2005
Kelly Rogers Racing
The Mini Se7en Racing Clubs’ 40th season kicked off with this non-championship round on the National circuit. A very modest entry of 11 cars gave some indication of how most club members are keeping their ‘powder dry’ for the upcoming 1st round on the gruelling GP circuit here next month. Full credit however, goes to the close knit teams of Peter Vickers and Mark Wanstall’s Rightline Motorsport who not only introduced two brand new drivers to the sport, (Adrian Hollis in an older but well updated Miglia and James Coulson in the ex-Hack Se7en) but actually provided over 50% of the grid !
Qualification
Heavy fog delayed the start but when they finally ventured out it was Phil Rudge who seized the initiative. Immediately on the pace, Rudge looked massively committed through the Luffield complex which rewarded him with his first ever pole position. He was closely followed by Paul Simmonds and Sarah Munns who were only separated by a 10th. The Mig grid was completed by Phil Lee, Darren “Rooney” Thomas (Pitstop Twiddler), Adrian Hollis who’s first lesson in motorsport was that having brakes is a good thing ! and finally, Ian Featherstone who later admitted that race prep should probably include more than just dusting the car off ! In the Se7ens, an evergreen Malcolm Holdstock saw off Paul Brown in Malcolm Keat’s car to secure the top slot. Rupert Hinde was third despite major overheating problems and he was followed home by a steadily improving young James Coulson.
Race
OK, I know there’s only 11 cars in this event, but there is
no such thing as a dull Mini race so I took up my position on the outside of
Luffield and braced myself for the action. As with so many drivers on pole for the first time, Phil Rudge
fluffed his start and was immediately mugged by Sarah and Paul. The latter was
first into Copse and also first to emerge under the bridge. His race almost
ended there and then as he struggled to control the car through the complex on
brand new, un-scrubbed tyres. The remainder of the grid hold station……..for now
!!Next lap and a cruel blow for the Pitstop Team as the
“Roon’s” car suffers an exploding tyre which dumps him in the gravel and out of
the race approaching Woodcote. Brown is now in front of Holdstock which sees
the start of a race long duel of skilful swappage between the two. Lap 3 and Sarah leads, she’s trying really hard to shake off
Simmonds and the fully recovered Rudge which leads to some sideways stuff at
both Copse and Maggots. Losing the drive down the back straight, she is passed
by both Paul and Phil. Meanwhile, Phil Lee has his race head fully on and is
pulling them all in, setting the fastest lap in the process. Next time round and Rudge takes the lead up the inside of
Simmonds who immediately attempts to re-take him causing a collision in the
complex. The unfortunate Rudge struggles round for a few more laps with his
East/West steering geometry but pulls in to retire on lap 5. Meanwhile in the
Se7ens, the dynamic duo are still dealing in fag papers as Rupert holds a
watching brief in 3rd. James is now struggling to find any gears and
pulls in to retire after 6 laps. Things settle down a little now and it looks as though Paul
will take the win.
Little Miss Road Rage however, hasn’t read the script and
produces a fine out-dragging manoeuvre out of Copse and holds on to the lead to
deny the Flying Underwriter his maiden victory.
So, it’s Sarah Munns on the top step from Paul Simmonds and
a very happy Phil Lee.
Paul Brown only just beat Malcolm Holdstock to the line with
Rupert Hinde making his first podium visit in third place.
The crowd ? (small but perfectly formed) well they bloody
loved it didn’t they. Roll on April I say
Round 1
Silverstone
Round 2
Castle Combe
Round 8 & 9
Rockingham
Round 10
Oulton Park
Non
Championship
Silverstone -
19-03-2005
