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18th October 2009 Round Eight MSA Stockhatch Championship, Mallory Park We arrived on the Saturday afternoon and once set up we walked the circuit, nobody had raced here before so anything we could learn on the walk round would help. The one thing that was apparent was that the loose sections would cut up very badly very quickly and that the tarmac sections would be very fast, so much so I could see me having to use fifth gear for the first time this season. I also learned that we would be racing head to head with the BTRDA boys so having proven the car was more than capable of mixing it with the Irish boys I could see if the car was quick against these guys as well. Sunday dawned and it was chilly but dry, just how the car likes it.....Practice went without a problem other than to say our suspicions were founded as it was fast on the tarmac and the loose was cutting up. Heat One I was starting this heat from pole position and I lead comfortably around Gerards and onto the loose, as I turned into the loose I was thumped very hard on the offside rear quarter by Darren Clark I suspect, it appears he simply carried too much speed off the tarmac, anyway as I gathered myself up from a half spin Darren went past and so did Richard Horton, who gave me a tap as well but he did well not to wipe me out, so thanks for that Rich. The situation was that I was clearly in the lead and the was no way past so there was no need for the incident to have happened, but that is history now. After all the mayhem on the first loose section it settled down and everybody discovered that the loose was power sapping, I was by now up to second place behind Darren and I followed him around for a little while until he pulled off with an electrical problem, so I won the heat. However race two in the first heat was a little quicker and I had recorded the second fastest time for heat one. When I returned to the paddock area the car looked slightly the worse for the contact from Darren but the boys soon had that sorted, but I will have to get a new rear quarter on the car, my mate Brian won't be able to tap this one out and I won't fill it full of bog. Heat Two This time I was starting from the second row, and managed another good start, following young Joe Cunningham around for the first lap, by now the loose section past the start was very rough and getting rougher, and as Joe bounced around I nipped through as he tried to collect his bucking car.  I lead for two laps with Joe in close proximity. On the last lap after Joe had been pushing and bashing me on the long loose section and around the two 90 degree bends he past me cleanly on the inside just before the chicane and left me with nowhere to go, a great move and one I would have been proud of myself. I stayed really close but Joe pipped me to the line. When w got back into the pits Joe came over and apologised for all the pushing, but explained that he had been pushed forward by Ryan Lawford, so again thanks to Joe for that, a true sportsman and rallycrosser. I must say I was not surprised at all by what Joe had told me because just a few days before as we were editing some video clips from this years racing, to present to potential sponsors as we try and get ourselves into a Suzuki Swift, it was surprising just how many times Ryan has given us a push this year, and it has been on the telly to prove it!!!!!!! Never the less I had missed out on FTD again in this heat and heat three would be difficult as I was starting from the back row. Heat Three I knew this would be tough, my only chance was Ryan getting caught up on the inside,  with me on the back row I was going to try and go around the outside as we stormed off the start line towards Gerards. That was the plan anyway. As the lights went out Dave Martin seemed to have the same idea as he went to the left, the Suzuki Swift missed a gear or something, because much to my surprise there was a chance to go straight up the middle my start was near perfect, by the time we entered Gerards I was in first place. The track was so badly cut up now that it would have been a very brave man who ventured off the line, so I drove as hard, and as tidy as I could, making sure I made no mistakes. As I crossed the line to see the chequered flag I knew it was a good time but not if it was good enough for FTD. As the boys checked the car over for the final I went over to get the times and was chuffed to find I had got FTD. That was goal number one acheived, seven FTD's for the season, now all I had to do was win the final to acheive goal number two, seven wins as well..... The Final I was starting this final from the best place possible..... POLE...Ryan was next to me and Richard Horton completed the front row. I knew that a good start was important as the loose had got so bad that the organisers had put a JCB through the loose on the back section to try and get rid of some of the bumps. This would make it virtually impossible for someone to leave the racing line now. My start was an absolute flyer, Ryan simply had no answer, I went into Gerards first and I stayed there. I controlled the pace on the loose as I knew that even Ryan would not attempt to leave the racing line, I still had to make good smooth exits onto the tarmac, and