Model car club members find a winning track (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Model car club members find a winning track

RAIN on Saturday kept members of the Cotswold Model Car Club guessing until the last minute for the second round of the Stroud Tool Hire Championship.

The track was laid out outside, but with the first shower all equipment was moved into the hangar, much to the chagrin of the Nitro-powered runners.

Although it was a setback, it proved to be the right move as rain became more persistent later in the afternoon.

First event of the day was the presentation of the Earle and Ludlow Championship awards, with Kevin Ludlow in attendance to congratulate the prize winners.

The club expresses its thanks to Earle and Ludlow for their generous sponsorship of the first Cotswold Model Car Club Championship.

Nineteen drivers signed in and the grids were printed. The three qualifying rounds were run and the top qualifiers in each class were as follows:

Electric Stock, Andrew Mottram 15 laps 4m58.48s; Electric Modified, Mitchell Saunders 16 laps 5m9.48s; Nitro Doug Tanner 16 laps 5m12.16s.

The track was proving as slippery as ever, different tyres being tried out in an attempt to find traction.

As a racing line developed, several drivers reported the grip while others seemed to have virtually none at all.

It was the same for all, so everyone had a level - if slippery - playing field. The computer sorted out the finals and first away were the Electric Stock.

Andrew Mottram had it mostly his own way and won with 15 laps 5m1.10s from James Mudge 11 laps 53.82s.

Electric Modified saw a great duel between Mitchell Saunders and Brian Hook with Mitchell the victor on 18laps 5m16.37s and Brian close behind 18laps17.84s.

And the Nitro Finals was a busy affair with Doug Tanner coming home first on 18laps 5m18.17s from Ricky Mottram 16laps 5m6.56s.

There was also an Open group for non-championship contenders and guests, which was won by Hugh Sawyer with Will Hatch second.

Cotswold Model Car Club welcomes beginners to radio-control car racing and, remember, most current enthusiasts were beginners only a year ago.

So if you fancy having a go, phone Doug Tanner on 01285 651251 to register your details.

Once done, you are invited along to the next meeting - being held at South Cerney this Saturday, May 3 - to have a go. There are always lots of people ready to lend a hand and help get you racing.

Next round of the Stroud Tool Hire Championship at South Cerney is on Saturday, May 10.