By Dave Wisdom

Sponsored by Pendle Slot Racing

How quickly 12 months passes. No sooner were we packing away our pit boxes following the 2009 event – then suddenly, it’s time to start preparing for February 2010!

Following the initial announcement of the 2010 Earlybird weekend on Slotforum back in October 09, a somewhat ‘controversial’ registering process (or not, depending whether you were on the original ‘entry list’!) caused something of a stir in the ‘slotcar world’. However, when things eventually calmed down and dust was allowed to settle, those with confirmed entries were able to set about building their cars for the event.

Pendle members; Bryan King, Paul Cash and myself dutifully made the annual trip south to that endearing region of the world otherwise known as Wolverhampton - heart and soul of the West Midlands. Also in attendance this year were top notch modellers; Dave Jones, Mark Gussin and Barry Boors. Barry brought along his vast collection of hand built Grand Prix cars – often featured on many 1:1 motor racing websites.

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Proceedings began on Saturday, which proved more popular than usual with approximately 25 plus drivers in attendance. In fact, I think it’s probably one of the busiest practice days the EB event has seen – you don’t often have to queue up for track time at Saturday practice. Things calmed down in the evening when 20 or so competitors met up at the Premier Inn for chill out time, drinks and a bite to eat.

Sunday race day began with early morning practice followed rapidly by the concours competition. The standard of model car building was once again very high and a closely fought contest resulted in 1st place for Mike Kerr and his very neat Mercedes W154. Pete Emery came 2nd with his D type Auto Union (with removable body parts!) and Dave Farrow completed the podium in 3rd with his 1958 Ferrari Dino. Alas, no silverware for the Pendle boys this year…, but then it’s only fair the others are given a chance occasionally…

Racing began at 11.00am prompt. It’s always a special moment when models of cars from this era take to the Wolves International track. The long sweeping bends and straights lend themselves very well to classic period racing cars.

Once racing commenced, Dick Smith and co quickly saw off the opposition to set about the business of reaching the final. It didn’t take long, and the crowds soon started gathering for the 50 lap grand final. The concluding race of the day witnessed Dick Smith draw swords with Mac Pinches along with fellow Wolves regulars Roy Pritchard (on this occasion chief research & development driver for Penelope Pitlane) and making his Earlybird debut, young Lewis Gough. Following a hard fought race of 50 laps, it was Dick Smith who took the chequered flag, crossing the line ahead of Mac Pinches who was closely followed by Pendle regular racer and friend, Roy Pritchards.

Lewis Gough had certainly put his stamp on things earlier on in the day by swiftly making his way through to the semi final with disturbing ease. However, his formidable progress was halted prematurely during the grand final. Whilst duelling for 2nd place, bad luck intervened and Lewis succumbed to gearbox failure. He may only be pint sized, but he has a mature head on his shoulders and handled the disappointment with great sportsmanlike dignity. He knows he’ll be back…

Semi final: 3 Minutes

1st Lewis Gough Yellow lane
2nd Roy Pritchards Blue lane
3rd Mark Witham Red lane
4th Andy Tyrer White lane

Final: 50 Laps

1st Dick Smith Yellow lane
2nd Mac Pinches Red lane
3rd Roy Pritchards Blue lane
4th Lewis Gough White lane (retired)

Individual total laps completed over the four lanes and respective heats (top six)

Dick Smith 89.23
Mac Pinches 86.75
Mark Witham 85.64
Lewis Gough 85.11
Roy Pritchards 85.10
Andy Tyrer 85.00

Pendle club members

Dave Wisdom 81.38
Bryan King 75.28
Paul Cash 69.04

(Race results data courtesy of Wolverhampton Scalextric Club)