2011 Southern 100 Meeting - Round-Up.

The 2011 Southern 100 will live in the memory as one of the best meetings ever. Held in ideal conditions, it gave us some tremendous racing; lap and race records; some, thankfully not too serious, spills and the now mandatory delay for a fuel spillage. Michael Dunlop took the crown of Solo Champion; whilst Klaus Klaffenbock and Daniel Sayle retained their title, something that looked unlikely on Wednesday evening.
Racing began on a sunny Tuesday evening with the Corlett’s Trophies 600c/1000cc Race and what a curtain raiser this was; it ultimately produced what were the two fastest race averages ever seen on the 4.25 miles of the Billown Circuit.

Quickest away from the lights was 2009 Champion Guy Martin on the TAS Suzuki and it was he who led by a couple of metres from reigning Champion Ryan Farquhar and Michael Dunlop as the field streaked out of Ballanorris and on towards Ballabeg for the first time. William Dunlop held fourth; from team mate and 2006 Champion Cameron Donald, with Conor Cummins in sixth. The action was superb as the riders jostled for position. The leading 600cc machines were those of Roy Richardson; Davy Morgan and Wayne Hamilton.

Martin was flying and making the most of the clear road; he led by 1.3s at the end of the first lap from Michael Dunlop who had edged the Street Sweep Kawasaki past the similar KMR machine of Ryan Farquhar. Past us on lap 2, the lead for Guy was 0.6s; with Michael 1.1s ahead of the pairing of Farquhar and William Dunlop. Cameron Donald held fifth with Russ Mountford in sixth. Conor Cummins had gear selection problems that caused him to overshoot at Ballakeighan and ultimately retire from the race.

Dunlop continued to hunt down the fire spitting Suzuki of Martin; the lead down to 0.10s seconds as they passed us on lap 3; both clearly trying and both on lap record pace. Behind them the two Wilson Craig Hondas had passed Farquhar’s ill handling Kawasaki and started their own private battle; it was one that proved to be as good as that for the lead because the first person that you have to beat is your team mate.

Mountford still held sixth but was coming under pressure from Steve Mercer; Ian Lougher and Dan Kneen. However, both Lougher and Mercer were destined to retire from the fray with machine problems.

At the pointy end, the pace was rising as Martin and Michael Dunlop battled for supremacy; exchanging lap records as they went. Michael set the new outright lap record on lap 6; going around at 112.324mph; Guy was just 0.106s slower at 112.245mph, second on the all time list. In the 600cc class the demise of Richardson gifted the lead to Wayne Hamilton who was flying and pulling away from Morgan. As the race developed Dunlop continued to harass Martin but could not force his way past.

Behind them Donald had managed to pass William Dunlop on lap 6; with Dan Kneen recovering from his slow start to grab sixth from Mountford.
Going into the last lap Martin led by a few metres; hustling between the walls on the run to Ballabeg there was just a bike’s length in it. Dunlop made the decisive and to use his word “messy” move at Stadium Bend. He “made a lunge for it” and ran up onto the kerb on the exit; definitely not a recommended manoeuvre at about 120mph. He managed to slow the snaking Kawasaki for Castletown Corner and powered away keeping Martin at bay, to win by just 0.12s after the fastest race ever seen at Billown; stunning stuff! Both Dunlop and Martin were inside the old record average speed set by Martin in 2009. Cameron Donald held William at bay to win their exciting private battle by 0.17s. Ryan Farquhar took a lonely fifth, with Dan Kneen back for the first time since 2007, completing the 1000cc leader board. Hamilton took a comfortable victory in the 600cc class; from Morgan and Lee Vernon.

Corlett’s Trophies 600c/1000cc Race

1. Michael Dunlop 1000 Kawasaki 110.944mph
2. Guy Martin 1000 Suzuki 110.932mph
3. Cameron Donald 1000 Honda 109.104mph
4. William Dunlop 1000 Honda 109.088mph
5. Ryan Farquhar 1000 Kawasaki 107.188mph
6. Dan Kneen 1000 Kawasaki 106.794mph

600cc class
1. Wayne Hamilton 600 Yamaha 103.051mph
2. Davy Morgan 600 Yamaha 102.880mph
3. Lee Vernon 600 Suzuki 99.111mph

