Sand Race Report August 2^nd 2008

For the second time this season the senior bike riders faced a team challenge event though with a reduction in numbers as there were only 5 members per team with each rider riding in only 4 of the five heats. After heat 1 the Richmond Rebels led by Mike Clarke held a slender lead over the Albecq All Stars led by Anthony Bougourd, From then on the All Stars gradually took over the lead as the Rebels were luckily in that Dave Cleal had a spare bike to lend to both Darren Clarke and Robert Teed as their bikes suffered mechanical problems. In the final heat Anthony Bougourd allowed 2 of his team members to overtake him insuring that at least 3 of his riders gained maximum points so allowing the All Stars to take the team win, this means that both teams have each won one event so the third meeting later in the season will be the team winner decider. The 4 fastest riders then had the opportunity to go for a “BahnRecord” (flying lap). Mike Clarke out first posted a time of 24.87 which was then beaten by Anthony Bougourd on 24.69, Jon Le page could not quite match these 2 times but still managed a 24.90 whilst last man out Martyn Guilbert could only manage a 26 94 having difficulty keeping inside the course, something he couldn’t do during a couple of races so being deducted a lap by the Clerk of the Course.

With only 3 Youth riders present the Rive twins took equal number of Championship race wins but Billy-Reece gained one extra 2nd place so gained more points for this meeting whilst little Joshua Lambourne was giving his all on his 50cc bike

The car classes were depleted with a number of drivers not available due to holidays, no working cars or other commitments. The 2 racing cars both suffered problems with Trevor Le Page breaking 2 chains whilst Ian Shorto had a fuel feed problem which meant he was much slower then usual with even some of the saloons being able to beat him.

Newcomer Matthew Jones in a 1300cc Hyundai broke a drive shaft during the practice laps so missed the first 4 races whilst a spare was obtained & fitted before showing now quick this car could be. In the

middle production car class Dean Leaver led the way from the only other 2 competitors. In the larger class Simon Carre was suffering with a down on power engine till he removed the air filter whilst Shaun Leigh was having problems with the radiator cap spraying water over the electrics, this allowed John Le Page to dominate this class. Out again was Graham Jehan’s Mk1 Mini which was no match for Colin Bridle’s Mazda in the Modified class, the only common thing between these 2 was their bright orange paintwork.

The Next meeting on 16th August at 11.45am is after the Sand Ace meeting the highlight of the local season where the senior rides will be racing for the title King of the Beach, whilst the car drivers will have to complete a 20 lap handicap race to gain the Victoria Trophy.