2008

The Grand Prix Midgets returned to Gt Yarmouth for their second visit of the season. The track was a little dusty for practice, but this was soon swept clean by the practice sessions for the little cars and the ministox. Speeds seem to have increased around the circuit since three quarters of the track was resurfaced.

Heat one saw Gordon "Mr Chairman" Pooley (33) retire before the race had a chance to start with fuel problems. Pete Dorrell (8) lead off from Phil Retchless (9) in the Cheetah, Neil Clarke (77) in the Barbie mobile and the recently down graded Andrew Bilby (16). Upgraded Daniel Pooley (32) made a fast start from the red grade hotly pursued by Steve Brattan (75). Retchless took up the lead with Brattan passing Daniel, Clarke and Bilby to take up the chase. World Champion, Jonathon Pooley (31) was making progress from the back with his normal around the outside runs. Brattan was reeling Retchless in when his car went onto three cylinders causing him to drop out of second place. Daniel took advantage of this to catch Retchless for first place. Jonathon was up to third and this was how they remained at the flag.

The second heat started minus Brattan as a broken cam follower was diagnosed. Dorrell made a quick start followed by the ever improving Retchless and Clarke. Bilby did not make such a quick getaway and was soon caught by Daniel Pooley. As they exited the Caistor turn they touched causing them both to spin. Pooley restarted fairly quickly however Cliff Bunn (23) had passed the stranded cars. There was another coming together involving Neil Clarke and Jonathon Pooley causing a broken drive shaft for the world champion. Phil "The Thrill" had cleared off by now to take his first win since returning to the formula. Mr Chairman came home in second with Clarke third.

So to the final. Jonathon could not repair his car in time for this race and with Brattan already out numbers were sadly down. Things got worse as Gordon could not get his car started again for the warm up laps and had to retire to the infield. Dorrell was off again from the white grade and was improving all night. He appears to be getting used to his new car now and is getting quicker with every meeting. Peter had travelled to Yarmouth from his Malvern base alone to race at this meeting, demonstrating a great commitment that should be copied by others. Bilby had made a much quicker start taking up the lead early on. Retchless and Clarke gave chase from the blues passing Dorrell for second and third. Young Daniel was on the move again first passing Clarke and then Retchless to set off after Bilby. Andrew had the length of a straight lead which Daniel was eating into. With five to go Young Pooley was in sniffing distance of Bilby's exhaust. This was going to finish in a tight finish with Bilby hanging on for his first trophy win of the year. Daniel was a close second and Retchless was third.

The prestigious trophies were presented by the Kisby family and it was great to see them in attendance and keep in contact with midget racing.

Another different driver wins a final which is good news for the midget club. The race for the top six positions is hotting up with one points scoring meeting to go, Brattan dropping out of the six. Jonathon Pooley continues to lead the point's race with Cliff Bunn in second place. Gordon and Daniel in third and fourth, Andrew claiming fifth and Steve Young sixth.

Now onto Birmingham for the Midlands and Northern championship

Heat One 32 9 31 77 16 23 8
Heat Two 9 33 77 23 32 16 8
Final - Derek Kisby Memorial 16 32 9 77 23 8