Come in number 42
November 2009
The New Yorkers came into the last race of the season as favourites to wrap things up with a 15 point advantage over their nearest rivals and they left as 2009 rookie champions. BIX2 and Lotus Power both pushed them hard but in the end the best team won. Prior to the race, there was yet more controversy about Lotus Power once again hiring a Clubman driver in the form of Martin Joyce. Many rival teams, especially Team Incredible, voiced their displeasure. Lotus Power’s defence for their underhand tactics was about as convincing as the acting in Star Wars but has nevertheless made for some excitement in the ruthless cut and thrust world of rookie racing!With the conditions rapidly deteriorating throughout the afternoon, qualifying produced a mixed up grid with Monday Night Racing taking the pole ahead of Release the Fury and Raggo Racing. BIX2 were the first of the title contenders up in fourth while Lotus Power could only manage seventh. The New Yorkers had a shocker and could only line up 21st and in the dangerous mid-field.
Chris Burgess and Adrian Case were very surprised with their pole position but were nonetheless looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“A complete shock and typical because it is the last race of the year but it makes things look good for next year. We’ll have to see what happens when it rains. I would rather it stayed dry but I think that is wishful thinking to be honest.”
The rain started in earnest as the karts took to the track and off the line it was Release The Fury who got the jump to lead around the opening lap. Pantera slotted neatly into second ahead of Rye House specialists Team Incredible. The New Yorkers were a first lap casualty, going off at the first hairpin. Pole sitters Monday Night Racing fell victim to the conditions at Pylon and Fear Are We Wacing also went off.
The track was treacherous throughout the whole race and there were a large number of spinners throughout the afternoon. As the carnage unfolded it was the top 3 teams who emerged up front again. Release The Fury were looking strong right up until the half way mark but dropped off the radar in the latter phase. Lotus Power, who were again sporting a non-rookie driver in the form of Martin Joyce who made sure he got plenty of practice in the morning Clubman race, started making rapid progress in the second half of the race to move into contention for the win.
BIX2 had remained consistently in the top 3 for much of the race and seemed to be driving sensibly to consolidate their second place in the championship. After a good qualifying, Pantera Racing had a miserable afternoon and would end up almost dead last at the finish.
After their first lap calamity at Pylon, Monday Night Racing had worked their way back through the field and were running a respectable 6th in class. Adrian Case:
“Our first pole was hard fought and we thought we'd be in for a good showing this time around, but then it rained! In the end it felt like taking your life in your own hands as you drove into the wall of white whilst daring your brain to keep your foot in whilst approaching Stadium. Definitely a memorable day and now the heartbeats have returned to normal we're looking forward to next year”
Further down the order, AAA Taxi, SMJ Racing and Raggo Racing were struggling to make any impression and were trailing at the back of the pack. Team Incredible who are renowned Rye House and wet weather specialists, were not having the best day despite a promising start.
Despite a spin from the official best Clubby of the year, Dyll Davies, Pete Bunton was in confident mood about a good result.
“He spun off. He doesn’t like the wet too much but he’s having a good go and as long as we’re there or there abouts in relation to Lotus we should be in good shape. Anything can happen yet.”
Despite a couple of spins from John Goddard, it was Lotus Power who literally swam across the line to win their second race of the year. The New Yorkers followed them home to take the title ahead of BIX2, who finished third. After a close and sometimes controversial year, The New Yorkers are the deserving champions and are sure to make an impact in the Inters class next year.
“It was a good day. We knew what we had to do and we just took it very easy. Obviously it would have been nice to win today but you can’t win everything. We were favoured by the downpour really because the kart was terrible in the dry but obviously in the wet it doesn’t matter as much.”
Team captain AJ was delighted with the win and gave praise to Martin Joyce on his Clubman-like performance.
“We’re obviously pleased with the result. We all drove well and were all setting quick times so I can’t complain really. It was a good team effort and cemented third in the championship. Martin did a great job for us as you would expect and he’s a nice guys as well so yeah I’m pretty pleased.”
BIX2 were happy with second in the championship and, living up to his reputation of being the best clubby, Dyll Davies was quick to congratulate his rivals in their championship success. Pete Bunton was also delighted with how the year went and admitted that they had exceeded their expectations.
“We are overjoyed. When we started the season we thought we might be sixth or around there and we’ve all really tried and improved and today we all drove well again.”
And one final thought goes to my good friend and one time sprint buddy, Martin Joyce. After his Badoer-esque appearance for Rum Racing at Clay, he drove faultlessly to help Lotus Power to a convincing victory. Given he is a veteran of over a decade in Club100 combined with his return from the grave performance, I now dub you Martin Barrichello-Joyce.
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