competed in two events so far, Rachel Merry and James Baxter are well positioned to make an attack on the leading positions as the series progresses.
*
Mirage Winter Series - Round 3 - Sunday 14th January 2007
Review and pictures by Peter Maisey
Glorious sunshine greeted competitors for round 3 of the Mirage sponsored Winter Series. But the low, close to freezing temperature seemed to catch everyone out though.
"But it was quite warm down in ..........". Simply replace ".........." with wherever you live.
A quick lesson in meteorology so you don't get caught out again.
As you gain altitude the temperature drops. Cold air is heavier than warm air. On very still nights the cold air from the top of the valley slides downhill into the bottom the valley and sits there. And that is why it was much colder than you might have expected on Sunday.
Lesson over, on with the race report.
Mirage Winter Series -
Glorious sunshine greeted competitors for round 3 of the Mirage sponsored Winter Series. But the low, close to freezing temperature seemed to catch everyone out though.
"But it was quite warm down in ..........". Simply replace ".........." with wherever you live.
A quick lesson in meteorology so you don't get caught out again.
As you gain altitude the temperature drops. Cold air is heavier than warm air. On very still nights the cold air from the top of the valley slides downhill into the bottom the valley and sits there. And that is why it was much colder than you might have expected on Sunday.
Lesson over, on with the race report.
Finally, thanks to Sarah Bolwell for her usual slick handling of all of the computer work necessary for the smooth running of the event. See you all for round 4 on Sunday 11th February.
Trucks
The truck heats were dominated by no single competitor.
Lionel Croucher won two of the three heats but Trevor De Ath and Michael Colbert both gave him a run for his money. Croucher was unable to make the start line for the final. Colbert was clearly having problems through the race. This left De Ath with an unobstructed run to the finishing line in first place.
Ben Champion leads the standings after 4 rounds. Although he has only completed 2 round so far, Trevor De Ath looks the most consistent of the truck drivers to date.
The truck heats were dominated by no single competitor.
Lionel Croucher won two of the three heats but Trevor De Ath and Michael Colbert both gave him a run for his money. Croucher was unable to make the start line for the final. Colbert was clearly having problems through the race. This left De Ath with an unobstructed run to the finishing line in first place.
Ben Champion leads the standings after 4 rounds. Although he has only completed 2 round so far, Trevor De Ath looks the most consistent of the truck drivers to date.
Truggies
Once again, the Truggies provided the biggest number of entrants.
The track modifications were clearly effecting lap times, up from around 37 seconds in earlier rounds, to 44 seconds a lap for the fastest competitors.
Heat 2 (Truggies) was the Mark Hamiln show, winning all 3 rounds.
The other leading positions swapped around somewhat with no dominant driver coming to the fore.
Grant Fibbens runner up spot in round 1 was followed by two non-starts.
Simon Hunter was probably the most consistent of the other drives, with a 2nd and 3rd place after not starting in round 1.
Heat 3 (Truggies) saw Rob Giles stamp his authority with two wins in 3 rounds, and was the only driver to achieve 8 laps in any of the heats. Barrie Davis chased hard to take two runners up spot, pushing Giles into 2nd place in round 3.
B final Truggies
Surely a mistake here? Simon Freeman winning the B final. Not getting directly into the A final? No mistake, as his best results was 4th in round 1 followed by two non-starts. Both Freeman and Grant Fibbens pulled 3 clear laps ahead of 3rd placed Kevin Twine. Their success had them bumped up to the A finals long with Twine and Steve Crabbe.
A final Truggies
Rob Giles continued his winning ways, taking the A final from Barrie Davis, Mark Byrne and Elliot Bracher, all of whom completed 26 laps, two less than Giles 28 laps
The overall standings see Simon Freeman's lead somewhat reduced after a below par meeting. It is Mark Byrne who is closing that gap, but other likely contenders still have the remaining rounds to prove themselves worthy of the series title.
Once again, the Truggies provided the biggest number of entrants.
The track modifications were clearly effecting lap times, up from around 37 seconds in earlier rounds, to 44 seconds a lap for the fastest competitors.
Heat 2 (Truggies) was the Mark Hamiln show, winning all 3 rounds.
The other leading positions swapped around somewhat with no dominant driver coming to the fore.
