Area News

21 racers turned out for the Fylde Area round to make for a busy days racing, especially with 11 entries in Novice.

Paul Jennings set the pace in the 1st Production Final which was only beaten by Barry Schofield In the 2nd Final to give them good positions but with the championship 1st place tied between Eddie Peaker & Callum Wood it was expected the 3rd Final would be close & produce the overall winner.This proved to be the case but the spoiler who made the close race with Callum was dad Dave. They had a very close race throughout with Dave just shading it but Callum taking the series title as he still beat Eddie on reserve score.

Although Paul Shepherd had already won the Sports title, helped by Martin Ellis racing Gp12 motors for the season, Martin could with wins on the day take both Saloon & F1 titles. However he retired after 2 segments of Saloon & managed his 2nd last place of the season in F1 to go with one 1st place – a feat only Martin could achieve!

This is not to say Paul had it all his own way & indeed he did not qualify top in any class & only made the B Final in Sports.

In Saloon my hopes after TQ were soon squashed as an early hit from traffic put paid to a challenge to Paul. Gordon Dickson ran him close but had problems in the last segment leaving Pete Clarkson to take 2nd & Ian Fitzpatrick 3rd from the B Final just a few feet ahead of David Sargent in a very close battle. Drive of the day came from Damon Ryland whose C Final run took him to 5th place!

F1 was the only class that qualifying form was largely followed through in the race with the same top 3 although Paul Shepherd managed to ease a couple of laps ahead of a delighted Pete Clarkson in 2nd with myself just over a lap down on Pete & just feet ahead of Gordon’s B Final total.

Stunning qualifier was Dave Wood in 4th which he converted to 6th place in the race for easily his best result to date.

I’m not quite sure if Martin technically qualified in Sports as he wedged his controller on the 1st band of the controller & walked away from the rostrum! This effort did have the desired effect of allowing him to race in the E Final but his controller/car failed to qualify last!

Paul drove his typical fast but steady race in the B Final & although Gordon had greater pure speed in the A was unable to beat Paul’s score. At the 3/4 stage David led & was on pace to overhaul Paul’s score but lost out badly in a track call incident to finish 3rd with the resurgent Pete Clarkson 4th.

So there we have it, congratulations to Paul on winning 3 titles again & to Callum on taking the Novice title. Newcomers are always great to see & Jade Slater made a very good debut season to take the adult Best Newcomer title. However I don’t think anyone could deny the most stunning debut for his age (4!!!) we have probably ever seen was junior Best Newcomer Harry Shepherd whose concentration, quiet manner & ability to drive even a strap sports car fast has left us all aghast. Well done Harry.

At the time of writing it is looking doubtful we will get all the extra places at the Nationals we want. So far we have an extra place in Saloon & we may get others but you will have to be patient. I will let racers know as soon as there is any news.

Good luck to all of you racing at the Nationals, we have very good prospects in all grades & I look forward to seeing you all racing the nation in Edinburgh.

Finally this month marks the end of an era. In all my years of attending area rounds (41) & many years before Margaret & Charlie Fitzpatrick have always attended & supported area rounds with their shop. They are now officially retiring from running Betta with son Ian taking over the business.

I am sure everyone in the area will join with me in thanking them for their great support within the area throughout the years & wish them the very best of health & happiness in the future.

Best regards,

Steve   

FULL RESULTS

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Fylde Area Round – 8 Mar 15

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