Cars and Winners
From early Friday our entrants started arriving in Kirkistown, some for testing. Weather was slightly damp but drying for Saturday. It was an early start with 09:00 qualifying for the 10 HRCA starters followed by the pre 55 and Austin 7’s. No dramas in qualifying, so all on grid for the first race.
John Benson was followed home by Gareth Thompson, Mark Russell in his new to him Morgan Plus 8 making up the top three. A first lap minor touch between Jackie and Bernard resulted in a DNF for Bernard, Jackie finishing 4th.
Wolfgang took an early lead ahead of Johnny in the Midgets, but decided to do a 360 as he was giving John Benson space to lap, the engine kept running and he was off again just ahead of Johnny, and by setting a personal best on the next lap stayed ahead.
Race 2 saw the order of finish as Gareth, Mark and Bernard. Jackie had a little spin going into the Esses, Clive Brandon had a similar experience on the previous corner, lucky (skilful?) to spin out without damage. Derek Kelly in Conor’s Midget tried a bit too hard too soon and also spun out, no damage, but the starter decided not to co-operate and he could not rejoin. John Benson did set 2nd fastest lap early 0.3 seconds behind Bernard’s fastest lap 1:04:09 but did not finish.
Wolfgang and Johnnie swopped places a few times with Wolfgang taking the honours at the finish.
Our supporters in attendance included our Chairman Willie Fenton, Team Manager Conor Cooke, Noel and Andrea, the Cochrane and Thompson clans, and making a welcome return to Ireland Anne Lait ex Formula VW.
The Garth Maxwell Trophy was presented to Mark Russell for his great results 2nd and 3rd and still learning the car.
Our thanks from the HRCA to the 500 MRCI Club – Gary Dunlop, Mark Kelly, all officials and the Marshalls, for a great event, well organised and run to time.
WS
