By Isle of Wight Observer
On the club’s AGM and award evening on Friday drivers were presented with trophies for their achievements in the 2018 season, however, competitors had no chance to rest on their laurels as on the Sunday the first round of the Isle of Wight Car Club’s 2019 championship was held at the Isle of Wight College car park in Newport.
Those wanting to win a trophy at the next awards evening knew that every point in the championship counts and were keen to get a good result at this event. With high winds and heavy showers forecast competitors were going to have to work for every point.
The course was a mix of open sweeping sections suitable for the more powerful cars but finished with a fiendish super tight slalom towards the stop box where the smaller more agile cars could make back time.
Michael Marrison in his stripped out Fiesta made a great impression by posting some very competitive times early in the day, as well as new member Liam Wildish in his amazing classic VW Beetle hiding a Subaru Impreza engine. Driving a more traditional Subaru were Andy Williams, John Barrett and Joe Moore, however, despite the showers they could not take advantage of their all-wheel drive systems to get onto the podium.
In the damp conditions, sliding your car around the tarmac can be great fun and many drivers span or performed a few doughnuts resulting in nothing more than a slow time and a large smile. Adam Greenen on the other hand clouted a curb in his classic Mini but despite a little damage to his indicator was good to carry on. However, Steve Wells left the track in the damp conditions and ended his day of competition by completely re-arranging the custom front suspension of his class 5 car.
Despite the damp conditions and the occasional off, this was a fantastic start to the season and great to see so many competitors and spectators.
At the podium celebrations, fastest lady of the day went to Louise Wren driving her Ford Puma, our class 2 winner was Wayne Hole in his MX5 and our class 4 winner who just missed out on the podium was Joe Moore.
Despite his minor off, class 3 winner and claiming the 3rd step of the podium was Adam Greenen in his classic Mini. The second step went to Chris Wilson in his single seater special, but class 5 winner and on the top step of the podium with a 3 second lead was Ryan Munt who was driving his Locost.
The next event is on the 24th of March and will be held within the grounds of the Ventnor Botanic Gardens. This is an event not to miss. If you would like to spectate or even compete, please visit the club’s website for more details, www.iowcc.co.uk.
Report and photos by Kevin Richardson
