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Classic Formula Ford Annual Dinner Dance Saturday 24th February 2007 brought the highlight of the Classic Formula Ford social calendar. This is of course the annual Dinner Dance/Trophy Presentation. This years venue was the Sketchley Grange Hotel at Hinckley, Leicestershire. The main event was preceded by a two hour Karting endurance race, open not just to drivers but to all supporters, spanner men, partners etc. It gave some drivers the chance to repay the patience of their gang by providing them with two fifteen minute sessions of slithering action around the damp local Kart track 'Sutton Circuit'.Karting Teams were arranged in a balanced fashion, ensuring no 'super' performance groups of front running drivers. Mass arrival at the Kart track was hindered by directions provided with a fatal flaw, there was no exit from the M69 at the point indicated by the clubs stalwart co-ordinator Andy Hodson. Luckily most people found this out before leaving the hotel, but one unlucky social regular was caught out. As it turned out even the latest sat nav in the flash beemer he arrived in couldn't find the required destination. Once everyone had arrived the mandatory pep talk was delivered by the circuit, the do's and don'ts included a warning about contact which apparently is not necessary. For those who have not been before you could liken this experience to that delivered around lunchtime at the Castle Combe circuit. Once we had been reminded of the flag colours etc, Steve Hare provided everyone with fetching banners to be worn across our backs. These would ensure that we could remember who had just helped us off the black stuff and have a word about it in the bar later. Perhaps we should have names on the back of some of our cars? Once everyone had their overalls on and seats adjusted we were ready for the off. Steve Hare seemed to be pregnant but it transpired that the bulge was just his on board camera equipment, this would provide some footage to be enjoyed in the bar around last orders. It appeared that practice was for poof's as we launched straight into the start of the two hours after one green flag lap! Many thought that this would end up with most Karts stuck in the wet grass, based on previous experience that slick tyres and damp tracks don't mix well. As it happens the skill of the pilots shone through and the race got underway with limited spins. The early leaders, piloted by Steve Pearce (who was taking it all very seriously - did ducking down behind the steering wheel give you more straight line speed on the straight Steve?), had their efforts rewarded by a Kart failure after a handful of laps. Steve was seen to sprint back to the pits for the 'Spare Kart' which was obviously set up to his liking as they immediately opened up a three lap advantage over the chasing pack, even after there delay?! The rest of the session was fairly uneventful with everybody doing a remarkable job of keeping it on the track. Near the end of the race Steve Hare (on the way to setting the fastest lap) was having a close fought battle with a young McShane, eventually managing to "barge" (McShane quote) his way politely through at the 'hare'-pin! The Hodson / Pearce / Gomm / Gibbibs team carried their 3 lap advantage all the way to the finish and were followed home by Newman / Hare / Faldu crew. Click to enlarge
Presentation of Awards, 2006 Season Click to enlarge
Photos provided and posted with the kind permission of Andrew Ellis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