carry good speed back onto the loose sections. The Plan worked, Ryan got himself into all sorts of trouble on the section past the start finish as his car went airborn over the bumps. Giving me a chance to put some space between us. Goal two acheived SEVEN WINS My tally for the year ended with: SEVEN WINS ONE SECOND SEVEN FTD's We only dropped three points all year!!!! This has been a massive team effort, a great result for a great team. I must thank everyone. Tony Rice, Chief Mechanic, car builder and race event mechanic, also a great chef on events. Chris Rice, Mechanic, car builder and race event mechanic Steve Rice, Car build support, on event support Brian Craven, Panel beater supremo, Brian has not been able to attend events this year but has always been there for me when damage needs sorting. Tony Wylde, webmaster and on event mechanic, panel repairs, and finally chef. Neil Rogers, On event mechanic and sponsor through his business Enfield Street Bakery, Wigan Sponsors: Pemberton Tyres Rye Motors F1 Racing Fuel Lucas Oil Products Sign Tec BLS Plastering Apollon Music Each and everyone of the above has played an important part in the achievements of Team Geriatric over the last few years and I thank you all. I hope that you will continue your support for the 2010 season. Now then, The car is now up for sale so if anyone fancies a go in the available championships, you know from this diary that the car will not disappoint.  Contact me on the E-mail button for more info. Needless to say the car will be pristine before I let it go....... 20th September 2009 Round Seven MSA Stockhatch Championship, Pembrey Today the pressure was off as the championship was sorted out, my target now is the Overall Championship. The drawback for me today was that this event was also the first round of the Irish Championship so I was now having to race these guys as well. Practice went according to plan with no hitches at all. Heat One I was starting from pole position next to Toby Crocker with Ryan on the outside and Michael Duke the reigning Irish Champion just behind me, he was always going to be a threat as would the other Irish boys as they run a different tyre and a lower weight than us. I had to try hard to concentrate on racing with British racers and not get sucked in to racing the Irish unless they were in my way to get me the overall BRDA championship. I Got a great start  getting round the first corner first with no body contact what so ever. I was lucky that Ryan and Michael Dukes seemed to be fighting each other and this let me get away securing a time of 3.15.34 and the only problem was the buckling of a front wheel which the boys spotted and changed before the next heat. This time was enough to record the FTD for the day. Heat Two Starting from the inside of the second row with Michael Duke next to me and Ryan behind me the start was a bit of a blur as I slotted in behind Derek Tohill and came out of the first corner in second place and first Brit. I knew that the rest of the pack was in close proximity as when we were on the loose hairpin I could feel that I was being pushed wide and although I was totally on the grass I managed to get back on before the next bend having lost one place to Ryan. At the finish I was second Brit behind Ryan. On returning to the paddock we were looking and waiting some considerable time for the race times, and it became clear as to why when the Clerk of the Course came to us and advised that an incident report had been filed concerning Ryan and my being pushed off. He asked if I was going to lodge a protest but my feelings were that there would be nothing to gain, I just wanted to beat him on the track not at a hearing. Heat Three Starting again on the second row, I got another good start, and won the heat but as a result of defending my lead the time suffered. The Final I was starting on front row on the outside with Derek on pole, and Ryan between us, Michael Duke was on the back row. The start was a good one as I came out of the first corner on the outside of Ryan but as we approached the loose he had to give me the line. Unfortunately the race was red flagged and we had to do it all again. The restart didn't go quite as well as Michael got a great start and beat me into the third turn behind Derek. Ryan was involved in his own battle. I duly followed Michael for three and a half laps and as we were entering the first loose section I was able to drive round the inside of him to take second across the line, as first Brit. Overall the weekend had been a great success as we came away with maximum points and the Championship 19th September 2009 Round Six MSA Stockhatch Championship, Pembrey Having travelled down on the Friday with the car we were set up in good time for the days proceedings. The weather forecast was for sunny intervals but the day started dull and overcast, however it did improve considerably as the day went on. The main thing is it didn't rain. Practice started at about 9:15 and I was in the first group to go out, practice is not separated into classes so it was a bit of a free for all. However, Ryan Lawford was on the track in front of me and I was pleased to see that I was able to reel him in with comparative ease, now I fully accept that we are not racing, we are only out to make sure we know the condition of the track and that the car is okay, but the lad was trying.  