The parts didn't arrive until the following Monday morning and the car spent 50 hours on the jig getting straightened. Mean while BT Racing were working on the engine and gearbox that received quite a bit of damage in the crash as well as getting our Lida suspension sent over to the UK to be rebuilt which were bent badly in the shunt.

 

Saturday morning and one weak to go to the race we received the rolling shell and JH Autobody repainted the car top to bottom and fitted all the new panels. A new colour was decided and the car was starting to take shape. Tuesday and the car was back with the team in Clane and a race against time was on to get all the running gear and suspension into the car. Thursday and the car was ready about 12.30 at night. The next morning off to the rolling road to check everything was OK and then up to Kirkistown.

 

To a lot of peoples amazement including my own 10.30 Saturday morning i was sitting in my car ready to go out and qualify for the race. The team, sponsors, friends and everyone did an amazing job to get the car ready. It was a real team effort and i cant thank everyone enough for helping this happin. The plan was to do 3 laps then pit and a quick check over and go let rip. We had no time to test so we were using the settings we used in kirkistown earlier in the season but tweaked the car throwout the day to my liking. Eventual starting positions 8th for race one and 7th for race two about 0.7 of second off pole. I was happy with this considering i didn't think i would even be on the grid.

 

Race one and i was more nerves then ever. Everyone had done such a good job to get me here now it was up to me to finish it off and get a result. Just don't bend it i taught to my self. As soon as the lights went out i was flying by turn 1 i was up to 6th. Half way threw the race i was in 4th place in a 6 way battle for the lead. It was all going great with a podium in sight. I was all over the back of Noel Green but was then passed by Clive Pratt. So down to 5th but we were still battling hard and all over the leaders. Then with 3 laps to go my clutch started to slip and taught to my self don't do this to me now. We got to the end in 5th 1 tenth of a second off 4th and in the end 3 seconds of Alister Kellett who took an excellent win. I was happy. I had a good run and some good points in the bag.

 

With just over an hour between races the lads changed the clutch and gearbox on the car and we made it out for race two. Again proud of the lads for doing a great job the Tom Kane recovery car was to start 7th. How ever on my warm up lap my brake pedal went to the floor 3 times, not a good sign. I pitted to check did i have enough brake fluid. I did so i started from the Pitt lane right at the back. With no brakes i drove on as best i could just to try and get a couple of points. Finishing at the tail of the field but a finish all the same. A disappointing end to what turned out to be a positive weekend.

 

Next round back to Mondello on the 22nd of August and we should have plenty of support there. Unfortunately The Phoenix Park Motor races have been canceled this year also.

 

But remember on the 30th of July we are having a fundraiser as we need to pay for the damage done to the car. We are playing golf in Sutton golf club and a meal and party in Suttonians R.F.C. Tickets are €70 for golf and dinner or just €30 for the dinner. Contact Barry-John asap if you are interested on 0863594983.

 

Lastly id like to thank all my family, friends, team and sponsors threw the past few Weeks which proved a tough time.

 

 

Tom Kane Motors 24 hour recovery and transportation

 

McHenry Car Sales ltd

 

 

Speedy Tyres and Auto Services

 

Artane Auto Centre

 

JH Autobody

 

Cable Technical Services