It's a long way to Tipperary and Athea is further. We got off the
ferry at 4p.m. and arrived in Athea at around 11 p.m. A lap of the
course in the van showed that the club had done a lot of work since
April. Complete sections of the track had been re surfaced, plenty of
marker boards were up this time. The paddock was in a much better
position, no problems getting the van in to the field.
Practice day was hot and after sign on, riders briefing was called.
Everyone was given an untimed practice and then a 5 lap timed
practice to decide grid position. The road had been cleaned up a lot
and there were hardly any loose stones flying. The track is a big
square, left hand in long straight only one chicane. The top men were
getting 100-mph lap times.
My practice went ok except for a slight misfire, which I should have
paid more attention to.
A brilliant night was had in the village, 13 pubs all within walking
distance of the paddock all doing good trade, I went to bed
reasonably early after watching the festivities.
Race day dawned wet (here we go again) at riders briefing we were
told that the clouds should lift as the day got on.
I'm out in race 1 on a wet track. Most other riders have wets on and
I don't. After the warm up I get back to the grid, I can't see a
thing as my visor is covered in muck. Dot jumps out to clean my visor
with her shirt just before the flag drops (she gets a shouting at for
doing it, but at least I can see now).
Its then I find that the bike wont pull on full throttle, it will rev
ok if I use 1/2 throttle but every time I give it full it bogs down,
I nurse it round for a finish, one or 2 moments sliding about I
finish in 11th.
After the race I change the plugs hoping that that will cure the
misfire ready to go out in the last race of the day.
The track has dried out and I have a really good race the bike is
pulling well (must change plugs more often) I finish in 7 Th.
The thousands of spectators were fantastic waving programs
applauding every rider.
The presentation was held in the field straight after the race. Some
riders had their best result ever due to some of the top stars
staying away.
Later in the village I meet up with the organisers who were very
pleased with the way things went.
A massive thanks to all the organisers, a lot of effort had been put
in to make sure that the event went ahead. Shame on the riders who
stayed away.