Tattershall 1997

The Tattershall course is in a water sports leisure complex near the East Coast in Lincolnshire. The far side of the course leads on to a military airbase which maintains aircraft from World War 2. During practice on Saturday morning we had a display of rolls and dives by a Spitfire and Hurricane as they practised for air shows. A Lancaster bomber and DC3 were also seen.

Practice :- The course differs from previous years and had a shorter straight with more turns because the craft have sped up considerably from earlier years so its getting to the point that formula junior are going faster than the formula 1's were 25 years ago. So from the start -finish straight you took a very tight u-turn around a bush onto the little lake leading onto the water canal, you had to keep on the inside of the buoys which is unusual for hovercraft courses (because there was a family of swans rearing their young behind the island a little beyond the buoy). Then through the canal with an easy transition onto land then 50m ahead a 90 degree left hander (where the wind caught you every now and then) then 25m once again with a narrow opening for another tight turn to the left and then a long sweeping corner to the left leading to the large lake, you pass between to sets of tyres onto loose dust (later had to have water thrown over it to dampen it and prevent it from blowing up into your face and restricting vision).

Onto the large lake where two buoys were situated with right hand turns, around both and then back onto the land where the wind caught you every time, then comes the long straight which was a gentle curve with about 15 sets of tyres layed out 10 - 15m apart which you have to keep to your right. Then through another narrow gap between two sets of tyres and then you have arrived back on the start-finish straight. A drivers course which was quite technical if a little slower than last year.

Race 1 :- After a unsuccessful previous race meet we were out for a decent positioning. So the lights went green and after a long team talk we decided to let the first corner be an easy one where I would let Woody, Stephen and Luke through in front of me which I did and after returning from the first water we were proceeding around the course with me 4th. I had a feeling I had more power so I got as close to Stephen as possible without putting myself in danger so when we hit the water on the large lake I converted my lift and overtook Stephen and Woody on the inside around the first buoy (to my surprise) and I was hot on Lukes tail. On the 2nd lap I was just far ahead enough of Stephen to put him out of my mind and concentrate on Luke. On the final lap he clipped some reeds and then ploughed it in the middle of the narrow canal section, not realising that I was so close he immediately pulled out back into the canal (only room for one craft) and I had to take emergency evasive action. I aimed for the steep bank and literately took off and to land watching the flag marshall (Joel) diving out of the way when I barrelled it right through the marshalls station running over his flags, t-shirt, and fire extinguisher, to which we all had a good laugh about after the race. So Luke had had chance to pull away because of my need to go off course. The race finished with me second, Luke first and Stephen third.	If you look closely at this photo I am just visible targeting the marshalls hang out point!! (see race 1 text) Luke in front of me is just getting away from stationary whilst my speed is near flat out!!!
Three craft and driving styles, the low squat of the Python the aggressive crouch of the Cyclone and my "Sit up and beg". Actually all of us kneel and wear knee pads.	Race 2:- The same strategy was planned and took place but Woodys craft had sped up considerably but I felt I was catching him and after a lot of effort I managed to be about 8m behind him to find disaster literally around the next corner, in the middle of the canal I blew both pistons. I managed to paddle to the side (after throwing my shoes to the side, and I didn't throw one hard enough so it landed in the canal which I fished out later) now I was in a good position to watch the close racing between Luke and Woody. When the race had finished and I had to pull my craft to the other side of the bank Joel met me with a smile on his face saying I knew my prayers would be answered, "now we are even after you almost ran me down".The finishing order was Luke first Woody second and Stephen third. So everyones spirits were high (except ours) for the weather was absolutely brilliant when rain was forcasted.
Race 3 :- The following day was very much different being woken by the almost golf ball sized rain drops which were pelting on my tent, later realising I was spectating in this weather I sank back into my sleeping bag. By the time the third race was to take place the weather was beginning to brighten up with the sun trying to push its way through the clouds. The race began as I thought it was to finish with Luke first Woody second and Stephen third but this was not to be the case when on the third lap out of four (less laps because the course is 1.1 miles long) Woody trying his hardest to catch Luke, turned the u-bend onto the first lake where he rolled it through 360 degrees, luckily the craft landed the right way up with him some distance away paddling around. He was a sufficient distance from the racing line for them not to red flag the race and this gave him chance to climb back in and restart the engine and finish the race only losing a few positions. He returned to the paddock with everyone laughing and applauding and calling him names. Luke came first and Stephen second.	Stopped again! The good news is that we have found more top speed after mods to the splitter plate and engine. The engine reliability we need to work on a lot more.
	Race 4:- This was to be the most orderly race of the weekend with Woody borrowing someone elses craft due to his engine frame breaking in three places so everyone of the competitors sticking to the start positions, this gave the midfield runners a chance to consolidate points and close the league table for the season so far. Luke was to come first and Stephen second with Woody further down the field.

Results for the weekend were

Championship after 20 races over 5 events, First Luke 87points. Second Woody 79points, Third Stephen on 78points and then me, Edward 71 points. I really must keep going at Lydd in two weeks time if I am to stop sliding down the table!!