mixed weekend

[little chud]

from a racing point of view we had two great races (dnf in 3rd) yesterday. it was great to come from the back with a poor start to end up battling with Paul Owen for a 2nd place in the first race. He beet us on having the guts/experience to outbreak us.

Was even better to battle with Alan Steel/martin and Robin Daykin/Annette in the 2nd race. Best race we've had so far and really miffed to lose 2nd place by .006 of a second

Thanks to Doug for putting up with my erratic driving. And to Big Tim for helping all weekend.

BUT

For me and I know a couple of others the weekend was marred by two things.

Firstly the FSRA deciding that despite the feedback from their members (350 and PC teams) they would still insist on the £300 bond. And more importantly that those electing not to pay were not only not entitled to a slice of what could be a none existent prize fund, but were also not entitled to championship points.

It was said at our meeting that in the fsra constitution it says to be entitled to points in a championship the team have to be members of the fsra. I don't know if this is correct but I'm sure someone will tell us. What I do know is that it is not right to impose the bond on the 350/pc teams at such short notice and then to take no notice of the feedback from the teams.

I thought the committee was there to represent the views of the members, not to dictate to the members.

Secondly, I would like to say to whoever informed the ACU off Mick Finnie’s illness, I hope you are pleased with yourselves and it serves the purpose for which you did it. If you were there yesteray I hope you got a good look at the bloke and can live with it.

For those that don’t know poor (not so) old Mick has been ill with a brain tumour and missed most of last year. He’s had an op and has been given the all clear by his consultant to race, but sadly not THE all clear, so this was his last season. The ACU issued his licence but have now suspended it because as it says in the letter “it has been brought to our attention” etc etc.

I’m not naive enough to believe we are all one big happy family as some would suggest, but I am sad to see the dictatorial and then underhand side of racing I saw this weekend.

John Chandler

[Tommy Gunn]

Well said John.
I and many others share your views on the Mick Finnie affair.
It's hard to believe that anyone would sink so low and kick the guy when he's down.
Best of luck Mick, hope your back out there very soon.
Apart from that it was a good days racing, however not without incidents. Ask Dips and Vicky.

[Big Tim]

I have nothing further to add to what John has written, but agree with his views on the points raised.

I would also like to thank John, Doug, Mags, Sharon, Phil and the girls for the hospitality this weekend and also to the F350 / Post Classic teams for putting on a good show on the track, there was some good dicing; particularly in the second race with Allan Steele / Martin Pither, Robin / Annette Daykin and John / Doug Chandler all scrapping for the same bit of tarmac. Good close and safe (non-contact) racing.