In my 10 years of on-off racing, I had never ventured down to Lydden before, which I began to realise was something of a mistake. Cadging a lift with Neil and Justine, it didn’t take half as long to get there as I thought (this had something to do with Neil’s contempt for the 60mph limit on the M25/M2..), and, once there, the circuit, albeit short, looked a damned sight more challenging than I had assumed.

Many had chosen to venture down the previous afternoon, including Jeff Palmer, who convinced himself that Lydden Hill motor racing circuit was in Margate. Having amused the locals, he decided that the other Lydden on his map must be the correct choice. Nice one Jeff ! A candidate for the booby prize at the dinner dance I feel….

It was a surprise to see the Walton Camper parked in the paddock. Paul had decided that Lydden was a slightly cheaper option than Hockenheim (!), and had now decided to concentrate on winning the championship ‘at home’ rather than indulge in expensive forays across the water.

We welcomed another newcomer – David Owen, and RAF fighter pilot, who had bothered to drive down from North Yorkshire for the occasion of his championship debut. David had acquired an RF78 last year, campaigning it a few times in the North West and Star of Midlands series.

Qualifying : Everyone was trying to remember how to drive a racing car, since Mallory was some 6 weeks ago. But nobody mentioned that the officials were trying to run the quickest race meeting ever – qualifying was supposed to be 11am, but at 10:15, the vaguely audible tannoy suddenly requested all cars to the assembly area. A good thing that many had got scruted earlier than planned. Even so, it was mild panic as everyone got their acts together. Unfortunately for Simon Merriman, he went out with only a partially secured rear engine cover, which was to prove costly.

Within a few laps, the cover disappeared into the scenery, disintegrating as it went. What a shame, after Simon had given it a paint job for probably only the second time in its life (you will recall that this is the ex Steve Pearce RH02 we are talking about here…). Whether or not it contributed I don’t know, but Simon suddenly pulled off with a rear puncture, and out came the red flags. With some 5 minutes lost, the session resumed to a regular showing of yellows, which, at one stage, were shown over half the lap. Nevertheless, Peter Denham managed to bump Dave Lowe off the front row on his final effort (on tyre pressures that he had had no time to check, again courtesy of the hurried start). Paul took pole by 5 hundredths, on a 45.3 (same pole time as last year) with Simon Davey joining Dave on row 2, with Anthony and a pleased Phil on row 3. David Owen had to spend the last 4 minutes keeping his fingers crossed, as he was beached in the gravel at the exit of Paddock corner. Quite why this wasn’t red flagged I know not. The unpredictability of marshals.

The race : All 15 lined up on the grid for the 15 minute race, which would probably mean 20 laps. Everyone got cleanly away, although Peter had a poor start and lost 3 places off the grid. Dave took Simon for second. As the pack came onto the start/finish straight for the first time, Peter spun – he reckoned it was a puncture, as he retired the car a few laps later complaining of dreadful handling. His spin allowed the first 4 – Paul, Dave, Simon and Anthony – to get away. But for everyone behind, it was mayhem. Those immediately behind Peter managed to get through without too much drama (although changes of underpants were necessary afterwards), but Colin Williams, Jeff Palmer and John Hesp all spun off in avoidance. The fact that everyone somehow managed to miss hitting each other was very good news, as we’ve already had a few bent cars this season.

Jeff had stalled his RP26, and only got going again having been lapped (or close to it). Colin also lost quite some time, and spent the rest of the afternoon on a recovery drive to 8^th overall.

The first 4 circulated together, Paul leading throughout to take his third win of the season, being pressured all the way by Simon. Simon retook second on lap 2 at the Devils Elbow, and stayed on Paul’s gearbox, but was unable to make any moves on Paul because of ever-increasing water temperature. ‘When it went off the clock at 110 I knew it was time to back off and give myself some clear air’. Wise words from the ex champion. Dave and Anthony kept each other busy throughout, with Dave taking third, and the Class A win.

Further back, there was a fabulous dice between Steve Collyer, Phil Norris and Neil Marshall for 5^th. They circulated in that order for 11 laps, until Neil passed Phil on lap 13 and then Steve two laps later. Phil then passed Steve on lap 18. At the flag, Neil took 5^th overall (4^th in Class) – his best finish so far – well played Neil. Further back, David Owen just managed to nip past a clutchless Oliver Robinson to take 9^th and the novice win. Albert Clements brought his immaculate 51 home for 3^rd in Class A, with Simon M and John Hesp bringing up the rear.

So, another entertaining race, with Paul gratefully accepting the Cobras as Driver Of The Day.

From here on in, it gets busy, with races every fortnight. See everyone at Snet – we’re hoping to spark up the barby on Saturday evening. Let’s hope it stays dry (but pleease – not quite so hot).