Above - Falcon Finalists Graham Sampson, Stan Kirk, Davey Farrow and Bill
Jenner.
Right - Super Production Finalists Alan Callaghan, Ian Barker, Greg
Harwood and Stan Alton
Falcons
13 entries meant that Roland Hobden, 13th in his first Falcon drive had no one to race with in the finals. John Ovens won the C final by a clear margin from Neal Callaghan, John Hyde really struggling for once 3rd ahead of first timer Colin Belbin from Luton. Simon Francis is another regular A finalist but against strong local opposition managed 2nd in the B final behind Andy Bishop. They had Bob Mortimer just behind and David Farrow retired. Thre Timaru members in the A final but the impressive young Davey Farrow top qualified. He couldn’t quite maintain his consistency though, finishing a good 2nd behind Stan Kirk. Graham Sampson was a strong 3rd and Bill Jenner 4th
The winning cars - Stan Kirk's Falcon winning Demon chassis featured a Shadow body, while Alan Callaghan Super Production winner had a Bentley body, and ProSlot power in his Demon Chassis. Looks like quite a bit more weight is needed on the Timaru track than n th ewide open spaces of the UK Black.
Super Production
Starting at the 3 man G final, John Hyde again unusually low down took an easy win from Colin Belbin who just held off Roland Hobden. David Farrow took the closest possible win in the F race about 10mm ahead of Neil Obee as the cars coasted to a stand after some close racing. Bob Mortimer a comfortable 3rd ahead of John Ovens.
Graham Sampson had an easier win in the E final from Simon Francis, Bill Jenner and then Andy Bishop having to retire. Chris James found a motor working on all 3 poles much better than his last one and he won the D final from Ian Fisher, Adam LeMaistre and Mick Langridge. All these drivers really expecting to do better. Neal Callaghan got going well to take the C final at a good pace just ahead of Vince Lee, Paul Harwood and Davey Farrow. The B final was a little slower but very close. Mick Kerr held his nerve best, then Nick Thrower 0.02 ahead of Stan Kirk and all the way from Newcastle, Kevin Noon.
Ian Barker was an impressive top qualifier, but as with the Falcons, Timaru locals are tricky to beat. Alan Callaghan won for the locals, well ahead of Ian, Greg Harwood (first S32 this year surprisingly) and Stan Alton.
Compiling the points table it was noticeable how many people went well at Luton or Timaru but not both. Not clear why this is. It has certainly left most places fairly wide open although James Cleave is difficult to overtake. Come to the remaining races and make up some places.
John Hyde continues to lead Falcons and Grade C, but both are now really close...
Le Mans 32
The Wellingborough Wizards - Mick Kerr and Adam Le Maistre won the team event. Here's the winning car - Betta Chassis, ProSlot power and a Bentley body in Micks familiar colour scheme.
Le Mans 32
Having made the trip, almost everyone stayed for the team event run this time with 10 minutes per lane. Some very close racing unfolded.
Wellingborough Wizards knew nothing less than a win would keep their chase of Luton (LSCC) going so it was an excellent win under pressure. They were less than 4 laps ahead of locals White Cliffs in their best result of the season. Another 3 laps back, Yer Maun. Paul H teamed with Bob Mortimer as SESRA to beat GTech – Greg H and Kevin N – by mere feet. In James absence LSCC recruited John Hyde and came 6th ahead of Eces, still not really in tune with the track. N ’n M were next in 8th, only a few laps separating all these. Timaru 2, 9th were a little too steady perhaps only just in front of Impunity (pit stop again?) and SiNGiT with guest Colin B. G&T and Bentley Boys trailed a little after the odd stoppage.
Odds and Ends
· Home Driver of the Day – Alan Callaghan – A dominant drive in the final and best run in the team race.
· Visiting Driver of the Day – Greg Harwood – Consistently quick all day. Honourable mentions for Davey Farrow and Ian Barker in the individuals.
· Congratulations to everyone on such a pleasant race day at Timaru without controversy.
Collating the points tables I realised that N ‘n M has twice raced with two grade A drivers which is not permitted by the series regulations. Unfortunately no one noticed at the races concerned. Let me have your views on what we should do about it. Options include;
· Delete those scores and move other teams up one place.
· Leave as is and be more careful in future.
We’ll decide at North London.
If you have any questions about the series please call me on 020 8866 8571.
Ian Fisher, Southern 32 series co-ordinator
Southern 32 – The series for you!