In March 2003, the boy
and girl racers in the club held a karting Grand Prix at Newport Supakart. With
thirteen deposits paid we entered what is called an Open Grand Prix, which
enables groups to hold events without being tied to the organiser’s minimum
number of drivers, as other parties make up any shortfall.
On arrival, we were told by the organisers that there would be a
delay in starting due to a group of Subaru Owners constantly complaining that
the Karts were either pulling to the left, pulling to the right or that one of
the karts was one mile an hour slower than the rest!!!!!!.
We finally got to put our "racing suits" on and it was
down the corridor for the drivers brief. A serious sounding marshal told us to
watch and take notice of the safety video, as anybody not adhering to the video
would be black-flagged. (Basher Brian had fallen asleep at this point).
The Grand Prix consisted of 4 heats of 5 laps, with the computer
randomly picking drivers and grid position. The Semi Final consisted of 5 laps,
with the top drivers of the heats getting pole. The Final consisted of 12 laps.
Points were awarded for the finishing positions of each race.
With adrenalin pumping and the leader board changing with every
race, all eyes were watching the screens to see who had made the final.
Out of the 20 odd drivers who had entered, Ceri, Mike, Peter and
Myself had made the final six and so with 12 laps to decide the best driver we
all made our way to the start line. Unfortunately a shunt from behind (its my
report so I can be biased) put me out of the running, but Mike went on after a
great race with somebody from another party to finish second with Ceri
finishing a respectable third.
It was a great afternoon out which I am sure will be repeated next
year.
Thanks Ceri for your help organising this event.
Mark Jones