Last year's victor Martha Brown was looking nervous before the event, desperate to hold on to her title. Many others were there to try and ensure that she didn't.
This year's event was held at Raceway karting in Pontefract, Yorkshire, a change from last year's Sheffield venue.
After initial warm up rounds, it was in to the competition rounds and Martha was looking strong, winning her first 2 heats. Matt Dixon and I were also doing well. The 3rd heat proved to be the troublesome one for some due to a collision between Martha, Ian Henderson and I in which Martha claimed to have sustained an injury. I suspect her confidence was now waning and was looking to prepare an excuse.
The collision helped set the starting grid positions for the final which were to end up deciding the outcome of the competition. Matt in pole, me in 2nd and Martha in 3rd. Tensions were also building as those involved were out looking for the perpetrator of the collision.
Matt got off to a flying start with me chasing his tail all the way, but just could not overtake, fluffing a corner on the final lap made sure I stayed behind. Martha was struggling to keep up with the front markers, presumably having trouble with that 'injury', and battling it out with Ian for 3rd and 4th place.
The racing was over and it was time to hear the final results:
3rd place: Martha Brown
2nd place: ..... Matthew Dixon?
1st place: ..... Martyn Werner?
A very strange final placing, and a slightly hollow victory, I can only assume that Matt was somehow penalised for unsportsman-like conduct and causing general mayhem on the track. Anyway, the judge's decision was final and that was good enough for me ;-)
Rob Fratczak claimed the prize for the fastest lap overall, this remains undisputed.
Despite the argy-bargy, which was all part of the fun, a great afternoon was had by all. This was followed by a lovely meal at Zeugma back in Sheffield and all washed down with a pint or two in the local.
Merry Christmas to all our blog readers and wishing you all a prosperous year in 2010.
