20th September 1999

Another month gone and a brief pause in the rush of events to the end of the season. Two more down and 3 to go.

So what’s been happening? Anglesey saw a reduced turn-out of MGs, rather crowded out by the Sprint leaders and a very active Westfield championship it seems. Nevertheless, those of us who made it were rewarded with a stunning week-end; glorious sunshine both days and some entertaining driving. Bids for the "spinner" title were made by Michael Marsland, Geoff Harrison, Peter Bramble, Colin Pattinson, Jim Garvey and old Uncle Tom Cobbly and all, while Tezza picked up the award for fastest MG. The only record of the day was in the MGF class where "Panel Basher" Tredell shaved just over a tenth off Diggers’ previous best to pick up 12 points to maintain his class and overall championship.

A week later "PB" was on record form again, putting in a storming final run to finish top F, over half a second ahead of Diggers, last year’s class winner and champion. Quite a turn up for the books and the first time John’s been beaten for many a year; looks like the last three rounds could produce some serious fireworks. Other action at Thoresby saw "Big Mac" deposed as undisputed King of the Thoresby Standard class, when he was beaten into 3rd spot by "young" Jon Beresford (another speed event dynasty in the making) and Paul Campling. My my Tony, what are things coming to. Another performance of note was that of the rapidly improving Peter Bramble, who took 4 seconds off through the day to take 2nd place in the RGM MGBs, edging Colin Pattinson out by 5/100ths of a second.

Again serious attempts were made for the illustrious spinner trophy, with Helen Wolf, George Pawlyn and, most spectacularly, Andrew Pearson all finding the undergrowth. It looks like it will be a difficult call this season, trying to pick the biggest plonker from such a wide choice.

So, with only 3 rounds remaining, Lloyd with 87, leads the championship by a clear 6 points from a three-way tie between Tony Mac, Andrew Pearson and Terry Pigott. In 5th spot, just 1 point back, but with an event in hand is Diggers, and Michael Marsland makes up the top 6 on 72 points, but again with only 7 rounds scoring. So, all to play for.

Two more good results at Anglesey and Thoresby have stretched Helen’s lead to 9 points in the ladies championship, but "Auntie" Pauline is still hanging on, 11 points behind, but like John in the main series, still with an event in hand. I think this has been the closest fought competition for some years, and hopefully may encourage more lady competitors to "have a go" in the Millennium season.

I’ve now placed the order for T-shirts etc. and hope to be sending them out in a week or two. Any more orders will now have to wait till next year, when hopefully we will extend the range of regalia available.

Well that’s all for now, see you at Loton and/or 3 Sisters, for which you will note, I’ve now added the 1 lap records to the results table.