HIYA!

GED’S OVERVIEW OF BELLE VUE 31st AUGUST 2009

After the very successful Tuesday sessions at Belle Vue, it was the return of heavy metal on Bank Holiday Monday with F1 and F2 stock cars plus 2 litre bangers on the agenda.

The weather had been changeable all day and, of course, it rained on and off during the meeting. However, the track was in excellent condition and, although a little wet and greasy, still provided fast racing on the superb racing surface.

A decent holiday crowd were treated to some close racing provided by the strong support from competitors filling the pits.

RACE 1: LADIES F2 BEN FUND

A healthy grid of eager, willing ladies were strapped in….calm down, Ged…and raring to go. Plenty of pushing and shoving provided two waved yellow sessions during the race; one for #185 stuck under the wires on the starting straight, and the second for #32 hitting the fence hard by the pit gate. #488 and #377 also found themselves heading fenceward in the race. The winner, starting from the back as she had won last year’s event, was MICHELLE PALMER (606) who carved her way through the opposition to take the laurels again…perhaps a lap handicap next time?
RESULT: 606,481,68,599,145,288,914,548,975,905

RACE 2: F1 WHITE & YELLOW GRADE RACE

Any race with “Mr. Entertainment” TIM WARWICK (307) in the line up is worth watching, and this was no exception. MIKE HEYWOOD (424) was one of Tim’s “targets” in this one and, with Mike’s help, Tim managed to also collect STEVE JACKLIN (136) and DAVE RUSSO (49) at the same time, as a result partially blocking turns 3 and 4.
HAYLEY PARKINSON (54), on paper, looked a good bet for this one, but JOE BOOTH (446) had other ideas and virtually headed the race from start to finish, with Hayley having to settle for second place, who in turn showed two of the visiting New Zealand drivers, SCOTTIE MYERS (NZ8) and DALE EWERS (NW2) the way home.
RESULT: 446,54,NZ8,NZ2,369,498,254,142,454,NOF

RACE 3: F2 HEAT 1

29 cars gridded for the first F2 race, and as the green flag flew, #917 struck the fence before passing Mr. Starter! JAMES DARLEY (227) pirouetted not once, but twice on the starting straight maybe thinking there was an agent for “Strictly Come Dancing” on the terraces? LEE JOHNSON (348) and MARTIN LOWE (548) hooked together and another “Parking Lot” formed on turn 4. DAVID MASSEY (977) appeared to have a very quick motor and was leading almost from the start, although as the race progressed, ANDREW PALMER (606) was in hot pursuit. As the laps ran down, it looked as thought Palmer would catch Massey, but the flying yellow top had enough in reserve and held off the charge, taking a great win.
Only got the top two in the results as the P.A. system was on the blink…again.
RESULT: 977,606

RACE 4: F1 HEAT 1

The big boys (and lady) were running two-thirds format tonight, and included several of the main contenders for the World Final. It was “one of those nights” for STUART SMITH Jnr (390), black-flagged in this race due to a broken bumper. Shortly after receiving the black flag, Stuart was accompanied to the fence by MALCOLM NIGHTI (NZ1) just to put a cap on his race.
A good tussle ensued in the race between JOE BOOTH (446) and JOFF GIBSON (249), the result being in doubt during the later laps as they were nose to tail. It was all decided with just one to go when Joe became slightly baulked by another car which allowed Joff to push him wide to nip through and take the win. Joe recovered and claimed a very creditable second place. During the race, ANDY FORD (13) found himself on top of a large tractor tyre, straddled with nowhere to go adjacent to the finish line.

RESULT: 249,446,4,515,21,321,35,276,307,49

RACE 5: BANGERS HEAT 1

Just thirteen attended, but put on a good show. The main talking point was the car (or should I say “vehicle”) being raced under #186….it was a SIX-WHEELED what can only be described as an ex-Motor Home!!! Brilliant…we want more of this fun element on track. Remember the Ice Cream Van brought out by Shovvy a few years back, complete with jingly music playing???
Unfortunately, the racer, although quite quick for it’s size, proved a little unwieldy around the bends and, regrettably, its’days were quickly numbered after being fenced. The front was all but destroyed and it didn’t reappear again…shame!
A good drive from LEON “BARTY” BARTON (109) gained the first of what would turn out to be a hat trick of wins during the event.

RESULT: 109,69,818,323,831,NOF

RACE 6: F2 HEAT 2

Another good grid of 26 cars provided another bout of waved yellows when the track was partially blocked by ANDY KAYE (533), STEVEN WOODRUP (646) and #966. A black flag was also shown to MIKE BRENNAN (968) as a wheel guard was flailing. Naughty Mike “didn’t see the black flag” for several laps until he was spun out, then the flag marshal made sure he saw it!!
Again, the P.A. gremlins prevented me from obtaining the full results, suffice to say that through the mayhem on track, BARRY GOLDIN (401) sped to one of his many victories at the ‘Vue.

RACE 7: F1 HEAT 2

“TIM WARWICK (307) on his way to a win over ANDY SMITH (391)”….well, this could have been the headline if waved yellows hadn’t been thrown due to #84 being stopped on the racing line. At the restart, FRANKIE WAINMAN Jnr (515) and DANIEL JOHNSON (4) tangled, delaying them both which left the door open for Smith to chase after Tim. The 307 driver tried his best but in the very late stages he was overcome by Andy, along with SCOTT DAVIDS (462) and ED NEACHELL (321), but he can still put on his “CV” that he headed home JOHN LUND (53) and FWJ (515)!!