Grant Fibbens runner up spot in round 1 was followed by two non-
Heat 3 (Truggies) saw Rob Giles stamp his authority with two wins in 3 rounds, and was the only driver to achieve 8 laps in any of the heats. Barrie Davis chased hard to take two runners up spot, pushing Giles into 2nd place in round 3.
B final Truggies
Surely a mistake here? Simon Freeman winning the B final. Not getting directly into the A final? No mistake, as his best results was 4th in round 1 followed by two non-
Rob Giles continued his winning ways, taking the A final from Barrie Davis, Mark Byrne and Elliot Bracher, all of whom completed 26 laps, two less than Giles 28 laps
The overall standings see Simon Freeman's lead somewhat reduced after a below par meeting. It is Mark Byrne who is closing that gap, but other likely contenders still have the remaining rounds to prove themselves worthy of the series title.
Buggies
Heat 4 (Buggies) had a similar pattern of winners to the truggies. John Abbot won two, Phil Cooper the third. Cooper also vied with Matty McVicar for the minor placings in rounds 1 and 2.
Heat 5 (Buggies) was a real yoyo event for Tony Bolwell. First place, did not start, 5th place. Only Grant Fibbens appeared to show any consistency, moving from 3rd to 2nd to 1st place as the rounds progressed.
Buggies final
Neil Cattley took this final. Having been consistent in his heat, just outside the top places in each round, he led Grant Fibbens home by a clear lap, with a two lap lead over Tony Bolwell. Looking at laps completed in the "below podium "places, most drivers appear to have had mechanical or electrical failure of some kind. Too much rain? Probably not, as the weather and the track had dried in time for the finals.
Overall standing see Tony Bolwell rocket to the top of the standings. Three other drives have now completed 4 rounds. But as with the truggies there are a number of drivers with 3 rounds under their belt who are in a good position to attack that top place.
Heat 4 (Buggies) had a similar pattern of winners to the truggies. John Abbot won two, Phil Cooper the third. Cooper also vied with Matty McVicar for the minor placings in rounds 1 and 2.
Heat 5 (Buggies) was a real yoyo event for Tony Bolwell. First place, did not start, 5th place. Only Grant Fibbens appeared to show any consistency, moving from 3rd to 2nd to 1st place as the rounds progressed.
Buggies final
Neil Cattley took this final. Having been consistent in his heat, just outside the top places in each round, he led Grant Fibbens home by a clear lap, with a two lap lead over Tony Bolwell. Looking at laps completed in the "below podium "places, most drivers appear to have had mechanical or electrical failure of some kind. Too much rain? Probably not, as the weather and the track had dried in time for the finals.
Overall standing see Tony Bolwell rocket to the top of the standings. Three other drives have now completed 4 rounds. But as with the truggies there are a number of drivers with 3 rounds under their belt who are in a good position to attack that top place.
*
Mirage Winter Series - Round 4 - Sunday 11th February 2007
Review by Peter Maisey, pictures by Will and Phil.
Yet another frosty start to another sunny race day. Oops, sorry, wrong round. I suppose it had to happen some time. Overnight rain, followed by early morning rain, then mid morning and late morning rain. Despite a lousy forecast, and thoughts of cancellation, round 4 went ahead as planned. By the time the finals arrived, better weather had arrived and the track's quick drying properties came to the fore.
Inevitably, the numbers of competitors were down a little on previous rounds, but by way of consolation for the poor weather, there was extra track to play with. Over the previous couple of weekends, Tony Bolwell and club members had not only extended the track, but had also added a few extra jumps and bends.
Peter was too busy scribblin and scabblin this time to take pictures, these below are Peter’s from R3 - Admin.
Mirage Winter Series -
Yet another frosty start to another sunny race day. Oops, sorry, wrong round. I suppose it had to happen some time. Overnight rain, followed by early morning rain, then mid morning and late morning rain. Despite a lousy forecast, and thoughts of cancellation, round 4 went ahead as planned. By the time the finals arrived, better weather had arrived and the track's quick drying properties came to the fore.
Inevitably, the numbers of competitors were down a little on previous rounds, but by way of consolation for the poor weather, there was extra track to play with. Over the previous couple of weekends, Tony Bolwell and club members had not only extended the track, but had also added a few extra jumps and bends.
