02/05/07 Another large entry list and NPB's aplenty:-
With a large list of SE entrants, and relatively low numbers in the other competitive classes, the weekend was always going to be frantic. Tuning for the RWYB track on the Saturday caused some frustration with many teams overpowering the slippery surface, though it did come round during the course of the afternoon. Well done to all those teams who persevered and managed to tune for the track conditions.
Ray Comer had a tough weekend with his motor, though he did narrow the problem down to a leaking intake manifold. A stout effort by Ray, Phil and Laurie means that it was largely fixed trackside. All being well he should make Shakey this weekend - well done guys.
New boy Mark Perkins in the ex Jon Webster 'stang' seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly, shaking down his new ride. Inevitably with almost every run he recorded a NPB. He finished up with a satisfying 10.71.....
NPB's were also recorded by big Ron Haslet (9.70) Alex McIntosh (8.92) Jerry Charles (8.38) and Jon Webster who was 'oh so close' to his first 'in session' 8 with a 9.03. Ian Hook with Europe's quickest hot rod 34 Ford (and for now borrowed motor) went 9.33 - I'll have a tenner on fatty recording an 8 soon, but please keep this bit quiet, we wouldn't want the engine's owner knowing. Still, it's fair to say it'll be nicely run in by the time the fat boys are finished with it.
All the early rounds produced some close racing and by the semi's the match up between Frosty and Splinter and old rivals Pateman and Lazenby were always going to be fiercely competitive - and they were. In a battle of epic proportions (that the top fuelers would have been proud of) Splinter outpeddled Frost to take the win light and a slightly out of shape Lazenby defeated Pateman.
In the final the two vets slugged it out for the top honours. Simultaneous burnouts followed by a mini burn down, Splinter went in first, Colin had a marginal reaction advantage as the big old '56' headed for the wall, it's yet to be confirmed if he lifted (at all) but at the stripe it was Splinter who got there first. His 8.14 defeating Colin's 8.22. This race goes down in history as the quickest, and fastest SE race ever. A joy to watch as was quoted by one of the UK's top engine builders "the most exciting race I have seen in SE competition in 15 years" some compliment given the source of the comment. So, it's congratulations to Splinter who not only won the event but also recorded low E/T with an 8.07, helped along no doubt by Chris Isac's fine chassis tuning skills (who was crewing in Mick Franklin's absence) hope your glass back's improving by now Mick..
The Real Steel Street Eliminator class moves on to Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend for round 3 with another strong field of entries, hopefully great weather and more, much more, close racing.
