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Mondello Park 2011
Easter Sunday Meeting “Paddock Perambulations”
The Winter is over and the dust covers were off for the first meeting of 2011 Season at Mondello Park. It’s a green light day with two races scheduled. It dawned a beautiful morning, the silence only being broken by creaking bodies after the Winter break. These were the drivers not the cars.
Bernard had horrendous problems during testing on Saturday and on Sunday morning his car looked like a Meccano set. The cavalry arrived and with commendable calmness it arose from the pit floor. Funnily although he wasn’t listed in the programme he drove a fantastic race in Race 2 to win over Tommy Doherty although Tommy posted the fastest lap. He then got “hit” in the bar buying everyone a pint.
Alan Kessie, as class co-ordinator, was like a mother hen looking after bold chickens and must have run nearly a half marathon organising, helping and cajoling everyone. His Gryphon was not behaving well but his stamina was rewarded by a fantastic win in the GT race with a banjaxed (not exactly his word!) clutch.
Jackie C. having won the first race unfortunately had to retire from race two.
Billy got black flagged in Race 2 for petrol slopping out having overfilled his tank. Maybe he should get a dip stick?
There was a minute’s silence at the start of Race 2 as a tribute to Richie. He will be sadly missed by all especially for his droll sense of humour on early, wet and dark mornings at Mondello.
Dave Moloney had to park up on the pit straight during Race 2 but had extreme difficulty climbing over the Armco having had a fall at home. Fortunately for him no one had a video camera on his efforts. It would have been one for You Tube.
Clive sustained some light body damage possibly by a Porsche heading in the wrong direction.
One notable driver missing was Vinnie and there are some scurrilous rumours circulating that he will be the next Barbara Woodhouse when he finishes his Corgi guarding course.
Some of entrants splashed out and took garages 7 and 8 for the meeting. The slagging was legendary (and mostly unrepeatable!) but contributed to the fun of the event.
Liam Ruth was doing everything in the garage including interviewing drivers (watch out Martin Brundle) and was involved in some great dices with Ian, Matt and Ken.
Ken, despite his ignition problems, chaired the prize giving with great aplomb.
All-in-all it was a most enjoyable meeting without a drop of rain.
Happy Easter to all
(P.S. Hopefully some of the drivers put a few bob on the winner of the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse: Organisedconfusion!)
©Druid
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