Kerry MC Autotest - 6 Oct 02

Posted: October 8, 2002 10:18 AM

With Ian White limping badly and restricted in his driving after some Cork inflicted ankle injury (No! Mike and Liam Cashman didn’t get their revenge in first; self-inflicted torn ligaments at the Hewison opener at Vernon Mount in August were the cause), the Liam Cashman yellow Mini misfiring from the off also hampering a car-sharing Brendan Farmer’s efforts, the way seemed open…. But, normal service was soon resumed, Liam losing minimal time by some fine driving despite a car that seemed to hesitate at every manoeuvre, but which was soon fixed to run out winner from Ian, Mike and Brendan. (Malicious rumour of the day was Farmer charging €10.00 a time to top up the water after every test. Any other Kerry club members say it’s no rumour; so keep the tills ringing, Brendan!) The battling Mini specials of Victor Beamish and Peter Keohane came next, separated by only 2.8 seconds; but hampered by penalties and the odd bad run. Small saloons saw John Keohane back to haunt old sparring partner Mike Mulcahy, both having moved into the class this year. A very relieved Mike just .7 ahead at the finish! Mike Cashman took large saloons, and a fine 10th overall was ‘Jimmy just the Cooper S today O’Sullivan’ with some excellent times who won the novice class on the day. 12 novices took part, mostly in Starlets typically costing €40.00, and sight of the day was the gentleman in a white example smoking an inside tyre round pylons. Unfortunately I don’t know the name, but well done: - a true case of the autotesting commandment “ thou shalt not lift”! Championship-wise; the long journeys from Kilkenny were worthwhile for Overall 2002 Champ Ian White in the Mini from Liam (Starlet and Mini) and Mike Cashman (Corsa). In the classes; John ‘needs more power now’ Lyons won Mini Saloons, fellow Clareman and mate Mark Coghlan took Mini Specials, Australia bound Peter Desmond (Triumph Tractor: - don’t let it die, Norman!, and Westfield) RWD, Liam C. small saloons, and Mike C. the larger version. But closest finish again was novices with Hugh Giles pipping Jimmy O’Sullivan by a single point. Season review to follow, but how about an autotest Starlet as that project for the winter evenings? February isn’t that far away!