RESULT: 391,321,462,307,53,515,212,4,249,337

RACE 8: F2 CONSOLATION

Another entertaining race from the Tooz, with 28 cars on the track, all jostling for the last remaining places in the F2 final.
Another waved yellow session due to three cars being tangled against the pits gate, #818, JOHN BAGULEY (9) and DAVID SHARP (400), provided a good battle during the remaining laps between GEORGE TURRICKI (186) and MIKE BRENNAN (968), red graded Brennan gaining every lap. It all happened in the latter stages as Brennan became baulked, and was pushed into another car by DAZ SHAW (377), delaying him even more. He recovered, only to finish 6th after his efforts. JOHN WRIGHT (448) who crossed the line in 8th place was docked four places for jumping the restart.

RESULT: 186,662,377,595,580,968,348,347,185,548

RACE 9: F1 HEAT 3

Waved yellows again in this race for COLIN CHAMBERS (454) stranded on the racing line, resulted in IKE PARKINSON (254) acting as the “hare” at the restart, only to drop out with a problem soon afterwards.
ANDY SMITH (391) was off and away, with a decent battle developing behind comprising DANIEL WAINMAN (212), STUART SMITH (390) and JOHN LUND (53). The jousting was settled when Stuart Smith pushed the other two aside to join Andy in the podium positions. Unfortunately, Stuart had to retire from the remainder of the meeting due to, I believe, clutch/gear box troubles.

RESULT: 391,390,53,322,21,380,136,212,462,498

RACE 10: BANGERS HEAT 2

Only 9 cars took to the track, providing just 5 finishers. A pity the Motor Home hadn’t survived as it was a sight to behold.
The drivers put on a good show despite the low numbers.

RESULT: 109,410,136,20,818,NOF

RACE 11: F2 FINAL

A full compliment of 30 cars took to the track, providing plenty of action from the tooz, all scrabbling for positions. Early casualty MIKE BRENNAN (968) took both overseas visitor JELLE KURSTJENS (H19) and STEVEN WYCHERLEY (662) with him to greet the fence. #185 led the way until about half way when he lost ground, leaving the way clear for a tussle between GEORGE TURRICKI (186), ANDREW PALMER (606) and BARRY GOLDIN (401). In the meantime, JOSH COLEMAN (615) hit the fence hard, and yet another Parking Lot appeared on turn 4 courtesy of JAMIE TAYLOR (598), CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL (219) and ROB MITCHELL (905). The lead battle was resolved when Goldin spun and Palmer just managed to snatch a late win from Turricki who was flying around the Belle Vue shaleway tonight. The “Flying Finn” BERT FINNIKIN (559) gained his best result of the night, a third place in the final.

RESULT: 606,186,559,599,145,70,925,68,377,600

RACE 12: F1 FINAL

Who had TIM WARWICK (307) in his sights this time? Well, on this occasion it was ex-F2 racer GARY FOX (480) starting his F1 campaign from blue grade. Tim let him say “Hello” to the fence at an early stage, ending both their races prematurely.
SCOTT DAVIDS (462) found himself in the lead, with MARK GILBANK (21), FWJ (515) and ED NEACHELL (321) trying to gain from behind. ANDY SMITH (391) unfortunately retired with a puncture, so when waved yellows were thrown again (!) with just four laps to go, it could have been anybody’s race.
Green…and the train was 462/322/515/21/321 a very hefty train indeed, all with eyes on the chequered. Keeping his cool, Scott drove very well and held on to a great win, FWJ (515) just getting by JAMES NEACHELL (322) to take second.

RESULT: 462,515,322,21,321,84,249,4,NZ8,53

RACE 13: F2 GRAND NATIONAL

25 cars contended the F2’s last race of the night, ANDREW PALMER (606) taking the one lap handicap. BARRY GOLDIN (401), after not figuring in the final results, made amends in this one, leading after just a few laps after early leader #728 became tangled with another car. Yet another bout of waved yellows for BRANDON SNELL (911), needing slight medical attention. At the restart, Goldin was off and gone, although GEORGE TURRICKI (186) was there again ready to pick up the pieces if the 401 machine faltered.

RESULT: 401,186,377,905,68,606,219,H19,474

RACE 14: F1 GRAND NATIONAL

Surprisingly, only thirteen contested the GN race out of the decently sized entry.
SCOTT DAVIDS (462) took the handicap and made up a little ground, making 8th at the finish.
SCOTTIE MYERS (NZ8) tried the Belle Vue fence this time. JAMES NEACHELL (322) set off like a rocket, but he was being caught slowly but surely by ANDY SMITH (391), and with just one lap to go, Neachell felt the Smith bumper forcefully enough to send him to the fence and out of the results. FRANKIE WAINMAN Jnr (515) came second…very unusual for FWJ not to win at least ONE race at the ‘Vue…perhaps saving himself for the World Final??

RESULT: 391,515,21,321,53,136,480,462,4,212

RACE 15: BANGERS FINAL INTO DESTRUCTION DERBY

10 managed to drag themselves out of the pits to contend the final, which was another “gift” to BARTY (109). Quite a lot of hits, the drivers trying hard to entertain despite the low turnout.
The DD was declared void as the last two cars were just circulating for several laps without showing any signs of wanting to “destruct”, so there was no winner of the DD.


Another good meeting at the Vue courtesy of the Startrax promotion. No dramatic incidents on this occasion, but hard, fast racing from all participants.

Next action at Belle Vue…the “Big One” on the 11th October, followed by the “Hallowe’en Event” on Tuesday 27th October featuring those Bombers, Three-Wheelers and Grass Trackers in good numbers…not to be missed!

Cheers,
GED

Top Quality reporting once again Ged! Thanks for posting!

It was a goodnight as Ged says. F1's were a joy to watch (and hear!) Tim Warwick put on a great drive shame about the waved yellows as he could have won that one.... I don't think the bangers were on form (not many cars) and were a bit of a disappointment IMO. At least five of them pulled onto the centre green at the finish of the final and the go of the DD was waved....