The final event of the UK club racing calendar at Mallory Park was marked by an unusual combination of thrilling racing moments and unexpected challenges, notably the unforgiving weather conditions. The Plum Pudding meeting, intended as a festive send-off to the racing season, struggled against the enveloping fog that ultimately forced the event’s premature conclusion. Motorsports enthusiasts and local families gathered with hope and anticipation, ready to witness a culmination of racing across three motorcycle events and four car races. Unfortunately, only a fraction of these events came to fruition due to the adverse weather.
Qualifying sessions for both the motorcycles and cars faced significant delays caused by an oil spill during the earlier motorcycle practice. As teams scrambled to adjust, the 750 Motor Club utilized their Renault Megane to guide racers under cautionary measures, showcasing the organizers’ commitment to ensuring participant safety. It was an exercise in patience and strategy, but grids were ultimately decided by the order of entry, which led to a rather static beginning for the day’s racing.
The opening Saloon Car race provided a glimmer of hope for the fans in attendance. Sam Daffin’s Ford Fiesta earned pole position, but it was Daniel Kell’s Ford Sierra that seized the lead initially, illustrating the competitive spirit that fuels club racing events. However, that lead was fleeting as Rich Hockley quickly overtook him in his Honda Civic, setting the stage for a gripping race. The excitement was palpable, with dynamic position changes highlighting the ability of drivers to adapt under pressure.
As the race progressed, drama unfolded on the track. A significant moment came when Hockley lost control at Devil’s Elbow, which not only cost him the lead but also opened the door for Reynolds, who was skillfully maneuvering his way up from the back of the grid. Starting from row 10 in his Ford Fiesta ST240, Reynolds showcased his remarkable driving capabilities, leading the race by lap three. However, just as the competitive tension began to settle, the safety car was deployed due to a collision involving Adam Jones and his Hyundai Coupe, significantly altering the race’s trajectory.
What had begun as a promising race concluded under caution, marking a bittersweet end for the drivers. Darren Spooner, with his exuberant Time Attack Peugeot 205, impressively contended for second place, with Kell and Hockley not far behind. The final placements revealed a mix of skill and resilience, even in a curtailed race.
Hope for additional racing was short-lived, as thickening fog made visibility precarious. The Sports Car race attempted to commence, but within just two laps, the conditions worsened, compelling officials to put an end to the event. Boyce’s Radical SR1 had claimed the lead prior to the early suspension, while Rob Warner and Steve Barnard trailed him in what could have been an exhilarating contest.
The Plum Pudding meeting at Mallory Park exemplified the unpredictability of club racing. While the fog and safety concerns curtailed much of the day’s planned excitement, moments of brilliance shone through, retaining a sense of triumph among the competitors who braved the elements to compete. As motorsport aficionados look ahead to the next season, this event stands as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictabilities inherent in the world of racing.