Snetterton

Well here we all are again for another season of cheap thrills. Friday practice day was my 49th, so I alternated between Joe Hardy Clubman Racer and Mrs Doyle as I tried to off load a small mountain of cakes. This didnt take long as word soon spread of free cake. Thinking that in sharing a garage with Fish and Bally I might pick up valuable racing tips backfired. While I flicked a duster on mine they were constantly tinkering and discussing obscure navigational practices - something called steering geometry ? The only nugget of information I picked up was from Bally, who in typically laconic form intimated I should "Go faster." I almost choked on my Mr Kipling fancy - did he realise how much petrol that would use, not to mention the accelerated tyre wear.

Rangi "Australian Cultural attache to the YPM" wished me a happy birthday in typical antipodean fashion, "Oi yah lardy arsed Jock Bastaad." It seems he had blown his engine and was on the scrounge for a replacement. Unable to resist I gave him my "trick" barrels, head n pistons, trick as in they should have been stamped "for novelty purposes only." Several hours and three base gaskets each side the pistons were still smacking the head. Fortunately Purple Pete came to the rescue with a spare engine. Purple Pete, a hardy soul who had not only drank an undiluted cup of my coffee but an afterburner as well and still went to the pub. Len Whalin fared less well - tho' Len you did ask for it.

Sat was cold so I left my jetting as was - very rich on the advice of Graham to avoid cold siezure. Having failed to realise just how popular the YPM class now is I left my entry late and ended up as first reserve and started the first race of the year from familiar territory - the back o the grid. Race one I made a good start, so it was no surprise to see it red flagged. Must remember to sick fags n lighter in instrument pod as we stood on the apron at the end of Revitts I could have used a cup of coffee n fag. From the restart I made a poorer start and burbled round in the low 40's - happy just to finish on a new engine. Ok I will now confess to anyone who doesnt already know - race 2 I ran out of petrol ,,,, Out of Russells for the last time it went waaahhh and the world and his dog passed me to the line. I was actually relieved that it was just stupidity as I contemplated my reflection on the bottom of the tank.

Sunday - and Spring was finally here - the Sun shone and I found myself humming "Here comes the sun" - the Beatles - ask your Dad, as I took 7.5 seconds off my Sat best and got to a couple of seconds off my PB. All in all a very enjoyable weekends racing. Mentions in despatches to Liam O' Laughlin and Den Grant for some excellent racing. I may have been for 20 + place but it could have been first for us. Thats the terrific thing about the YPM - you'll always find someone to have a scrap with. Also to John Elton - my adpot-a-rookie for the weekend who lifted the top points award, definitely a "Rocketman".

It looks like I may have some competition in the best turned out bike award this year. Marlon Carr's new paint job - done by his Dad Chris, is particularly smart. Dare I say it we no longer look like the paddock Gypsies - Even Bally has a new paint job. However; it wasnt all peaches n cream at Snett, I managed to offend Mrs Fish. My grevious crime was to suggest that I was probably a better cook. So looks like there may well be a "cook out" some weekend to settle the issue. Fish text'd me on Friday to say that Sharon, already in training for the event, made him beef tacos for tea. That'll be three packets you had to open then Sharon. I in reply pointed out it was Friday.

So on to Lydden, after Cadwell one of my favourites and home of Bemsee. See you all there. This is George Watson for Back O' the grid, proud that my pancakes are crepe.

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