My plan was to make any adjustments that were required and then go out again but the car was faultless so we didn't bother. To our great surprise all was not well in Ryan's camp. As soon as he was in the paddock his team set to work taking the gearbox out, he had developed a mysterious rattle, that they originally thought was a collapsed bearing in the box. Heat One I was on the front row with Toby Crocker next to me, Ryan had not made it out and Gordon Lynch seemed to forget that he was due out. The track was dry and I knew that this was to be my best chance at FTD as I was sure that they would have to water the track later in the day. Anyway, I simply drove as hard and as tidily as I could and set a good time of 3.16.68, Toby recorded a 3.29.67. Heat Two Ryan was still under the car sorting out his problems, it turned out that his flywheel bolts had come loose. Anyway I was on the front row with Toby and Gordon, as the lights went out I got a cracking start and went into the first corner in front, Gordon put me under pressure for a while but I slowly pulled away to build almost a 4 second lead. Heat Three I was starting on the outside of the second row for this one, behind Derek Tohill who was out on the Saturday as practice for the Irish round on the Sunday. Dereks car is built to different regs than mine and it had proved very quick in the heats so far, so I elected to follow him round. This gave me the opportunity to come out of the first tight right hander after the start as first Brit, and I was pleasantly surprised that Derek didn't appear to run off into the distance, yes he was quicker than me but he was not as dominant as he had been earlier in the day. Part of his advantage was that he was running about 95 Kgs lighter than me. Ryan on the other hand finished his heat with a win and a good time but was awarded a ten second time penalty for cutting a corner. The Final I started from the front row centre next to Derek Tohill on pole, As Derek set off with a blistering pace I fell into place behind him knowing that if I stuck with him I was in for a good result, Derek did win the final but I was able to stick fairly close to him for the duration and as a result came in as first British Championship contender by some 5-6 seconds. With Ryan failing to qualify for the final I had effectively put the Championship out of his reach with two rounds to go The upshot of the day was TEAM GERIATRIC ARE 2009 Kumho Tyres MSA British Rallycross NGK Stockhatch Champions 31 August 2009, Round Five MSA Stockhatch Championship, Lydden Hill Broadcast Live on Motors TV. The weather forecast for the day was bright sunshine and very warm, the forecasters got it spot on, but the day turned out to be hot for other reasons as well. Having completed a fluids check etc I went out to practice to see how the newly rebuilt engine and the revised suspension would behave. I was not disappointed, the car ran really well and I was feeling very happy that today would be very competitive and that I had a car under me that had the chance of claiming victory. Yes I was confident. Heat One Starting from the back row we were held on the grid for quite a while as a car from the previous race was recovered. To say that it was hot in the car would be an understatement, bearing in mind that I don't have any opening windows, we were in the full sun and of course I was wearing a full race suit and helmet. As the lights went out I got a great start and as we approached Chessons, the first long loose hairpin, I was lying in third place behind Andrew Jordon in his demonstration Suzuki Swift (and yes it is the Andrew Jordon from the BTCC) and Ryan Lawford who had started from the front row and was on his home circuit. As we came out of Chessons Ryan had built a small lead and I managed to pass the Suzuki, I now had to catch Ryan without doing anything stupid. I got my head down and by the close of the heat I was only half a second behind him, but, in chasing him down it was fairly clear to me where I was quicker than him and I was very confident for heats two and three. Heat Two With a second row starting position I knew that I would need to get away well, because this would be my chance to get in front and go for the FTD bonus points towards the championship. I managed a fantastic start and as we entered Chessons I was in front, having driven round the outside of the front row starters. I found out after the race that Gordon Lynch (No relation) in his 106 had held onto second through Chessons with Ryan behind him. Eventually Ryan made his move on Gordon at the top of Hairy Hill, round North bend, and got into second place. But, I was long gone, I had built a healthy lead, and I was driving with my head, my aim was to get FTD and those valuable 5 points. Although Ryan may have been gaining there was no way he was ever going to be close enough to challenge me. In heat one Ryan recorded a 3:01.258 with me half a second behind, in this heat I recorded a 3:00.294 so FTD so far. Heat Three This was to be Ryans last chance to get FTD off me for the day, but as we waited in the holding area we were advised that the track was to be watered to keep the dust down, I knew therefore that it would now be