The next morning was very warm and by mid morning it was hot enough to shrivel a camel’s scrotum, and as is the advice in these conditions I kept up a steady intake of fluids to combat dehydration. All hands turned too to erect the marquee and the job was soon finished. All teams were doing the tinkering bit with their machines making the decision as to the correct gearing for the track, including JTV who had devised a cunning plan to simplify the task by leaving most of his spares back at the farm. Friday Tea, the Stig and I enjoyed a lovely repast of Garlic dough balls flambéed on one side complemented with beef burgers, sausage, ribs and salad rounded of with Pimms and lemonade. All cooked and supplied by Helen and Andy Howard. Thank's to both of you for that one.

Saturday on race day the final preparations were well under way. Daz floating up and down the pits feeling totally out of it all as due to his recent attempt at a triple somersault over a disused toilette with Deano’s Group 3 tied to his back. This ended up with him being hospitalized, and under strict instructions NOT to drive. Glad to see you well on the mend Daz and looking forward to seeing you back behind the wheel when the Doctors say you can.

Builders bum or refueling point

We were of course graced with the famous Mr “TV Kev” Grimer of “it is a motor sport you know” fame, who despite his elevation to superstar and his busy schedule for various TV companies, was up and down the pit lane helping wherever he could as he always does. Kev you are a star and you don’t need TV to prove it. In the evening a team led by Mary put up a wonderful buffet to ensure all were well fed and watered before the start of the big event. Absolutely dogs boll*cks that was guys. The coffee and snacks continued all night and was a tremendous help to all.

The race kicked off at 8 pm with the traditional Le Mans start. Jtv, Farmboy and Stiggy sped across the track to the Dennis as if they had been caught scrunching apples out of some farm orchard and the guard dog was nipping at there arses.

 Every one seemed to get away alright. The track proved to be rougher than a bear’s backside especially up and down the two main straights which were running across the plough this shook seven bells out of all the racers and it’s well done to all who took part for a tremendous effort. The race went well except for one major incident at the bottom of the main straight when two drivers finished up going to hospital after a collision towards midnight. Fortunately no major injuries were sustained and they were back at track side by the end of the race bruised and battered. Competition was fierce and the overall winners were team Accident Prone who seem to have a faultless race though I would suspect a few minor hiccups were endured during the race. So congratulations to team Accident Prone. Second overall was of course to team Northerners Kick grASS. An absolutely sterling performance despite one or two hiccups with the John Deere which during the night managed to split no less than two front steel wheel rims, the second one just minutes away from the end and just before the said finish line.

 The mower had to be pulled up and having a few laps in hand was able to wait for the finishing flag before hobbling over the line to take a more than well deserved second, winning the first in group trophy. Well done to Dave, Phil and Steve and the pit crew. No less an honour goes to Sam, Lilja and Helen for their win for the ladies team on Sam’s group three. I know that they all suffered tremendously for the win, this became quite obvious when inner tubes were being used stuffed down the back of racing overalls ( and yes girls it did make your bottoms look big - don’t recommend them as a fashion accessory ) Congratulations to you all. Group 2 was won by Cressy who appeared to have an almost faultless race apart from a couple of small hiccups which they soon seemed to put right. Congrats to you all for that one. Second in Group 2 was of course our very own Impossible Dreamers Jtv, Stiggy and Farmboy. I thought they did extremely well considering that the Dennis was only recently finished and was using a previously untried engine. The race did not go faultlessly for them as a few adjustments and some welding was required during the night - a task well done with some speed by Tack. All drivers were suffering from fatigue and blisters. John’s own impossible dream was made to come true by beating Rog over the finish line. Sterling performance lads and to Phil who did a cracking job as pit crew.

I would also like to congratulate the Boozy Birds for there standard class win, Having done a standard class race at the 6 hour last year I know that it still takes a lot of fortitude to survive 12 hours trundling round the track for this length of time. Well done Sue and Sal.

 My commiserations go to both Rog and Durbs. Both put up a stout performance. At the start and had quite a turn of speed for the biggest part of the race and looked like doing very well. Unfortunately both machines finally succumbed to the track and had to retire when damage got excessive but none the less a performance worthy of praise. Fluff and co, what more could be said, Pete’s aim this year was to get into the top ten, and with the help of Gavin and Ian plus pit crew they achieved it. Spot on lads very well done. By the way Pete I believe you’re the inventor of the inflatable backside, Just hope everyone noticed you wearing yours LOL. Indeed well done to every one who took part in the whole event and I include all those who worked tirelessly in the background.

(If I have got anyone’s name wrong in this report I do apologize in advance)

The clear up after the race went very well and the presentations soon went ahead 3 trophy’s coming up north. Well 2 ½ anyway. The trophy for the ladies winners was a base and substitute cup stuck on the top, unfortunately it was a plastic tea cup and I for one feel that although it was unfortunate that the real top half was left at home or what ever, a little more effort and thought could have been put into it after all the effort put in by the team to win it.

Little more to be said except that a well earned kip was in order and people drifted of as and when ready the Stig and I still feeling cream crackered at 7 pm set off on the 308 mile return journey. Arriving home at 12 30 ish.

Just a few random clips to peruse

Look one impossible dreamer	Farmboy, Jtv and Stig