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Mondello Park 10th October 2010
The day dawns misty but dry quite amazing. We are ready for the last meeting of the first season. Objective again for today get the car back without any damage. It can then be overhauled during the dark Winter months for the 2011 season.
Set up was done on Saturday so with no trailer on tow we go down the Naas Road early Sunday morning. Without any warning there is a Garda car parked but it’s misty – suddenly we realise the whole road is closed and we need all our Mondello driving skills to make the diversion through Rathcoole – there are a few cones across the road but no prior warning and 3 lanes going for the one road. Apparently one of the HRCA members flashed at the female Garda (who was either asleep or texting in the car). We presume he meant his lights (you can get arrested for that kind of behaviour).
This is a non-championship event – not that this will affect us – so it should be extra fun. The pre ‘55s arrive at a leisurely rate sporting unusual, and in some case, quite fetching headgear. Ed Cassidy looked very sprightly despite two recent encounters one with a tyre wall and one a staircase.
Their drivers’ briefing (with a roll call) was with the Ginetta gang – were they hoping that the seniors of the racing elite would put some manners on the hot headed youngsters? We were all young once. It just so far back it’s hard to remember.
A gentlemanly clean race was run with Nick Bennett taking the honours in the Alvis. David Miller won the overall championship in his beautiful XK 140.
There was no drivers’ briefing for rest of us it must mean that good behaviour on track is the norm. Or was it that earlier in the year one of the very experienced drivers fell asleep in his car and missed the briefing completely, so what’s the point? Liam and Dave had a great dice as did Alfie and Bernard but the honours went to Billy who, with his usual calm exterior, stormed to a well deserved first place. Noel was totally confused, having spent the whole first season keeping out of everyone’s way, when Alan appeared behind him on the first lap. Couldn’t believe he could have been lapped already. Alan started from the pit lane and carved his way up the field and then stopped. It’s a long wait on the outside of the track (with no cigarettes) until the race ends. (The parking fees in our pit area for Kirkistown are still outstanding). Matt had a good race possibly because it was after breakfast – ask him about Angelsey. A good clean race which I am sure everyone enjoyed.
Perhaps someone could let me know where the yellow paint is being sourced in the Wicklow area? We hope it is all kosher and not from some Local Government depot. You must be able to get it very cheap and Wolfgang was so close to the golf he nearly needed a re-spray.
All in all it was an eventful year and to use that cliché “a big learning curve”. Despite wind, rain and very little sun, car problems, novice driver, me driving people mad with stupid questions we had a ball. With many thanks to all in the HRCA who made us feel so welcome and gave all the support we needed (a lot, especially with that damned gazebo) and made the first racing season such fun.
My manager’s contract finished for the season as we drove in the gate (never put the car away, way too tired). We celebrated, in the usual manner, a safe season with car and driver unscathed. I thought my job would just be admin and food. Little did I know that it included mechanical work as well, but I survived.
If anyone is looking for a manager for 2011 all reasonable offers can be sent for my consideration by email (wine bribes by courier, please).
On a final note Jackie Cochrane won 2 races at Donington and Bernard Foley arrived at Mondello with a very large silver cup from Snetterton. It wasn’t full though, but we can wait. Well done to both.
Thank you again for 2010.
Signed: “The Novice Manager”
© Druid
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