NIIMC Karting Grand Prix Number 3

The weather was dry and the conditions were perfect for the club’s return to Lyon’s Karting on Monday evening, 19th August 2013. Twelve club members arrived raring to go, some having previously experienced the thrills and spills of the Karting Grand Prix but with others being complete novices, never having raced before (I was one of them and I am getting my excuses in  early for my distinctly average performance!)

Herbie was our 12th member but decided that he preferred to spectate rather than participate as he wanted to give the rest of us a chance of winning!! We split into 2 groups and each group had 2 practice sessions to determine who were the pace setters and who would be racing in the “A” final and who would line up on the grid for the “B” final.

Unsurprisingly Jason (a former kart racing champion) was the fastest and qualified in pole position for the “A” final. Club Chairman Cyril, despite being the senior citizen of the group, also impressed as he qualified for the “A” final. Jason and Cyril were joined by wee Paul, Dougy, Graeme and William and the line up for the “B” final was Ricky Ward,  Richard H, myself , Simon and James.

The “B” final was an all action affair right from the start – Ricky led from the front and Simon took off after him (either after a very good or a jump start) followed by me, Richard and James.  As the laps went by there was no change in the positions despite Simon’s efforts to squeeze past Ricky. With their tussling up front I managed to reel them in and soon it was a 3 way scrap for the lead. I then inched past Simon up into second and within 2 laps was tussling with Ricky for the lead. I was perhaps a little bit over zealous in my eagerness to pass Ricky, nudged him wide and as he fought back to hold track position Simon, who is ever the opportunist, took advantage and eased through into the lead, a position he would then hold until the end of the race. Ricky got his own back on me and I spun on the first corner to lose not only 2nd but also 3rd position as Richard then breezed by my kart as I attempted to pick up speed again.  The chequered flag was in sight and soon the race had finished with Simon claiming victory, followed by Ricky and Richard. Simon was of course delighted, although I swear he was in a faster Kart than the rest of us!

The “A” final was no less thrilling but more of a masterclass from some excellent drivers. Jason led from the outset, a lead that he wouldn’t surrender at any stage despite being pushed all the way by Dougy and Graeme.  William and wee Paul had their own battle and it was nip and tuck between them throughout the race with Paul just shading it  – perhaps his lightweight physique helped him to stay in front of William. Cyril claims that he stopped for a coffee part way through the race which is why he brought up the rear, but if truth be told he spun early in the race and despite his valiant attempt couldn’t make up any places against strong opposition.    So Jason claimed victory followed by Dougy in 2nd and  and  Graeme in  3rd.

We all agreed that the racing  had been an adrenalin charged affair and  a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  The night would not be complete without the presentation of trophies for the podium finishers. As we headed home everyone vowed to return to Lyons Karting again soon for another battle on the track.  I don’t think any of us stand much chance of beating Jason but it’ll not stop us trying….so until next time.

Finally, thanks to the staff at Lyons Karting who looked after us so well. Hope you enjoy looking at some of the photos of the evening.

 

Tim Logan

Club Secretary