Once again, thanks to Martyn from the Isle of Wight Car Club for his report. Ed
Sunday 26th September saw the sixth round of IOWCC championship held at Atherfield.
The second time at this venue this year and with good weather promised to be a cracking, if challenging event.
Clover covered fields meant whoever dared go out first was not only driving on virtual ice but was also improving conditions for other drivers as they cut up the surface to reveal compacted soil which was far grippier.
Skating champ?
Andy Williams as ever took his special out first and provided us with his best attempt at a Torvill and Dean rendition as his car struggled to find traction and danced around with adroitness. Both the specials of Andy and Chris Lee managed to get the better of the tricky conditions and put respectable times on the board of 1:05.59 and 1:05.20 when nobody else could even manage a clear run with the finish box so slippery lots were sailing straight through.
A relevant newcomer in Daniel Grist showed all the FWD drivers how it should be done recorded a credible 58.81 putting him not only above the FWD competitors but straight to the top of the leaderboard, a very impressive drive from somebody new to the club.
Paul Wills however upset the party in his Subaru Impreza proving traction was key by laying down a time of 53:87, most in the paddock felt that was unattainable in anything other than 4WD.
Vicky tops the leaderboard
However as the sun warmed and the wind swept across the field the ground began to dry and the times were suddenly plummeting, Dan Morgan recorded a time of 53:75 in his usual calm and collected manner putting the Golf in the mix. Vicky Cox driving her very well set-up Mi16 Peugeot 205 put the cat amongst the pigeons driving a very impressive 52:86 putting her top of the leaderboard.
The specials were nowhere to be seen, grip had come and the FWD cars were leaving everything for dust, quite literally! Steve Brett, ever dependable at these unsealed events drove a very good time of 52:27 to take the lead but it was to be short lived as Dan Morgan once again stepped up to record a time of 51:36 putting him back on the top where he would stay for the remainder of the day. Another very well driven round by what is currently the leader of Sealed, unsealed and combined championships. Can anybody possibly touch Dan Morgan?
Asked after the event if he had anything to say he replied “After the mechanical issues causing a poor performance at Nunwell Farm it’s nice to be back at the right end of the timing sheets. Today’s results was an important result for the championship, it’s a long season but we’re in a great position right now. On a serious note though, I’d like to dedicate this win to a good friend of mine, Russell Hughes, who sadly passed away this week. He will be sorely missed.”
Well done to all that competed in what were often tricky and constantly changing conditions, congratulations must be extended not only to Dan but also to Vicky Cox who was undoubtedly driver of the day and easily fastest lady of the day. We have an up and coming star.
Positions
1st Dan Morgan 0:51.36
2nd Steve Brett 0:52.27
3rd Vicky Cox 0:52:86
3rd Martyn Cutler 0:52.86
Championship Leaderboard
1st Dan Morgan 198 Points
2nd Neil Glasbey 179 Points
3rd Martyn Cutler 173 Points
For more information on the Isle of Wight car club then visit Isle of Wight Car Club Website
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Photos courtesy of Allan Marsh and Chris Wood