Peter was too busy scribblin and scabblin this time to take pictures, these below are Peter’s from R3 -
Trucks
The Truck heats were dominated by Jez Blaber and Lionel Croucher. Although both won two heats each, Croucher was by far the more consistent, with two second places as well. Blaber's performance was akin to a yo-yo, including a 4th and DNS. Fortunately his performance was on an upswing for the truck final, again beating Croucher into 2nd place.
With Ben Champion, the leader after round 5, not contending this final event, both he and Blaber finished the series on equal points, with the title going to Blaber on count back. Croucher's consistency over the series earned him the final rostrum spot.
The Truck heats were dominated by Jez Blaber and Lionel Croucher. Although both won two heats each, Croucher was by far the more consistent, with two second places as well. Blaber's performance was akin to a yo-
Truggies
After Round 5 of the series, the buggy series title was within the grasp of several drivers, with only 20 points covering the first six in the series so far.
Heat 1 was a three driver affair, with Nick Gilbert taking 3 of the 4 rounds, Jess Saunders taking the 4th round, and sharing the other rounds' leading places with Richard Bettaney.
Heat 2 was the second visit of Elliot Boots to the Clanfield track. He continued where he left off, winning 3 of the 4 heats, with Rob Rasey preventing a clean sweep. Boots was also the only driver to achieve 8 laps in 3 rounds of the heats.
Behind Boots, who had completed insufficient rounds of the series to win, several potential winners were accumulating points. Truggy winner Grant Fibbens, Rachel Merry, Rob Rasey and Mark Johnson all had varying successes, but each was still a potential overall winner.
The 30 minute final was a reflection of the heats, with Boots always in 1st place, building up a commanding lead by the end of a 43 lap race. He was followed home, 2 laps adrift, by Jess Saunders and Nick Gilbert.
His 5th place was good enough to ensure Grant Fibbens took home the buggy title. Rob Rasey's 4th place secured overal 2nd place. Mark Johnson, leader after the series 5th round, didn't make the 6th round, but still managed to hang onto 3rd place overall.
After Round 5 of the series, the buggy series title was within the grasp of several drivers, with only 20 points covering the first six in the series so far.
Heat 1 was a three driver affair, with Nick Gilbert taking 3 of the 4 rounds, Jess Saunders taking the 4th round, and sharing the other rounds' leading places with Richard Bettaney.
Heat 2 was the second visit of Elliot Boots to the Clanfield track. He continued where he left off, winning 3 of the 4 heats, with Rob Rasey preventing a clean sweep. Boots was also the only driver to achieve 8 laps in 3 rounds of the heats.
Behind Boots, who had completed insufficient rounds of the series to win, several potential winners were accumulating points. Truggy winner Grant Fibbens, Rachel Merry, Rob Rasey and Mark Johnson all had varying successes, but each was still a potential overall winner.
The 30 minute final was a reflection of the heats, with Boots always in 1st place, building up a commanding lead by the end of a 43 lap race. He was followed home, 2 laps adrift, by Jess Saunders and Nick Gilbert.
His 5th place was good enough to ensure Grant Fibbens took home the buggy title. Rob Rasey's 4th place secured overal 2nd place. Mark Johnson, leader after the series 5th round, didn't make the 6th round, but still managed to hang onto 3rd place overall.
Buggies
Prior to round six, three Clanfield drivers were leading the series, and it was these same three who fought to the final flag for the series title.
Series leader Simon Freeman looked on course to take the title with a win by a clear lap in round 1. Contenders Grant Fribbens and Mark Byrne followed him home in 2nd and 3rd place. From then on, these 3 swapped places with Fibbens completing all 4 rounds slightly ahead of the other two, with two wins.
At the start of the A final, the points were so close that positions in the final event of the entire series would determine who took the title. Throughout the 30 minute final there was little to split Freeman, Fribbens and Byrne, with positions constantly swapping. Only towards the end of the final did Freeman fall back from the leading two drivers, although he had his work cut out to hold onto 3rd place, with several drivers hot on his heels.
Fribbens and Byrne continued to race hard fore 1st place, managing to pull out a 2 lap lead over all other drivers in the process. Only on lap 39, Fribbens took the lead for the final time, to hold on for the remaining 3 laps.
The last gasp win by Fribbens have him the title, to accompany the Buggy title he had already secured. Byrne's final effort was not quite enough to overtake early series leader Freeman, who took 2nd place in the series, 5 points behind the winner.
Prior to round six, three Clanfield drivers were leading the series, and it was these same three who fought to the final flag for the series title.
