Longton and District Sprint Series 18 April 11 by Dave Welton

Well I am still wearing my “Captain Slow” T shirt, but only just! Jim Walsh and I completed our first sprint in the Longton Motor Club sprint series at the 3 Sisters track in Wigan on Sunday 17th April. We had some initial problems with the car starting and running which turned out to be two crossed plug leads. Being our first event we were concerned when the scruitineer dived into the foot well  of the car and starts discussing the mounting of the roll cage. After consulting with his mates he decided it was fine which was a relief. After the walk round the circuit it was time for noise testing before going out for practice. The car in front of us failed testing and was duly loaded back on the trailer, so we were again a bit apprehensive. I had made a decibel killer and had fitted it into our spare exhaust box but it wasn’t need as the car passed uneventfully.

In all we had two practice runs and six timed runs which was good value for money. Our lap times steadily reduced throughout the day and we both had our fastest times on the last runs. It was a hot sunny day so I can’t blame the weather for giving Jim a faster time than myself. Jim’s 57.11 seconds just pipped my 57.16. It must have been the extra weight of the burger and chips I had at lunch time. It was a great day and we both learned a lot being our first event. Our next event is in July when the TVR Club sprint series will also be at the 3 Sisters so it should be a good turn out of both TVR cars and supporters. The Tasmin went really well once we connected 5 & 6 plug leads correctly and did not miss a beat. Thanks to Jim Edwards, Bob Cuthbertson and Dave Cahill who came along to support us it was much appreciated.

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