By Paul Charlton

A new home for both the Clubs track and the Pendle Slot Racing shop was the venue for the 4th round of the Slot.it Challenge in 2009.

Saturday turned out to be a bright and warm day to great all the visiting drivers for practice. The track looked great; the new Hairpin section added a tricky new part to what is the reversed Preston track. All the drivers seemed to enjoy the quick flowing nature of the track and all day reports of quicker lap times where reported. Saturday night was full of the usual banter over a very nice meal at the Crown, plus the added bonus of a live band, some had too much of a good night.

Sunday arrived and also greeted us with a nice sunny morning. The normal Scrutineering was carried out by Nick, checking the Slot.it was visible on the sides of each tyre. A quick drivers briefing over, the heats started. 41 seniors and 11 juniors took to the track and pushed their cars to the limit. Some great racing saw plenty of drivers getting into the 27 lap mark, with a couple getting 28’s and even 29’s. Nick Hirst lead the way, followed by Lee Andrews, Jack Thoburn, Shaun Mitchell, Phil Field and a great drive by Aidy Baber for 6th.

The juniors after the heats where led home by Lewis Gough, followed by Toby Pawson, Sam Cockerton, Lewis Anthony, Luke Varty and Dwayne Mansell in 6h.

Onto the points paying finals and a great tustle between Paul Charlton and Graeme Thoburn in the B final, see Graeme make his first A final. The final was won by Nick Hirst, but only after a race long battle with Lee Andrews with a great drive. Jack Thoburn also put in a great drive to finish 3rd with Shaun Mitchell in 4th, Phil Field in 5th and Graeme Thoburn 6th.
Lewis Gough led from start to finish the junior a final, followed home by Sam Cockerton, Lewis Anthony, Toby Pawson, Luke Varty and Cameron Kellaway.

Well done to all the award winners on the day. A big thanks and well done must go to Nick Hirst and Sean Fothersgill for running another faultless event and too Carole who kept us all feed with her hotpots all day !!

The next and final round is at Wolves, with still plenty to be sorted in the tables. There are some very close battles when dropped scores come into play.

Let’s hope to see you all there for a great finish to the 2009 Slot.it Challenge UK season.

Regards, Paul Charlton.