Round 16 - Lydden, Saturday 15th July
Pilgrims’ Progress
Arriving together, Hank and Blower were greeted with mild and dry conditions (of course) and quickly found a nice, tarmac, level(ish) spot in the ample paddock. After feasting on Ibuprofen and various other concoctions Hank wound down his window to explain to Blower that it may take some time to extricate himself from his car as he’d done his back in a few days earlier whilst working on his immaculate M in the evenings. Once out of the driver’s seat he proclaimed that whilst he had done a recent trackday here, it was interrupted by his motor catching fire (twice!), this all sounded to Blower like an attempt at mitigation even before unpacking for the day. |
Shortly after scrutineering we were joined by Andrew Gray (aka Rumplestiltskin) the local RO who arrived in his beautiful 1969 (now V8) Tuscan, who chatted to us at length before snapping away with his camera (thanks Andrew for the photos).
And so to 1st (and only practice), the format is slightly different here in that practice consists of 2.75 laps (inc. 2 flying) whereas competitive runs are 1.75 laps (inc. 1 flying) each. Hank put in a respectable effort (considering by now he was “near death” through back pain), whilst Blower blew off (an induction pipe) and lost most of his charge. When returned to the paddock, guest Andrew appeared from nowhere, heroically diving to the floor in front of Blowers car to adjust his splitter having witnessed it rubbing the ground.
And so to 1st (and only practice), the format is slightly different here in that practice consists of 2.75 laps (inc. 2 flying) whereas competitive runs are 1.75 laps (inc. 1 flying) each. Hank put in a respectable effort (considering by now he was “near death” through back pain), whilst Blower blew off (an induction pipe) and lost most of his charge. When returned to the paddock, guest Andrew appeared from nowhere, heroically diving to the floor in front of Blowers car to adjust his splitter having witnessed it rubbing the ground.
A fellow competitor, Tony Bradfield from Classic Marques was an early casualty in his white 350i Wedge which had been baulked in 1st practice. He was offered a re-run but shortly after his 2nd warm up broke down with reported ignition trouble and retired for the day.
Hank’s partner “Leatherclad” Lina rolled up on her BMW bike and brought us both some additional moral support. 1st competitive runs and both improved with Hank maintaining a healthy gap to Blower on handicap. The stewards came calling to warn Blower that his (homemade mk.6) front splitter was still too low and sparking so violently on the circuit that there was concern about damaging the track surface, so adjustments were made. |
Andrew then declared that his lunch at home was calling him, wished us well and roared off. We were then joined by Graham and Yvonne who are both serial TVR owners who cheered us on and spectated for the rest of the day.
Lunchtime brought us a very strange experience from the sky, really not quite sure what is was but it didn’t seem to register with Blower as he stayed sat under his “parasol”, but Hank and Lina decided it was best to find some shelter; they must be very sensitive to climate change! |
After lunch 2nd competitive runs saw slower times from every competitor, apparently the track surface had lost some grip, Hank put in a steady run saving himself for the 3rd, Blower failed to take the change in conditions into account and heroically saved a tail slide exiting Devil’s Elbow only to then flail unsuccessfully at the wheel taking a sideways lunge at the grass bank halfway up the hill. Luckily his very wide tyres and surprisingly robust wheels appeared to take all the impact resulting in a decent bounce back toward the circuit and a sheepish exit from T2.
Back in the paddock, the course car officials reunited Blower with his forlorn front splitter (he was heard to have mumbled something like “well at least they won’t b*****k me about that anymore”). Hank took a supervisory position whilst Lina valiantly helped Blower to dig out the debris from his wheels and tyres in time for T3 and the last runs of the day.
Back in the paddock, the course car officials reunited Blower with his forlorn front splitter (he was heard to have mumbled something like “well at least they won’t b*****k me about that anymore”). Hank took a supervisory position whilst Lina valiantly helped Blower to dig out the debris from his wheels and tyres in time for T3 and the last runs of the day.
3rd competitive runs count for our Championship, but do not for many so the earlier organised runs in number order were replaced by a bit of a free for all, this meant that Hank could get an earlier than expected last run, unfortunately without improvement but by now he was clinging onto life by his fingertips (he seems to be a bit of a drama queen if you ask me). Blower also made it to the line for a last attempt, with a tentative start (having not fully checked for any suspension/chassis damage) he decided he might as well try for a smoother style and felt as though he’d put in a decent time, unfortunately no time was recorded due to equipment failure and the promised offer of a re-run did not materialise, oh well, c’est la vie.
Overall, we all had an interesting day with Hank taking a thoroughly deserved big 25 and received his trophy (via Blower) gritting his teeth and holding back the tears (the back pain was really getting to him now the adrenalin was wearing off). He also got a reprimand from the Stewards for driving to the circuit with numbers already attached, he didn’t seem to think too much to that and subsequently demonstrated his anarchic side! |
A long, safe and steady (for differing reasons) drive home for both competitors brought the activities to a close.
N.B. 3 days later Hank was in A&E having his back treated, he really is a brave little soldier (or a bit daft!) Sprinting is Fun, so come on put some numbers on it! Blower out. (Photography: Andrew Gray, Lina, Hank) |