very difficult for Ryan to take the FTD. Anyway I was starting from the outside of the front row for this one and Ryan was on the front row again but this time on Pole. As the lights went out I got a brilliant start and as we went in towards Chessons I could see that I was a good three quarter car length ahead of Ryan in my mirrors, I had got him, I was out in front...... two seconds later my race was over. Ryan had nudged the rear quarter of my car and sent me into a spin, unfortunately I spun into one of the massive tyre bales on the inside of the track which put a massive dent in the near side rear of the car. Naturally I was winded but when I got out of the car, to add insult to injury, as I leapt over the crash barrier to a safe spot with the marshals (who incidentally do a fantastic job, and we tend to forget that without them we could not race) I went end over end. At the end of the race, which Ryan won, I returned to the car to get it back to the paddock so that my team could check her over, although there was a lot of damage to the rear panels the car felt good and stable, maybe, just maybe, my day wasn't over after all. Back in the paddock the first thing the boys did was to check the rear suspension alignment, it was spot on, you have no idea how much of a relief that was for me. Then, as the boys set to work trying to get the panels something like straight and in the right place I was called to see the circuit doctor, he gave me a clean bill of health and a permit to continue racing for the day. Naturally I was displeased that I had not finished the heat, but it could have simply been a racing incident, Ryan could have caught a bump badly, who knows.... But the evidence of Ryans tyre having left its mark on the leading edge of the rear arch confirmed to me that I was ahead. However a meeting Steward came to me in the paddock as the boys feverishly repaired the car and advised that an incident report had been filed and if I wished to make a protest I had half an hour to do it in My feeling was that it was likely to be a racing incident, but if there was any chance that it was deliberate, I would like to beat him the honourable way, by getting to the chequered flag in front of him in the final. The Final To say that I was determined would be an understatement. Ryan was on pole having won two heats and I was on the outside of the front row. As the lights went out I got a good start but Ryan had a slightly better one, as we went round Chessons for the first time you may have got the proverbial fag paper between us but it would have been tight. The chase was on, I had already worked out that Ryan tends to brake earlier than I do for North Bend at the top of the hill , so I stayed out wide as we approached forcing Ryan to defend the wide line, with him on the brakes he was committed and I dived for the inside line, realising that I was now dead level with him as we went round the bend he tried to put the squeeze on me, but I resisted his advances and drove the line, after all he was on the outside, he stayed there as we approached paddock bend, finally falling in behind me. The next couple of laps I tried to put some distance between us but I was over driving the car, asking it to do more than it could deliver, and as a result when the rear stepped out of line and I collected it all back together Ryan nipped through back into the lead. I knew what I had done....and it was up to me to get the result I wanted and the result the team deserved for all their efforts. With two laps to go I was back on Ryan's tail as we headed up the hill, but he was not about to fall for the same trick again, so I hung out wide and stayed wide as we came down Hairy Hill towards Paddock Bend, Ryan defended a tight approach but I stayed out wide and as he drifted out towards the outside of the bend I was up the inside of him, I had to keep my foot in but as we approached the kinks at Canterbury I was clearly ahead. And there I stayed, Ryan tried to stay with me for the rest of the lap but on the last lap he seemed to settle for second, because as we crossed the line I was well ahead. This win is as much about me as it is about the members of Team Geriatric, with out this dedicated group this victory, one of my sweetest, would not have been possible. I would like to thank all my fellow competitors, officials, marshals and spectators who congratulated me on the win in such an exciting race, I would also like to thank Hal Ridge who was a lone voice screaming for me down in the spectator area by the start. I would also like to say sorry to my mate Brian, he has now got to put a new rear quarter on the car for me and as he would put it....tap out a few dents "sorry mate" To give you some idea of how bad the damage was to the car I have put a photo at the top of the page, bear in mind this is the state of the car after the hurried repairs. Finally a big THANKYOU to all members of TEAM GERIATRIC. We have got a fair bit of work to do before the next double header at Pembrey on the 19th and 20th of September. Having done a quick bit of maths, if the points are confirmed as 30 + 5 for me and 27 for Ryan I should be on 167 and Ryan on 116, but he has already dropped his lowest score as he missed a round.    