Slightly overdue race report for Saturday 22nd September 2018, whereupon the Oval Track Legends descended on Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, once again, the 3rd of the year for Legends, the 2nd for Team #114.
As Damian’s “home track” we’re always hopeful of getting a result at Foxhall, and equally hopeful that the events of last time wouldn’t repeat themselves, as it was in July at this track that Damian suffered some damage to the front of the car that’s never been properly rectified.
This event was the first of the season (for us) to take part almost entirely after sunset, and it had been raining fairly steadily, though not too hard, for most of the day, leaving the track pretty greasy and a challenge for all the drivers. Some drivers excel in these conditions (see Damian and #161 Dan “Golden” Holden’s performance at Lochgelly recently), others find the going tough.
Damian of course wasn’t daunted by the prospect of a slippery track, and stormed from the back for a 2nd in heat #1, and a win in heat #2 (grids being based on grades, and Damian being red almost at the back, only Dan and #105 Karl Baker in his last race as rookie behind him).
The Final was also lined up according to grade, so Damian was going to have to go some to take another win.
He made steady progress through the field, and then spent several laps trying to get past #465 Phil Moore in his distinctive bright yellow wagon. It was edge of the seat stuff for us spectators as he finally made the move with only a few laps to go, and #516 Paul Fiore just ahead, who had led for most of the race, was now within sight. For a couple more dramatic laps #516, #114 and #465 were bumper to bumper and the result could have gone either way.
But then Damian ventured a little too wide whilst on #516’s back bumper and #465 slipped inside to take back 2nd place, then in a last ditch lunge to recover the situation Damian went practically sideways around the near bend and #208 Dave Simpson almost snatched 3rd, but he held the position and came in for a very well deserved 3rd place and another piece of silverware to add to the collection.
All in all a decent set of results, and some decent points in the bag. Bring on Hednesford in a couple of weeks time!
Youtube video of the Final:
