The catalyst for going back for a few weeks was that we were fortunate to get an entry for Le Mans Classic. It is the French equivalent of "Goodwood Revival" with 450 cars racing for 24 hours (in 6 age groups) and 109,000 spectators.
It was quite a gathering of family and friends, probably encouraged by the tales of blistering hot weather back in 2010. Unfortunately the weather was similar to the UK which meant not as much fun as we had hoped - having rented a camper van, taken tents (and even the freezer full of food). Doesn't really make much difference as you can't sleep anyway. If you are not preparing the car (before and after the race) you are listening to the other nuts racing around 24 hours a day!
Added to this we had a mis-fire that we couldn't solve. This meant our qualifying and races were somewhat "limp". It didn't help that every time we got ready to race the rain started, not much fun and especially at night with headlights from the 1970's!
Yours truly in the middle of the night (it is a 1977 Lola 296 for those that are interested)
Still we managed to finish on a high note on the Sunday with the mis-fire fixed. Because of the poor performance up to then we had to start in 55th place (out of 65). We were up to 15th by the end of the race, passing lots of cars. Not quite what we had hoped for but still good fun and put a smile back on our faces.
Better was to come at our "end of race" dinner on the Sunday night. The "team organiser" John Ruston arrived to tell us that Team 5 had won the "Team Trophy" (teams are made up of one car from each gird - 6 grids). Clearly our team mates had done better than we had.
That was a good excuse for the Ball's (GT40 grid 5) to order some champagne, as if we needed any more wine! At least it proves that it is the Balls that are the troublemakers and not the Wilkins!
It is a shame that they are not as good at buying fuel as they are wine.
As we had no idea we would be in the hunt, we missed the prize giving and collected the trophies with fuzzy heads the next morning.
It was nice to catch with just about the whole family and some friends but I can't say I am sorry to leave the English summer behind - the weather was terrible!
It took a little longer to get back than I anticipated as the flight from Heathrow to Madrid was cancelled (fuel leak in an engine). Still, I slept better than I would have done on the plane as BA put us up in a nice hotel!
I wasn't too pleased to see there is a "State of Emergency" in the North of Peru - Miners and the Police clashing, 3 dead so far. The "S of E" gives the police the power to arrest on sight with no questions asked. I don't fancy getting locked up for 30 days, becoming a miners plaything for parking on a double yellow line!
I will get my bearings and then head north shortly.
Yes we have missed the blog!! Well done to Team Number 5 - thoroughly enjoyed every minute, thank you! x
ReplyDeleteYou ought to get out more!
DeleteCharming!
DeleteGood to see you (post Le Mans) and good to have you back on line. Talcum powder and petroleum jelly at the ready after your softening up back in the miserable pretence of a summer in the UK.
ReplyDeleteTravel well and keep those leathers (or whatever they are these days) well zipped up
Good to see you too, will have to get some golf in next time.
DeleteWhen are you off to the Lions tour?
Given the possibility of being some Peruvian Miners "bitch" I think it is a bit insensitive to suggest Talc etc.
heading north and mozzie net packed.
Glad to hear you got back safely and are raring to get back on your saddle and continue your (and our) voyage around S.A. Looks like your band of blog followers are ready for the next installment too!
ReplyDeleteIt was very good to see you all at Le Mans and I suppose it was inevitable that we would be blamed for some of your misbehaviour!
Safe travels, Delbert. Oh guess what? - it's still raining.
Clara x
At least you had the good grace not to write "unfairly blamed".
DeleteEnjoy Silverstone, I hope the photo shoot goes well.
Sir Enzo (new honorific noted),
ReplyDeleteWe must return your delightfully decorated (but empty) fuel can as forensic analysis of the "Old Nail" revealed that it actually had 12 litres of fuel and the "young pretender" (ie the cheeky little sod who put in a lap 1.4 secs quicker than his Dad) had actaully inadvertantly knocked the fuel swith to "off" whilst trying too hard in the Porsche curves. Well ...... that is my interpretation. (have to say, the lad did very well and I am inmpressed - but jealous).
Keep safe and entertain us well with your blogginga and especially your photography.
Cheers, Henry.
One should never return a gift & I much prefer the previous explanation. It is certainly the one I will be telling.
DeleteAs they say "never let the facts get in the way of a good story"