25 May 2009, Round Four MSA Stockhatch Championship, Lydden Hill. Arriving on Sunday afternoon to a warm, sunny, bone dry Lydden the world felt great, the team set up our position in the paddock and we were full of anticipation for the racing on the Monday, even the weather forecast seemed to be on our side as the signs were that it would be dry and sunny until late afternoon. So after a good curry and a good nights sleep we were a little surprised to find the conditions damp and cool. Still not to worry we had done some work, since Pembrey, on the suspension set-up and decided to use the practice session as a test drive. All was not well, the rear of the car was bouncing all over the place and the front would not grip at all, back to the paddock for some serious head scratching. Chris had the theory that the front end was too soft now and was allowing the car to wallow across the diagonal, so with revised settings I went out again for another practice. Things were better, we were heading in the right direction, but it would soon be time for our first heat Heat One II was starting this one on the front row and I simply made a poor start, way too much wheel spin, and whilst I sat there going nowhere the rest of the guys drove away, I was right at the back of the pack, and with a lot of work to do I set about chasing Ryan Lawford down. By the end of the race I was in second right behind Ryan, but obviously he had set the fastest time in the heat. Never mind there would be heat two. I was still not totally happy with the way the car was behaving at the back end so some more adjustments would be needed. Heat Two For this heat I was on the inside of the front row, now was my chance to make a good time, but no, as we were waiting on the grid the organisers watered the track to keep the dust down on the loose sections, FTD would be tough now in this race. Still we were also competing for grid positions so I still had a job to do. Now those of you who know Lydden Hill, will know that the start is down hill, and I unfortunately rolled forward on the start line, so as penalty for a jumped start I was pushed to the third row of the grid, giving Ryan a good ten yard start was not what I wanted. As we started for the second time, my start was much better, and I was quickly on Ryans tail, but today the cars were well matched and he drove with his head making it very difficult to pass, so yet again I was second. Heat Three By now the conditions were hot and I mean very hot, as we sat on the grid I was on the second row. This time I got a reasonsable start but was unable to get through to the front, the little 106 of Joe Cunningham simply stormed off the line and built an early lead, as we approached the end of lap one I was up the inside of the Saxo, driven by Toby Crocker, and catching Ryan fast. As we came onto the long sweepng loose section, Ryan suddenly slowed to a crawl, I was through and up behind Joe Cunningham, as we came off the hairpin at the top of Hairy Hill I could not believe that the red flags were out. Ryan had obviously parked his car in a dangerous position (not the first time) leaving the organisers no choice but to throw the red flag. On the restart my start was much better and I was challenging for the lead as we went through Chessons, about half way round the 106 broke a drive shaft (as we later found out) and I was in the lead, this was the chance to make my bid for FTD, the boys had got the set up of the car just right, which bodes well for the future rounds, I simply drove round as hard as I could, the car felt great and I set fastest time by over 6 seconds, that was a handy 5 points in the bag. The Final Ryan was on pole and I was second on the grid, the race really ran according to the line up Ryan and I are very evenly matched and it was impossible to find a way through. As we came off the loose as you enter Canterbury straight I saw a chance and went for it, Ryan had other ideas and seeing me coming he naturally blocked my line, however, to avoid a collision I had to take to the infield, bouncing the car over a nasty kerb. There was no way I was going to make up the time I had lost to Ryan so I settled for second. Still I had scored 32 points for my days efforts and Ryan scored 30 so I am on 132 and Ryan is on 89 in the championship. But, Ryan has already dropped a score by not attending the first round, and I still have to do the same. 4 May 2009. Round Three MSA Stockhatch Championship Pembrey. The weather was dull and overcast, but dry. As we completed the practice session I was quietly confident as the session had gone well and the car was behaving impeccably. However, this soon changed to a worry as the rain came in and the forecast was for regular showers all day. Heat One I was starting from the outside of the front row with Ryan immediately behind me. The lights went out, and to my surprise I got a good start, but Ryan got an even better one, as i entered the first corner in the lead I could see the front of Ryans car level with my door, there was no way I could turn into the corner, he had the racing line. ( I say surprised because experience tells me that the Irish boys on the Yokohama rubber have more grip in the wet than us Brits) I followed Ryan until the start of the last lap, when, as he entered the tight first corner he understeered wide ever so slightly, leaving me