Club Meeting Barham

13th October 2002

Ian's meeting

A lot was hoped for from this meeting, not because of its importance, not because of the numbers of racers entering, but because if it was successful it would become only the second track in the southeast, and third in the south, that was suitable for running bikes around.

So on a very wet and overcast Sunday morning five eager bike racers joined the regulars at the Barham circuit for a race. The track although having being in existence for a few years now, has just been redesigned and re-laid and although not yet finished, looks like being a fantastically rewarding track to drive around. If they get the curbs right it will be a great track.

As it turns out its not ideal for bikes, being a little on the technical side, but it is quite possible to ride around and rewards accurate riding. Apart from myself the other riders where Matt, James and Damon of Eco truck fame, and Billy (sorry cant remember you last name Bill) all of who are newcomers to bikes and they all managed fine.

The track was very damp and greasy in the morning and proved a real challenge. Not only did we have to learn this demanding new track but also just finding grip was hard work. However it dried out by round 2 and much to his delight James found himself on pole a second in front of me with the others only a lap or so behind. I should point out that this was counting my first round time as I had forgotten to put a bug in for round 2.

Barham often run an unconventional meeting in that we had only 2 rounds of qualifying but then 3-legged finals for all to follow. I’m pleased to say for Team Benwell’s prestige, that normal service was resumed in the final's with me winning reasonably comfortably form James and Damon. It rained in the third leg so only Damon and Billy went out. James had problems and me and Matt had more sense but before the rain came I was pumping in consistent 25.5 second laps so although it hardly counts as a track record it is a target for all to beat.

The next bike meeting there will be on November 10th so lets hope we can get some others down for the next one

go here to look at the photo's from this meeting