1st August 2009
Cowdenbeath, Tourist Trophy
Wee McHodges Highland trio.
Upon arrival at the Racewall we were unable to gain entry
due to the football running over. So we had a meeting of the
clans in the car park, having an enjoyable powwow before getting
down to the exciting business of racing. The Midgets received
a very warm and enthusiastic welcome from the track staff
and spectators. There was a good buzz in the pits, with many
people coming to look at the cars and chat to the drivers
and their teams. There were even one or two people who remembered
the Midgets last visit some 20+ years ago. Some of the smaller
children even got the pleasure of sitting in a number of the
cars for their photo shoot.
A quick practice session was held to familiarise the drivers
with the track, which proved to be quite bumpy, resulting
in Cliff breaking his drive shaft. Luckily he had a spare
and with the help of some of the other drivers he was good
to go for heat 1.
Heat 1 - Traditional weather change, heavens opened and down
it poured making the track very wet. Unfortunately the track
does not lend itself to overtaking, so Mark Hodges led from
Neil and Andrew. Jonathan “living on the edge” Pooley fancied
his chances early on and made a move down the outside entering
turn 1, only to kiss the famous wall and damage his suspension.
In his debut race Luke stayed on course and finished the race
in one piece, and seemed to enjoy the experience. Mark took
the win closely followed by Neil, Andrew and Cliff.
Heat 2 - The rain had eased and the track was slowly drying
out, but still very slippy. Mark still on slicks led the way
with the only overtaking occurring on the green flag by Phil
and Jonathan, who nipped past a slow starting Cliff (sun sending
him to sleep no doubt!). Mid way through the race the yellow
flags went up as Neil on entering the home straight had lost
control (of the car that is). Not one to be unsociable he
gripped Luke in a little twirl and spun him round. This put
both of them out of the race and they hobbled to centre green.
Gordon unfortunately retired with fuel problems. This meant
the race continued without further change and Mark took his
second win with 16, 9, 31, and 23 in hot pursuit.
Heat 3 - Tourist Trophy Final. Weather had improved and everyone
was in good spirits. Unfortunately Neil was out of the race
due to his battery shorting out his electrics. Everyone pulled
together and Luke was good to go. The excitement was high
as the flag went down and they were off, Mark out in front
closely followed by 16, 31, 23 and 9. It was a much faster
and closer run race, as the track had dried considerably.
Unfortunately Gordon was to retire with a blown engine. With
a clean race run Mark took the flag, followed by Andrew, then
a small gap and a very close finish with 31, 23 and 9 all
crossing the line together in that order.
Everyone agreed they really enjoyed their time at Cowdenbeath
and hopefully in the future we can organise a weekend racing
at Cowdenbeath and Knockhill. Again thanks to everyone who
made our visit memorable and enjoyable.