enough room to draw along side as we exited the corner. It was now to be a question of who had the most pwer and grip as we sprinted towards the loose section, I was on the outside but slightly ahead as we approached the corner. I was not about to give in. As we entered the corner I had the line and Ryan had to fall in behind me. Ryan chased me all the way to the flag, but the race was mine. Heat Two This time I was on pole position, and usually I would be pleased to be there, but owing to the wet conditions there was more water on the tarmac in front of me than the others had. My start was poor and Gordon Lynch took full advantage. As we entered the long sweeping left I chased hard to make up the lost ground. Too hard as it turned out I was over driving the car and my lap times were suffering. Having collected myself together I settled on this occassion for second in the forelorne hope that the race time was okay. How wrong could I be....... from the two races in the heat I was fifth. Pole for the final looked a long way away. Heat Three A good time was what I needed for this heat to get on pole. The weather was awful, the track was wetter, so the boys and I discuused the setup for the suspension, it was decided to go with a very soft setup to suit the amout of water on the track. ... How wrong could we be. As we set off to the holding area, where we wait to go onto the track, the rain stopped, and while we were waiting (approximately 25 minutes) the strong wing effectively dried the track. My mechanics said you could almost see the track dry infront of you. So there I was on a full wet setup, blissfully unaware that the track was now dry. To make matters worse for this heat I was starting behind Ryan. As the lights went out I managed to get away well, even drawing along side the front row, but as we entered the corner I could sense that there would be no space for me so I backed off. This turned out to be the right thing to do as Ryan underesteered wide taking the rest of the field out wide, I on the other hand was able to go up the inside of the pack. Again it was a straight race to the loose section and this time Ryan had the line. With my setup the car was a handful for the rest of the race, I was getting myself into trouble as I pushed for the lead, giving Ryan the chance to get away. Ryan was able to score the bonus points for FTD, (the first points I have dropped so far this season) It would come down to the final, and I had qualified second. The Final With the weather now dry, we elected to go back to our full dry setup, we knew the car would perform, and boy did it. As the lights went out I simply drove away from Ryan to the first corner and continued to lead upto the flag. The race itself was pretty uneventful for me with Ryan kept honest and busy by the Irish boys as he attempted to catch me. Those of you who have followed this site previously will probably be thinking that I qualified for the SuperFinal, well the regulations have changed this year and only the Supercars and Supermodified cars can now qualify. This means that I cannot score points so I will be back to my original car number of 790 next season .  3 May 2009. Round Two MSA Stockhatch Championship Pembrey. The day started as it meant to go on with glorious sunshine. Because of the large numbers of Irish championship contenders who had ventured over to our shores the organisers ran two races for each heat. So setting a fastest time was goig to be critical as the positions for the final would be based on the times you acheived not the race positions in the heats. Heat One I was starting from the outside of the front row for this race which is good but it does put you at a disadvantage for the first corner. I got a good start without too much wheelspin and managed to put about a half cars length on Keith Murphy in his Saxo. Keith and I have raced before and have a lot of respect for eachother and we gave eachother enough space to avoid contact, however, in doing so we had left a gap for Declan Nolan to come through on the inside. As we exited the first corner I was in third, luckily, keith left me just enough space to sneak past as we went through turn two onto the loose. So now I was in second and chasing after Declan. After getting on his tail and pressing him for two laps Declan made a small mistake on the second loose section and as he ran a little wide I got along side him but as he had the racing line and I didn't fancy bringing the car back in a bag I backed off for safetys sake. However I now had a good racing line as we entered the tarmac and managed to drive past Declan. With a clear track in front of me I was able to push really hard as I wanted to set the fastest time in this heat, as it turned out I was fastest by a full two seconds. Heat Two For this race I hade another front row start, and this time I was first into the first corner and the first out of it. Again I pussed as hard as I could the secure the fastest time in the heat. This I did by beating Ryan Lawford by 1.5 seconds. So far so good the two fatest times in the two heats secured me with pole position for the final but I still wanted to get those 5 bonus points for FTD. Heat Three For this heat the front row was made up of Phil Chicken in his Lupo and two Irish boys. With myself and Ryan