Having been at Pathfinder at Berkeley on Saturday in the glorious sunshine it was disappointing to wake up to clouds and beads of rain on the cars at Chivers Towers on Sunday morning, it was car club day though, so about par for the course.
On the Saturday the Pathfinder students were on their 4th day of driving, yours truly was there to see a few of them start the Saturday before in the ungraded area so it was a real treat to see how far they had improved. From frustration and stalls, to smooth driving in a few days. I am always in awe of how the students improve so quickly. A few of us helped out in the brake and avoid area, I have a new respect and friendship with Alan after working on his demo drives, Matt made his mums Volvo move in a way I havent seen since they raced the 740’s in the touring cars back in the 90’s (Don’t tell Heather).
I had some fun in letting the 16 and 17 year olds on the PF course know that they were going to be driving around with 11 year olds on the Sunday and from what I hear, they were impressed with the standards shown, so well done to all of you.
Back to the plot….
Being involved with the Pathfinder event made for an early morning and we were all there for 8am (mainly because that’s when the bacon rolls turn up) after honking our horns at a car club family that had camped up for the night near the power station I made my excuses and decided to help out on the gate booking in the members for the day. There was more to it this time as the PF cars had to be let in unhindered and the car club cars had to be booked in as usual, we got through it though (thanks Lizzy).
With a car park full with PF cars we were limited to 50 CC cars and I dont think we would have needed any more, it was a proper urban facsimile, busy, slow at times and a real test for everyone.
A lot of smiles, a few upgrades, lots of chatting and having a good time, perfect and topped off by Allard Cars wheeling out one of their cars for those of us that appreciate that sort of thing to drool over, fab, just fab.
I thought the cafe made a curry and chips that would have given Keith Floyd a run for his money, perfect and at £4 for a huge tray of grub, who could complain?
Its a shame we could not have been at CC, but I dont think I would have traded today, I think it worked well.
So, thank you for turning up, your great driving, instructing, Marshalling, organising and just being a part of it.
Enjoy your lay in next Sunday, See you when I see you.