Sunday (Remembrance service and day race)
So the morning had arrived for the final race day, but more importantly, the reason we were here…. The service of Remembrance. The morning started with a quick chat between John chambers and Andy Malcolm about strategy. Firstly, to get the Academy car in front (as the finish the night before had the Invitational car in front on the grid restart and were sitting 2nd and 7th in class) and we did not want to hold them up as they were flying. The second part was to catch the other cars in class. Well the restart went well and John managed to get past Andy Malcolm on the first lap, this then allowed Andy to follow John and catch the other cars. Within 4 laps of the restart we caught the infamous Citroen C1s and had overtaken them. John passed the baton on to Tim Storrar, with Andy Malcolm doing an hour and 20 minutes, giving way to Andy Patterson.
The race was stopped at 10.45 to allow the cars to form up on the grid and the drivers to get out for the Service of Remembrance. This was a very emotional time for all, especially those of us with Service backgrounds. But this was amazing to see the solemnity shown by all involved over the weekend and the pride shown by not only the serving or ex-service personnel, but those who came to support or watch. After the race restart at around 11.20 it was very eventful, with lots of chopping and changing of places, but the most important thing was to make sure the car came home. In the Academy car, Andy Balfour (first ever race), took over from Tim and it was his turn to shine. From the pit wall we informed him he had managed to get his fastest lap and we can assure you, his smile could be seen from most of the circuit. In the Invitational car Rich Bernard took over and quickly got up to pace, beating Andy Malcolms fastest lap (to his dismay) and completing a fantastic session. Fuel started to be monitored religiously, with Allan Sleight, making sure we had enough in the Tuff Jugs ready for the stops.
The final stops came and Andy Balfour passed his baton on to Seb and Rich Bernard gave way to Peter McNicol for the last stints. This was it. Our obligatory stops completed it was time to bring the cars home. The final 30 minutes were nail biting, with the invitational car swapping places with car 17. Lap after lap this continued, then the chequered flag was out. Where would we finish…….so, with a bit of luck from pit stops, safety cars and some mechanical problems for other cars this lead to the MX5 OC cars to finish the race in 1st (Academy) and 3rd (Invitational).
What a fantastic weekend had by all in the team and massive thank you to the club for their support and to all of the members (and some non-members) that pitched in or popped by to help or say hi.
Words and photos courtesy of Andy Malcolm