Series leader Simon Freeman looked on course to take the title with a win by a clear lap in round 1. Contenders Grant Fribbens and Mark Byrne followed him home in 2nd and 3rd place. From then on, these 3 swapped places with Fibbens completing all 4 rounds slightly ahead of the other two, with two wins.
At the start of the A final, the points were so close that positions in the final event of the entire series would determine who took the title. Throughout the 30 minute final there was little to split Freeman, Fribbens and Byrne, with positions constantly swapping. Only towards the end of the final did Freeman fall back from the leading two drivers, although he had his work cut out to hold onto 3rd place, with several drivers hot on his heels.
Fribbens and Byrne continued to race hard fore 1st place, managing to pull out a 2 lap lead over all other drivers in the process. Only on lap 39, Fribbens took the lead for the final time, to hold on for the remaining 3 laps.
The last gasp win by Fribbens have him the title, to accompany the Buggy title he had already secured. Byrne's final effort was not quite enough to overtake early series leader Freeman, who took 2nd place in the series, 5 points behind the winner.
*
Winter Series - Round 6 Sunday15th 2007
Review by Peter Maisey, pictures by Will and A Nother
Starting back in November 2006, some 60 truggies, 56 buggies and 11 trucks have taken part in the Clanfield RC Club Winter Series. Coming into the sixth and final round, top positions were still up for grabs in all three categories. In reality it was likely that the champions in each category would come from the current leaders, but seven drivers were in a position to take the Truck championship, seventeen in the Truggies, and sixteen in the buggies.
By total contrast from previous rounds, when cold & often frosty conditions prevailed, the final round was strictly shirtsleeves and sun tans, and a bone dry track.
Winter Series -
Starting back in November 2006, some 60 truggies, 56 buggies and 11 trucks have taken part in the Clanfield RC Club Winter Series. Coming into the sixth and final round, top positions were still up for grabs in all three categories. In reality it was likely that the champions in each category would come from the current leaders, but seven drivers were in a position to take the Truck championship, seventeen in the Truggies, and sixteen in the buggies.
By total contrast from previous rounds, when cold & often frosty conditions prevailed, the final round was strictly shirtsleeves and sun tans, and a bone dry track.
Overall the series has proved a great success, with the quick drying nature of the track during a very wet winter ensuring all rounds were held, with only round 4 being delayed by a couple of hours while surface water drained.
The track had been modified throughout the winter, increasing in length by 10% with more jumps and turns, and the consensus was for the better.
Congratulations must go to the Clanfield club, Tony and Sarah Bolwell in particular. And some superb prizes were also donated by Bolwextric.
The club is looking forward to a great summer's racing, which includes a summer series, Wednesday night and Sunday morning practice, the first UK XRAY Challenge, round 5 of the SRS Series, and one round of the Buggy, Truggy and Truck Nationals. So a busy year ahead.
The track had been modified throughout the winter, increasing in length by 10% with more jumps and turns, and the consensus was for the better.
Congratulations must go to the Clanfield club, Tony and Sarah Bolwell in particular. And some superb prizes were also donated by Bolwextric.
The club is looking forward to a great summer's racing, which includes a summer series, Wednesday night and Sunday morning practice, the first UK XRAY Challenge, round 5 of the SRS Series, and one round of the Buggy, Truggy and Truck Nationals. So a busy year ahead.
Trucks
Ben Champion dominated all three rounds prior to the finals, with 2 wins and a 2nd place. Only Jez Blaber spoilt a clean sweep, taking the win in round 1. Finishing 3rd in each of the rounds, Trevor De Ath was never too far behind the two leaders.
It is noticeable, over the rounds, that the trucks are gradually becoming more robust, with more completing all 3 rounds, and running for the duration of the finals. However, for the final, Ben Champion's luck ran out after 5 laps. Blaber took full advantage, to take first place, 2 laps ahead of Lionel Croucher, and a further 2 laps ahead of 3rd placed De Ath.
The current standings have drivers who have competed in 4 rounds of the series topping the table. Ben Champion leads from Chris Mcanulty, with Oliver Green 3rd. There are, however, 4 drivers with scores from 3 rounds, in a position to leapfrog those at the top of the table. So this series will go down to the final race at the final meeting.
