In a very tense battle between the Welsh team of 4 stroke TKM's the Scottish 2 strokes and the English team of 2 strokes and 4 strokes, the English team drove to victory with a combination of good tactics and skill.
Firstly the 4 stooke Karts were a second a lap faster than the 2 strokes, so it was critical to secure top places. During practice, Mike broke the lap record, and was the quickest 2 stroke driver in the field, so it was decided that he should start off in pole for the heats and try to secure a lead while the English and Welsh 4 strokes battled out the remaining places.
The first and second heats worked to plan, with Mike breaking the lap record by 3/10ths and running away to victory in the first with a 1,2,3 and in the second, he was caught by Simon Mills while Rhys Jenkins drove really well to fend off the Welsh. In the third heat, the plan almost worked again, but this time Simon led and Mike followed and set another lap record, until two Welsh drivers drove Mike off the track and down to 4th, and fortunately the Clerk saw fit to penalised 10 points to each Welsh driver, so effectively England regained thier 1-2 status and some bonus points! In the final heat the Welsh tried heavier handed tacktics, and with Mike in the lead and Simon second, they first bounce Simon off the track and then on the last lap did the same to Mike, wrecking his axle and side pod. Fortunately both Welsh drivers were penalised with 20 points, giving England a large lead.
On Sunday was the Pre-Final, and all drivers were now warned that the clerk would be very heavy on rash driving. England had a considerable lead from Saturday, but then the scores were re-set to zero, so there was all to play for. In the pre-final Mike set the pace and then defended so that we secured maximum points. In the final Mike was again a battering ram, with Simon and Rhys leading, while Mike held off the Welsh for lap after lap until they lost their control, and binned Mike again. this time the wreckless Welsh driver rode up the back of Mike breaking his rear bumper, side pod and brackets and grazed Mikes arm as he flew over him. The two 4 strokes driven by Rhys and Simon won by half a lap, while the other England drivers drove round in support to receive the acclaim of the crowd. Mike rejoined last in his battered state to a massive showing of support from all the English supporters and worthy of a victory.
In reality this was a battle between the Welsh who should have should have won on their more powerful karts against the higher skill level and strategy from Paul and Martin in the England management. As a nice guesture after the award ceremony, Martin Capenhurst the winning England team manager awarded Mike the honour of being driver of the meeting. Mike was ably assisted by Super 1 drivers ;- Luke Caudle, Will Reed and Will Waterman who also drove with great skill to over come any threat from the Scottish 2 stroke drivers. A good time was eventually had by all those who participated.
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