Lawford behind. As I said above it was important for me to make a demon start as I had to beat Ryan to guarantee the fastest time of the day (FTD). I did I got an absolute demon of a start I went for the gap between Phil and Declan, I got to the first corner first, ahead of Ryan, and more importantly I knew that this race in the third heat would be faster as they had watered the track just before the other race. So I simply drove to stay ahead of Ryan. Part one of the days plan had succeeded so now we just had to win the final The Final For the final I was naturally on pole having set the fastest times in each heat, all I had to do now was Win. We did but boy oh boy was it tough. I had a good start again, the boys had made some setup changes over the winter,  to give me more grip off the line. They seemed to be working, I just hope they continue to work for the rest of the year. We lead the field all the way, but, Ryan Lawford was close, too close for comfort infact. I could not afford to ease off or make a mistake. But I managed to stay at the front, leading from lights to flag. I just hope the rest of the season won't be so tough. Anyway having done the presentation awards the boys set to, to ensure the car would be ready for the racing tomorrow, repairing the crushed bumper caused by Ryan, he was that close.... 8 March 2009. Round One MSA Stockhatch Championship Mondello Park Just a note to keep you updated on this years British Rallycross Championship Campaign. A very frustrating day for the team. In the first qualifying heat  we snapped a drive shaft at turn four. The Boys once again doing a great job and getting me back on the track with plenty of time to start the second qualifying heat. This was to turn out very frustrating for me as an individual, because due to the snowy conditions and the British registered competitors running on a KHUMO TYRE, which is a great tyre on dry tarmac, but we are not allowed to cut them to suit snowy conditions, and the Irish boys running on a YOKOHAMA TYRE, which is more suitable for the varied conditions. In the second heat I just simply could not compete with the Irish boys and finished the heat well behind. I was gutted and didn't have an answer I simply could not drive my car any faster in those conditions. We started to change the set up of the car in desperation, to try and better it for the conditions.  The times for qualifying then became available, and to my astonishment every driver on KHUMOS registered for the British Rallycross Stock Hatch Championship had found the conditions difficult to handle and I was the fastest British driver by 15 seconds. In the third heat things were very much the same, so although we didn't fight for the win in the Final, TEAM GERIATRIC came away from Ireland with the car in one piece and with maximum points for a good solid start to reclaiming the British Title in 2009. The team were really happy with the result, especially as the car came back in one piece, not like it did the last time we visited Ireland!!! February 2009 You may all be pleased to know that the repairs to the car are now essentially complete, following my coming together with the armco in Ireland.. Brian and Tony have spent many hours replacing the rear quarters. The car now looks like new. Big Tony and Chris have completed a fairly extensive mechanical checkover and refurbishment as well. So the 205 is ready for the new season to start. I am looking to conduct some testing where we shall try some alternative suspension set-ups in an attempt to keep all the rest of you behind us as I am sure that you other drivers have been beavering away over the winter break trying to fing that little bit of extra speed to catch Julian. We are looking forward to next season, and wish all fellow competitors good luck. (but not too much. lol) January 2009 The BRDA held their annual awards presentation where we were presented with the award for second in the Stockhatch 1600 8V catagory. However more of a surprise was the presentation of the award for the "Best Presented Team" this was a very proud moment for me and the team, we are very conscious that this award was judged against all the professional teams and we as a group of friends and fellow members of Wigan and District Motor Club have won this. Considering that last year the award went to G-Tech, who ran Andrew Jordan's SuperCar, we feel honoured that all the people that we look upto in the sport, actually consider us to be a credit to the sport. Especially as a group of mates who do this for the fun and enjoyment, and the pride of bringing a well turned out car and team to the events has been recognised. This award is not for me, but the whole team who spend many hours backing me up, so that I can compete in a form of motorsport that is in our humble opinion the best that there is. The willingness of all teams to try and help each other, even if they are championship rivals, is unparalleled in any other motorsport that we have been involved with. I would also like to thank all the "big names" who offered their congratulations at the presentation, it is nice to know that we in the lower classes of the sport are recognised for our contribution to the presentation of our sport to the wider public, so necessary if Rallycross as a whole is to flourish.