2008

July 6th Arena Essex Bill Boarer Trophy

With everyone else possibly going to Ipswich for Spedeweekend, The Grand Prix Midgets hit the road again travelling to Arena Essex for the Bill Boarer Shield.

Team Pooley had arrived early hoping to run their new engines in and as other drivers pulled into the pits they were to be greeted with mixed weather, dark clouds and showery. Tyre decisions may have proved to be a contributing factor today.

The cars started the first heat with Gary Bonner (27) and Neil Clarke (77) leading the pack away. Neil got a flyer and was progressing well in the lead. These two were pursued by Cliff Bunn (23) and the newly upgraded Allen Herbert (76). Steve Brattan (75) got the jump on Andrew Bilby (16) as the red grade chased after the leaders. Current "silver fin" Jonathon Pooley (31) had obviously run his engine in properly as he was making outside overtakes whilst battling with the other drivers. Gordon Pooley (33) had taken the decision to run two wets and two dry tyres in this heat and despite the track being dry he was charging through also. On the subject of tyres, Brattan got a puncture with six laps to go dropping down to sixth place. He didn't realise he had a puncture until he pulled into the pits and his mechanic was ready with the jack! "I just thought the car was getting taily" said a relieved Brattan. Jonathon went on to win from Clarke, Bonner and Cliff Bunn.

A similar story for heat two with Bonner getting the jump on Clarke. Cliff had raced away from Herbert to take chase. "Mr Chairman" Gordon had changed to all dry tyres and appeared to be going backwards complaining of no grip after the race. Could it be that he was just getting tired due to age? His boys were showing him the way though. Jonathon was on the move again having good battles with Brattan and Clarke for the minor places. This slowed his progress down as he was unable to catch Cliff Bunn for second. At the flag, a good win for Bonner, his second in two meetings, Cliff Bunn second, Jonathon third from Clarke and Brattan.

Steve Young, Daniel Pooley and Geoff Bunn were having quiet afternoons by their standards. Perhaps the final would tell a different tale.

Once again Bonner and Clarke charged away from the yellow grade. Cliff Bunn had made a lightening start from the blues again pursued by "Sicknote" Herbert. Well he does transport his midget around in a converted ambulance! Cliff meant business this time making in- roads into the leading pair. Brattan had also made good progress passing Herbert only to be challenged by Jonathon Pooley. These two had a number of side by side laps with Pooley getting the better of Brattan to go on and have another mini battle with Neil Clarke. Geoff Bunn and British champion Steve Young were having a better final having their own duel. Andrew Bilby span out on the exit of turn two and the yellow flags were slow to appear as he was spread eagled across the track. There was also confusion as to whether they should be waved or held yellows. Gordon Pooley was either unsighted or too busy concentrating on beating his son Daniel as he clipped the stricken Bilby car causing him to retire. To be fair to Gordon the inner curb is high when sitting in these low cars and his eyesight is deteriorating with age. Cliff Bunn had taken up the lead which he was to hold until the chequered flag. Poor old Gary Bonner had to retire from a certain podium position with a suspected failed weld on his rear hub. This left Jonathon Pooley to finish second, the ever improving Neil Clarke in third, Steve Brattan fourth and Geoff Bunn fifth.

Neil is getting to grips with his radically designed new car and will be due for an upgrading I feel. Another driver facing an upgrading could be Gary Bonner, although he will miss Bovvy due to work commitments.

The midgets move onto Bovingdon for their next meeting for the third meeting in as many weeks. This will see Jonathon Pooley leading the points chart from Steve Brattan with Geoff Bunn, Steve Young and Gordon Pooley completing the top five.

With the world final around the corner, grid positions for this race are starting to get interesting.