With excellent
weather this year's drags looked a good prospect for all who were making the
pilgrimage to Shakespeare County Raceway. With only Chris Hartnell and Aiden
Kenny competing, and a full turn out of rodders and racers from the Bristol
area, this was almost a full house situation making for a good weekend's
atmosphere. In fact probably the only time we've been together like this, and
hopefully more will take place in the future.
One car making
its debut having the MOT done on Thursday and then driven up the M5 on Friday
(getting in a couple of 1/4 mile passes the same day) was the Pop of Daniel
Grant. A slight mishap of losing reverse and brake loss sidelined the primered
car until the drive home though, but I'm sure the car will see lots of
street/strip action later on in its life.
Merv's Willys did
a few Friday passes as did MT's, but both were rested the rest of the weekend,
one with a misfire, the other with a leaking blower gasket. Ivor turned up on
the Sunday with the Austin - still without glass, but he still put in
three runs with a best time of 14.2 at 98mph, the car went straight as if on
rails so now he can finish the bodywork off over the winter knowing the drive
train is okay.
Crazy Chris put
the canopy on Backdraft just as it had run many moons ago, giving the slingshot
the nostalgia feel and as always gave wheel standing runs throughout the
weekend. He also took part in Saturday's evening cacklefest, which I missed due
to it being held on time - but the fireworks I did catch.
With the
clubhouse full, Saturday night I spent in the marquee and I'm glad I did as the
group was excellent, with lots of dancing going on. Today was Nick Barnett's
25th birthday allowing him to upgrade his B pick-up from Daimler to Chevy
power, and after holing two pistons on Friday, it may be sooner than later. The
all steel rod was later trailered back home.
This was Dr Bob's first
real run in the air bagged Chevy pick-up, and once there it also decided to
stay on the ground. On Sunday it raised itself enough to allow the caravan to
be hitched up for a good ride home. Since returning home it has been perfect.
It was nice on Sunday to see John Hall make his annual pilgrimage from Chew
Valley to Stratford even though he did not put in runs as he usually does.
Also nice on
Saturday to see Neil put in a few runs in the blue 32 roadster which he and
Carol seem to drive everywhere since they purchased it. All in all a good time
was had by all, even with the hitches I have mentioned - let's hope more
like this take part in the future.
Phil
Finally, here's
Ian's YouTube video of the 2009 Hot Rod Drags.
