After the excesses of Donington, it was down to earth with a bump come Sunday 25^th September. Pembrey never generates a big grid as far as the Classics are concerned, and sadly we could muster just 11 cars this year, which is by far the worst turnout of the season. Having only ever been here once myself, I’m as guilty as the next bloke, but it is a shame that an extra hour on the travelling puts so many people off.

Dave Lowe was the only Class A starter, so would be richly rewarded with all of 4 points for his efforts, assuming he finished. With Jon Davis’ non appearance, Dave needed only to put his car on the grid to secure the Class A Championship for the millionth time (well, not quite, only 11 apparently). This he managed to do, so well played Mr Lowe. Another fat trophy beckons come next February. However, the 4 points on offer would render his overall championship challenge over should Paul Walton score heavily.

Many of the regulars were absent this weekend. Colin Williams was lounging on some sun-drenched beach (just think what you’re missing Colin !), Anthony Wills has had enough after a season to forget (being run by Bernard next year, he is saving up for a Big Hit on the 2006 championship – here’s hoping you get off to a flying start come March Anthony !) and Steve Pearce was out of the UK on a business trip. Another notable absentee was poor Dave Owen. Shortly after Donington, Dave made the reckless decision to get involved in that dangerous sport known as village cricket. Whilst going for a not-terribly-difficult catch (his words not mine – any catch is appallingly difficult in my book), he managed to break his ankle in 4 places.. (but did you take the catch Dave, that’s what we all want to know !) I can only hope you had some pretty nurses to entertain you during your 2 weeks in hospital. Anyway, best of luck on the recovery, and hope to see you back on your feet next year, with them both pointing in the right direction.

The main Class B opposition to the ever present Paul Walton would come from Messrs Davey, Malpas, Chippindale and Marshall. Thankfully, the novice boys turned up on mass : Paul Mills, John Hesp, Robert Boyer, Mike Whitehead and Doug Kibble.

Qualifying : standard South Wales weather greeted the drivers come Sunday morning. By qualifying time, the circuit was damp with only a partial dry line, with some standing water off line. Simon Davey relishes wet conditions, but was somewhat relieved it was drying out as he had some rather worn rubber on the back of his RF81. This proved to be no handicap as he took pole by a whacking 1.2 seconds from Paul. Dave Lowe’s oil pump maladies were sorted as he put the 69 on the second row, with Pete Chippindale alongside in fourth. Pete had ensured a busy Saturday following accident damage in Friday testing. Next up was Neil, who had already driven down the M4 from West London earlier in the day (madman !). He was hoping for better things than his last visit, when he managed all of 400 yards… Dave Malpas discovered a broken exhaust just before the session. In the haste to repair it, a plug lead was not fitted properly, suffice to say that he endured several laps chugging round on 3 cylinders. Once back on all 4, he blew his chances with several spins. He lined up an uncharacteristic 5 seconds off the pace. Of the rest, John headed the novice pack (aided no doubt by Friday testing), followed home by Mike, Robert, Doug and a rather piss poor effort from Paul Mills (again, his words, not mine !)

The only casualty of the 15 minutes was a licence endorsement for poor Doug. Apparently he was observed returning to the track in a dangerous manner, following a spin, although I couldn’t find anybody who was particularly bothered by his action. After the dreadful driving standards shown by various people at Donington, where all bar one escaped scot free, this demonstrates the haphazard and inconsistent actions of the officials.

The Race : By mid afternoon, the sun was out, the track was bone dry, and all was right with the world. At the lights, Paul and Simon led the charge down to Hatchets. As they approached the hairpin, Paul had managed to take a narrow lead, and pulled over from his left hand side position to claim the line for the corner. Simon had other ideas however, and continued his pursuit into the breaking area. As Paul turned in, his right rear was tagged by Simon’s left front, which spun Paul and left Simon’s nosecone looking rather second hand. The rest of the pack avoided the pair, although Dave Lowe lost several places in the confusion. Neil found himself leading a FF race for the first time, but before he could do much about it the red flags were out. Paul had resumed at the rear of the field, but Simon’s car was stationary on the apex of the corner.

The grid reformed in its original order (allowing Paul to resume on the front row), although Simon for some reason was held at the back, once he had got going again. When the green flag flew once again, Simon was directed pitwards, where his nosecone was studied (from several feet away) by two marshals, who stroked their chins as they wondered (very slowly) what to do. By the time the race had restarted, the marshals had come to the conclusion that the car was unsafe to drive, and told Simon that it was over for the day. Understandably, Simon was none too happy. The nosecone was indeed damaged, but anyone could see that the nose was in no danger of removing itself. And so Simon had his third non finish on the trot. Incredibly he was within a race win of the Class B lead after Thruxton, but since then has amassed a miserable 4 points compared to Paul’s 35 !

The inept behaviour of the pitlane marshals didn’t stop there. Those of us on the pitwall were informed that the restart would be a 10 lapper, not the 12 as originally intended. So several drivers received pitboards accordingly. But the race carried on until the end of lap 12, and even then, the leader wasn’t given the chequered flag ! I know that nobody would be racing without the commitment of the marshals, but it would be nice if they were just a bit more on the ball at times…

So, with Simon absent from the front row, Pete took advantage of the clear track ahead, and harried Paul on the re-run to the hairpin. This time everyone made it through OK, and Pete continued to keep the pressure on Paul throughout the 12 laps, a feat that earned him the Cobra Beer Driver of the Day. Paul did manage to eke out a small gap come the race end, but it was far from an easy victory. This was his sixth of the season (from 9 starts !), and this now wrapped up the overall Championship for the second year in succession. Congratulations Paul, another excellent season, and no doubt some were relieved to hear afterwards that he intends taking more of a ‘back seat’ next season in his efforts to get son Joe up and running.

Dave Lowe, Dave Malpas and Neil made a race of it with their squabble for third/fourth/fifth, until Dave Malpas spun away fourth on lap 6, leaving the other Dave to take an untroubled third (and his precious 4 points !). Dave’s spin almost collected Neil, but Neil’s elevation to fourth was short lived as he too spun on lap 10, giving the position back to Dave.

Further back, Mike was having a good afternoon, comfortably keeping his RF78 ahead in the novice battle, only to lose out with gear selection difficulties 4 laps from the end. He finished 8^th, last of the unlapped runners.

Mike’s gear maladies allowed John to take the novice win (in sixth place overall), with Doug also having a good dice, keeping John’s mirrors full of Dulon for almost the entire race, and finishing only 4 tenths adrift. It was also good to see Robert getting to grips with his RF81, circulating in close company with Paul amongst others, which earned him a case of Cobra.

And so the Championship heads to its conclusion at Snetterton on 23^rd October - it will be odd finalising the year in Norfolk rather than Kent, although I’m sure the weather will be similar... The only significant battle remaining to be settled is second place in Class B, with 53 points apiece for Simon and Dave Malpas. With no hospitality suite to keep us warm, bring a hip flask, coat and brolly. Remember, AGM 6pm on the Saturday night, in the comfort of the Walton Camper, followed by a barby (it had to happen sooner of later…) See you there,