MRA "All British" - 29th June 2014
22 August 2014 / Words by Luke Otten, Pics by Scott Walker
The latest round of MX-5 races were run in conjunction with the MRA "All British" meeting at Wakefield Park, Goulburn on 29th June. This was not an MX-5 Cup points round.
Anyone who has visited Goulburn would know that the weather can be less than ideal. On this occasion it was a balmy 2 degrees with a westerly wind blowing at about 50km/h ... oh and did I mention it was raining? I've never seen people unload their trailers so quickly, I know I wasn't the only one asking "what am I doing here?" It felt like we had a guest appearance in the movie "frozen".
Qualifying was done in the rain with very slippery conditions, numerous cars were struggling for grip and a couple having a spin just to keep things interesting. Luke Otten took pole, followed closely by Chris White and David Lawler in third.
Race 1 was a six-lapper and saw the lights go out with a semi-dry racing line but still wet on the edges, making passing difficult and I'm sure a few of us held our breath while trying to pull off a maneuver. The chequered flag was awarded to Stuart McFadyen (his first race win ... well done Stu!) with Luke Otten in second and David Stone close behind for third.
Race 2 gave us the best conditions of the day, a dry track but still very greasy and not a lot of grip on offer. After seven laps of good natured racing it was Luke Otten first to the flag, with David Stone and Stuart McFadyen battling it out for second and third in that order.
With the first two races now complete, it brings us to the business end of the day - the Trophy Race. With the weather again looking ominous, the question on everybody's lips was "wets or slicks." I'm sure I saw a couple of drivers doing the rain dance behind the pit garages! As the cars were waiting on the dummy grid and it started to rain again, I'd bet those of us without roofs were very jealous of those who do! The rain was getting heavier on the warm up lap and when the lights went out, windscreen wipers were ablaze. At the end of the nine lap trophy race, it was Chris White with a well deserved win (taking the lead on the last lap) from David Stone and David Lawler for third.
The next round of the MX-5 Cup will be held on the 24th August at Wakefield Park and is shaping up to be a beauty, anyone thinking of throwing their hat (or helmet!) in the ring, we would love to see you there.
Finally, a quick thank you to Wakefield Park for once again putting on a well run great day.
