The sun was shining this time and was perfect for a weekend of racing, which was well attended, Trevor and Phil were there when I (Chris) arrived. Colin arrived shortly after with the Westlake special - my ride - but more of that later. Miki was away on business so no BAT outfit. Scrutineering sorted; all machines had to be noise tested before racing. That's when my troubles started - failing the test and with major clutch problems. Luckily, after a bit of work, we passed (just) at 105 db. Colin borrowed 2 baffles we scraped in.
Saturday:
Phil went out on the Triumph with Trevor on the Velocette. It went well but again Phil had handling problems in the very fast right hander, Gerard's. Trevor had similar problems but down the straight, having recently fitted new head race bearings which were too tall. Their second race still brought some handling problems, but Phil still managed 7th and Trevor had a good race, beating an Ariel Red Hunter home.
Outfit ran well but we had major clutch slip on the power so DNF... you could boil an egg on that thing. Westlake was going out in the P6 parade but carbs had no drain plugs so that was that, we sorted a few other things though, it's a lovely bike. The outfit Ming had a very good start in the second race but was still plagued with clutch problems that got worse so... DNF. Engine still going well though. Colin raced with David Sykes on the Harley Davidson but he had gearbox issues and later changed the engine and box.
The bantam went well, with Phil believing he could go quicker finishing 5th (with the new bigger carb). The second race saw Phil ride a better race gaining 6th place after scrapping for 3rd with four bantams crossing the line with a photo finish.
Verner arrived on a 1930s Sunbeam and was good company .
Sunday:
Phil had a good ride on the Triumph finishing 8th, but it was still trying to throw him off in Gerards. It was the same for Trevor finishing behind the Ariel this time.
Phil was very pleased with new bigger carb, achieving the 5th fastest lap of the weekend. Phil's last race on the Triumph went well, the engine running like a train. He finished 9th. Trevor retired the Velo before it threw him off with massive tank slapper speed wobbles.
The outfit went out again but suffered suspected head gasket failure. We still managed to stay with the front runners until the engine slowed and we faced another DNF. Took the head off in the lunch break, new gasket and fitted in record time, viewed and encouraged by Phil and Monty (Montys Classic Bikes) with Paul who rode up from Plymouth and gave much encouragement.
The last side car race we were ready, on pole position, very focused with Dennis beside us on the grid. Red lights on, then we were off. First into Gerard's, leading, Dennis came by us into Edwina's but missed a gear coming out so we were in front again. Going into the hairpin it was very crowded, and coming out of the bus stop a BMW kneeler and Dennis on the Triumph came by. Our engine slowed and got very hot so we retired. It was a great race though, brilliant passenger well done Colin.
Phil with raised spirits and very keen on the last Bantam race of the weekend. It went well, he crossed the line missing out on 5th place by 300th of a second, wow that was close, well done Phil.
Over all a good weekend, even though the outfit Ming showed no mercy. Phil finished well and we were all pleased for him. Good company, good racing and the sun was shining. We all drove home .
Lydden Hill next, bring it on eh.
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