Ben Champion dominated all three rounds prior to the finals, with 2 wins and a 2nd place. Only Jez Blaber spoilt a clean sweep, taking the win in round 1. Finishing 3rd in each of the rounds, Trevor De Ath was never too far behind the two leaders.
It is noticeable, over the rounds, that the trucks are gradually becoming more robust, with more completing all 3 rounds, and running for the duration of the finals. However, for the final, Ben Champion's luck ran out after 5 laps. Blaber took full advantage, to take first place, 2 laps ahead of Lionel Croucher, and a further 2 laps ahead of 3rd placed De Ath.
The current standings have drivers who have competed in 4 rounds of the series topping the table. Ben Champion leads from Chris Mcanulty, with Oliver Green 3rd. There are, however, 4 drivers with scores from 3 rounds, in a position to leapfrog those at the top of the table. So this series will go down to the final race at the final meeting.
Truggies
Heat 1 of the Truggies was totally controlled by one driver. Ed Kerry not only won all 3 rounds but was only one of two drivers in any class to manage 8 laps, a feat he repeated in two of the three rounds. Rachel Merry was the other consistent driver in this heat, taking 2nd place in each round. Ben Champion was the only other driver to maintain any real consistency, with two 3rd places.
There was much less consistency in heat 2 of the Truggies. Mark Byrne, Grant Fibbens and Barrie Davis grabbed one win a piece. Fibbens was easily the best of the leading drivers with two 2nd places as well.
The Truggy B final was won by Richard Iles. Although not in the top 3 places in any heat, he had been consistently plugging away just outside the podium places,. it was no runaway win though, with 2nd placed Jon Legg and 3rd placed Rob Higgs, both completing 19 laps, the same as the winner. These 3 drivers, plus 4th placed Cameron Taylor found themselves promoted to the Truggy A final.
Ed Kerry's winning weekend continued, with yet another 1st place in the Truggy A final. A clear lap ahead of 2nd placed Grant Fibbens and two clear of Rachel Merry, his lap times were only a second or two faster. However, his pitting laps were some 10 seconds quicker than most of his fellow competitors, with times in the low 50's compared to the low 60's.
Simon Freeman heads the Truggy league table, ahead of 11 other competitors who have completed at least 4 rounds. Mark Byrne and Grant Fibbens are hot on his heels, especially with his early form slipping a little. Of the drivers with 3 completed rounds in the series, there is nobody close enough to chase this leading trio going into the final round.
Heat 1 of the Truggies was totally controlled by one driver. Ed Kerry not only won all 3 rounds but was only one of two drivers in any class to manage 8 laps, a feat he repeated in two of the three rounds. Rachel Merry was the other consistent driver in this heat, taking 2nd place in each round. Ben Champion was the only other driver to maintain any real consistency, with two 3rd places.
There was much less consistency in heat 2 of the Truggies. Mark Byrne, Grant Fibbens and Barrie Davis grabbed one win a piece. Fibbens was easily the best of the leading drivers with two 2nd places as well.
The Truggy B final was won by Richard Iles. Although not in the top 3 places in any heat, he had been consistently plugging away just outside the podium places,. it was no runaway win though, with 2nd placed Jon Legg and 3rd placed Rob Higgs, both completing 19 laps, the same as the winner. These 3 drivers, plus 4th placed Cameron Taylor found themselves promoted to the Truggy A final.
Ed Kerry's winning weekend continued, with yet another 1st place in the Truggy A final. A clear lap ahead of 2nd placed Grant Fibbens and two clear of Rachel Merry, his lap times were only a second or two faster. However, his pitting laps were some 10 seconds quicker than most of his fellow competitors, with times in the low 50's compared to the low 60's.
Simon Freeman heads the Truggy league table, ahead of 11 other competitors who have completed at least 4 rounds. Mark Byrne and Grant Fibbens are hot on his heels, especially with his early form slipping a little. Of the drivers with 3 completed rounds in the series, there is nobody close enough to chase this leading trio going into the final round.
See you all for the 6th and final round on Sunday 15th April.
Sandwiched between early morning and late evening showers, Round 5 of the Mirage Winter Series had wind, cold wind, and lots of it. But at least it stayed dry.
For anybody who hasn’t been to the track since the last round of the series, there have been some considerable changes. The track has been lengthened, with more jumps and turns introduced. Club members who worked on the changes felt the effort had definitely been worthwhile. The result of their efforts was a more technical track, with a much greater emphasis on driving skill than raw speed. Small mistakes became significant in terms of ground lost.
