EVERYONE'S A WINNER AT NEWMAN'S QUARRY!!! ……Well, nearly?

I know we do this for fun, but a bit of healthy competition adds some spice and inspires the drivers to continually improve their skills. Newman's Quarry was the venue for the last MROC RTV Trial of 2008, and as it turned out, the scene of heroic performances and noble gallantry, un-witnessed since an age when knights in armour battled for honours in medieval jousting competitions.

Dave Chesters (a.k.a. Knight-on-the-Tiles) had already claimed victory last month, in the short wheelbase (SWB) Coil-sprung Class, so he was rightly entitled to strut around like a cross between a peacock and the Cheshire cat, with his chest all stuck out, (even though he lives in Derbyshire.) Mind you, there was always the chance he might slip up and cop the “SPANNER AWARD”. Noble knights always choose death before dishonour, so he had to be careful. In the end, Dave finished without any drama and took the overall League win.

It has to be said, however, that Dave and all the other drivers were completely overshadowed by a fantastic drive by Carl Gazeley (First Knight Nerves). Listen up everyone: A novice driver, first-timer, in Tony O Connor's borrowed motor, who romped to victory on the day, picking up only 1 penalty point. What's he going to do when he gets his own motor!!!

The SWB leaf-sprung class was too close to call at the start of the day, with seasoned campaigners Martin Barnes (Hairy Scary Knight) and Steve Smith (Big Knight Out) being challenged by a young pretender, Will Guilding (Cider & Disco Knight). The drama began on Section 1, when Hairy Scary Knight's prop shaft turned into throw off the UJ and mash the rear brake pipe. You might think that was the end of his chances for the league, but no!!! In an act of pure gallantry, Big Knight Out gave Hairy Scary Knight the keys to his truck to let him finish the competition. As a result, Martin won the 2008 league, but only thanks to a truly selfless act by Steve Smith. Well done to all three… I can't wait for next year's competition to begin.

The Long Wheelbase (LWB) Class couldn't have been closer, between Leigh Heaven (At it All Knight Long) and myself (Pie & Ale Knight). Only 1 point separated us at the start. Guess what, we got to the last section of the last Trial and there was still only one point in it for the day. It is fair to say we both gave it our best shot and in the end Leigh took the top prize, with me breathing down his neck for a second place. Leigh takes the league win by 1 point. Congratulations Leigh!!! You had to work hard for that eh?

Overall, everyone had a FAB time at Newman's Quarry, I certainly did. The spirit of friendship and lively banter is certainly alive and well among the RTV Trialers, so there were no losers in that sense.

For next year's RTV Trials, just remember this:

THE MROC RTV CODE

1. GOOD FUN
Nobody is forced to do this – it's not meant to be too serious.
2. SAFE FUN
Nobody wants to get hurt – We do what we can to manage the risks – YOU must make yourself aware of the risks and follow relevant advice.
3. FAIR COMPETITION
We will lay out courses which are challenging, but not intended to bend your motor. We expect competitors not to bend the rules too – Be careful to follow the ALRC rules when preparing for an event – MROC RTV trials are run within the spirit of RTV competition to give everyone a fair chance.
4. GOOD FUN
It has been said before, but it's worth repeating, because that's why we do it!!!

Happy RTVing everywhere …..

Mike Hayes - MROC RTV Secretary