Venue The Lakes track near Newcastle was Heaven Clubs last race meeting for year 2013. Threatening rain kept some people away but the chance to shine in the Heaven GP brought others into the fray.
The steep, tight, fast, jumpy, sweeping track was a sight to behold late on Friday arvo. Groomed to perfection once again. Light rain that arvo only improved it.
Around 11pm the table of knowledge and racing members were shocked from their camp chairs by a flash of lightning, clap of thunder and 4 inches of rain in 4 minutes. Track conditions just changed.
Morning broke with bluish skies and a steady breeze. By 40 min practice 2 the track had gone from wet cement to chewing gum.
Racing kicked off with Pre 85 bikes, those piloted by Jody, Liam and Jarred clearing the main table top with ease. The track got better with every lap as it dried out. At one point in the morning there was even a whiff of dust on one bit of the track. The steep up hill section peppered those brave enough to attack from behind. Stones a plenty scattered all over trailing bike and rider.
We tried an new starting procedure - right side of the start gate had the 250's , left had the 125's. Drop the 250 first and give them a head start then let the 125's get after them. Seemed to work well, It gave the 125s and clear run to drag each other for holeshots.
We also had a number of members who don't ride each race event turn up for the end of year. Adrian #101 brought a uber kool selection of KTM's including the 495 that Jeff Leisk rode at Classic Dirt. That bike had a bit of a stalling issue due to his machinist not making a flywheel weight in time (trouble with competing in the same race as your machinist).
Dave #126 (aka Ampol) on his KDX 175 was smooth as silk around the track. Railed every rut, tracked like a trail and this was in stark contrast the the bloke he was racing most, Jens Olsen. Jens the Viking was busting out of ruts, fishtailing from side to side and flapping his legs off the back of the bike. I asked Jens which bike he was going to ride in the GP. He said `Oh vell I don't now yet. Ve Vill have to zee which of my bikes is still going by the time it starts you know.' The TS 400 ate its chain, the KX 125 ran out of rotary induction so the RH 185 TS hybrid got the gig.
Overall the race day was free of serious injury. A bit of winding here and there and bent prides. But the Medic stayed still all day long.
Chris #128 on the Evo Maico tried his best to get a free ambo ride by riding clear over the berm and tyres at the start of the main straight. 3 meter drop in soft slush.
The GP event was shaping up as a cracka with a full grid. 15 Minutes plus one lap and the track was better than perfect. CR 500's through to Pre 65 Jawa's were all on the line at once. Jarred Hardcastle #322 (Jody's CR 500) had blown us away all day. He got the Jump on the start again with Liam (Brads yellow 250 H) Old Carl #7, Horrie #32 and Young Carl #2 all following up. Unfortunately Jarred got tangled up in a lapped rider and broke a clutch something, then realised he had 6 broken spokes in the back wheel. (Old bike and big jumps) A DNF. That left Liam out front on his own. Clearing the table top with time to look back over his shoulder.
The race behind was the one to watch, weaving around back markers, some for the 2nd time was a true test for Carl, Horrie and Carl. All riding with consideration for others but still super fast. The positions didn't change. Liam, Old Carl and Horrie.
Smiles all round.
Late afternoon the rain started again. Got heavier over night and then just didn't stop all Sunday. Riders brief Sunday decided to end it there. Just not ridable - not safe - huge gutters in the track. News just said about 145mm dumped on us.
We had our AGM with the current committee retaining their respective positions un-opposed.
Trophies were presented. Speeches were left to the Juniors who thanked the Club, the Committee, the Helpers and their parents. The juniors were also the only racers who jumped down from the podium. The rest of us took it easy.
Special mention too for Dennis (KTM) Myers who won the Clubman of the Year 2013 award for his service to club. In particular the management and track preparation of the Bulladehlah Vinduro. Big effort when he comes from Canberra.
Thanks to Heaven for providing us with a year of racing we will never forget.
The Committee members ran an outstanding operation. On time On budget.
2014 is shaping up as our best year ever. Flag Mashalls will be the number one thing that will slow us down (or stop us). So please support your race mates by putting your hand up early and sticking to your promise to flag.
Over and out
Pete