And Sarah Bolwell got to do her timekeeping in the more civilized environment of a solid wooden hut instead of a flappy red tent.
For anybody who hasn’t been to the track since the last round of the series, there have been some considerable changes. The track has been lengthened, with more jumps and turns introduced. Club members who worked on the changes felt the effort had definitely been worthwhile. The result of their efforts was a more technical track, with a much greater emphasis on driving skill than raw speed. Small mistakes became significant in terms of ground lost.
And Sarah Bolwell got to do her timekeeping in the more civilized environment of a solid wooden hut instead of a flappy red tent.
The wind created a rapidly drying track, with a definite racing line. On it was quick, off it was dusty and slippery with much less grip. The result of this and the more demanding track meant marshals were kept working more than usual. However, times were still pretty quick, with plenty of drivers recording 7 laps complete in the 5 minute heats. The extra track and corners also added about 10% to average lap times, up from around 40 seconds at the beginning of the series, to over 44 seconds in round 5.
The other significant change at the end of round 5 was the positions in each class. A number of drivers reached their "4 races to count" in this round. Leaders after round 4 suddenly found themselves relegated to lower positions in the series.
The other significant change at the end of round 5 was the positions in each class. A number of drivers reached their "4 races to count" in this round. Leaders after round 4 suddenly found themselves relegated to lower positions in the series.
Buggies
Having had a slight dip in results in recent rounds, Rob Rasey returned to winning ways in the first of the buggy heats. Two firsts and a second place made him the most successful driver in this heat. All three rounds were all pretty close run things, with several drivers on the same lap total as the winner, and most of the remaining drivers only 1 lap adrift.
Rachel Merry, Grant Fibbens and Mark Johnson shared the glory of the second of the buggy heats. As with heat 1, most drivers finished within a lap of the winner of each round. Round 3 also saw the only Buggy qualifier 8 laps completed, courtesy of Mr. Fibbens.
Ed Kerry's truggy success didn't quite carry through into the buggies, although he did secure a win in the the B final. Kevin Brown, who had mixed results in his heat, managed to stay within 1 lap of Kerry, 3 clear laps ahead of 3rd placed Mark Jacka. These 3, with Ian Billet, were then invited to thrash their buggies for a further 20 minutes in the A final.
The Buggy A final was the closest race of the day. After 20 minutes and 28 laps, Rachel Merry led the race home a mere 5 seconds ahead of Mark Johnson, with Grant Fibbens a lap adrift in 3rd place.
Current standings in the Buggy category changed dramatically after this round of races. The top 5 positions are now taken by drivers who achieved 4 counting races at this meeting. Mark Johnson leads the way with Rachel Merry and Rob Rasey equal 2nd. Less than 20 points separate the top 6 places, so there is still plenty to aim for in the final round of the series on 15th April.
Having had a slight dip in results in recent rounds, Rob Rasey returned to winning ways in the first of the buggy heats. Two firsts and a second place made him the most successful driver in this heat. All three rounds were all pretty close run things, with several drivers on the same lap total as the winner, and most of the remaining drivers only 1 lap adrift.
Rachel Merry, Grant Fibbens and Mark Johnson shared the glory of the second of the buggy heats. As with heat 1, most drivers finished within a lap of the winner of each round. Round 3 also saw the only Buggy qualifier 8 laps completed, courtesy of Mr. Fibbens.
Ed Kerry's truggy success didn't quite carry through into the buggies, although he did secure a win in the the B final. Kevin Brown, who had mixed results in his heat, managed to stay within 1 lap of Kerry, 3 clear laps ahead of 3rd placed Mark Jacka. These 3, with Ian Billet, were then invited to thrash their buggies for a further 20 minutes in the A final.
The Buggy A final was the closest race of the day. After 20 minutes and 28 laps, Rachel Merry led the race home a mere 5 seconds ahead of Mark Johnson, with Grant Fibbens a lap adrift in 3rd place.
Current standings in the Buggy category changed dramatically after this round of races. The top 5 positions are now taken by drivers who achieved 4 counting races at this meeting. Mark Johnson leads the way with Rachel Merry and Rob Rasey equal 2nd. Less than 20 points separate the top 6 places, so there is still plenty to aim for in the final round of the series on 15th April.
