Westonzoyland Review July 12th 2023
It took quite a few attempts to find a new spot for CKGB to host a ‘South west’ event, and although a lot had to be organised in just a few weeks all was looking good for a cracking day of Cyclekarting.
July 12th dawns. It’s a bright and sunny morning at Westonzoyland Airfield near Bridgwater. Somerset.
Stefan made good time along the South coast, arriving too promptly (don’t ask what time he left LOL), rung me for the the entrance gate code, I was on route with five mins to go.
Nine cyclekarts arrived including some new faces and builds .....great stuff ! We unloaded and set up although the bulk of the track layout was done the evening before, after the driving school had finished - thanks chaps :)
Steve P and Captain Tannering were marshals and Jim T was also our First Aider (newly qualified). Stefan was Clerk of Course.
After signing on with Chris S and the drivers briefing, free practice got underway at 10.00 am, followed by a chance for new driver solo testing/practice. The track surface and layout proved popular and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Drivers of the new Cyclekarts were satisfied with their builds.
We were very lucky that day because Graham A and Jill not only brought two Cyclekarts, but also laid on an excellent buffet, which we all begun to tuck into......Yummy.
Time for the Maybug medal - a sprint event with a standing start timed complete lap. Mark U had his Cyclekart well dialled into the fast circuit and took fastest time.
Lunchtime ... and more delicious food. Wow, did we have a feast! Thank you once again :)
We discussed the afternoon's event and it was decided to hold an endurance race with Le Mans start. Titled “Le Mins 24 “ (or LEMONS 24) this was an endurance event lasting 24 minutes.
This proved to be very competitive with Marshalls working hard to flag the slower Cyclekarts to allow overtaking. FAST and FURIOUS It WAS !!!! 16 mins into the Endurance (with 30 laps logged) a certain driver, (No names, Blue Austin, LOL) spun off, hit a track marker, bounced back onto the racing line, causing Red flag to be shown. Damaged Cyclekarts limped back to the pits. The consensus was to finish the remaining 9 minutes of Endurance, albeit at a calmer pace with five Cyclekarts still running. The overall winner was Andy B - well done again.
Next up was open practice for those that wanted it, weren’t worn out and whose Cyckelarts weren’t broken from endurance.
And finally the day ended with awards and thank you’s. On that note; a big thank you to all those who participated, helped prepare track, marshalls and first aid, clerk of course, event booking and signing on, clearing the track at the end of the day, and finally, preparing and bringing the delicious food. A great day plus we had fantastic weather.
Cheers All - Chris L
Words and Pictures: Chris Loader