In a change to the normal programme, necessitated by the sailings schedule, the sidecars took to the track for the second and final race of the evening. It proved to be one of the best sidecar races in the history of the event with just 1.018s covering the first three teams at the end of an enthralling race. Quickest away from the lights and leader at Ballabeg was the LCR Yamaha of Ian and Carl Bell; right behind came Klaus Klaffenbock/ Dan Sayle and Simon Neary / Jason Crowe. John Holden / Andy Winkle; TT winners at last; held fourth place. Veterans Roy Hanks / Dave Wells were fifth with Gary Bryan / Gary Partridge sixth; this pairing was destined to retire on lap 5. Bell led at the end of the lap; but Klaffi used the slipstream effect to pass on the run to Iron Gate; but a good blanket would have covered the first three at Ballabeg on lap 2. Their pace saw them pulling away from Holden and the rest of the pursuing pack. Neary was able to pass Bell through Great Meadow and set about harassing Klaffi for the lead.

On lap 3 Klaffi led by 10 metres from Neary, who had Bell right in his wheel tracks. Holden was in a lonely fourth; Bryan had edged past Hanks to take fifth. Klaffi set his best ever lap on lap 4 at 98.759mph; but Neary bettered this at 98.814mph to sit right behind Klaffi at the end of the lap. The frenetic pace continued; with the Bells matching Neary’s best on lap 5 as they fought to remain in contention. It was on lap 5 that Neary made a dive up the inside at Cross Four Ways to grab the lead. However, it was short lived as Klaffi got a better drive out of the corner and was able to re-pass going into Church Bends. Despite the best efforts of Neary he could not find a way past the former World Champion who took the victory spoils by 0.547s; with the father and son paring a further 0.471s down in third. Such was the pace that these were the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fastest race averages seen in the history of the event; only Nick Crowe has gone faster.

Vehicle Sourcing Centre Sidecar Race

1. Klaus Klaffenbock/Daniel Sayle LCR Honda 97.281mph
2. Simon Neary/Jason Crowe LCR Honda 97.225mph
3. Ian Bell/Carl Bell LCR Yamaha 97.176mph
4. John Holden/Andy Winkle LCR Suzuki 95.746mph
5. Glyn Jones/Richard Murphy Molyneux Suzuki 94.562mph
6. Roy Hanks/Dave Wells Molyneux Suzuki 94.263mph

Wednesday evening saw the circuit bathed in warm sunshine for the four race programme. A very large crowd of fans had gathered to watch the action. They were faced with a frustrating start to the evening because of a spill of diesel from that ran from Cross Four Ways to Castletown Corner. The culprit has been identified and will hopefully be hammered when he goes to court. This delay meant that the race distance was shortened to six laps for all races.

When the flag dropped on the Senior Race, Ryan Farquhar was quickest to react and he led the charge into Ballakeighan. Michael Dunlop and Guy Martin were right behind and just ahead of the main cavalry charge headed by William Dunlop, Russ Mountford, Cameron Donald and Conor Cummins. For William it was to be a short race because he slid off at Ballabeg hairpin, a place that has caught many out on the opening lap. At the end of lap 1 Guy Martin had taken the advantage and he led by 1.2s from Dunlop at Ballakeighan on lap 2; the Suzuki spitting flame as he rounded the sharp right hand bend. Farquhar was 50m behind Dunlop and these three had pulled a gap on the rest of the field. Mountford; Donald, Cummins and Dan Kneen were in line astern fighting for 4th.

Martin’s lead was exactly 2s as he brushed his knee on the kerb on the inside of the bend on lap 3; Dunlop in turn was 1.2s ahead of Farquhar. The lead was the same on lap 4 and it seemed that Martin had matters under control; however Dunlop had other ideas and lit the afterburner on the Kawasaki. Farquhar was in safe 3rd, Cummins had taken 4th from Mountford; whilst an overshoot by Donald at Cross Four Ways had promoted Kneen to 5th and Steve Mercer to 6th. Cam’s night was to become worse; he was forced out on the final lap by machine problems.

Dunlop was on a mission; a new outright course record of 112.393mph had cut Martin’s advantage to 0.78s as they accelerated away towards Iron Gate for the fifth time. Going into the final lap the gap was down to 0.4s; but at Ballakeighan it was down to just 5m and a repeat of the previous night’s result was definitely on. Martin kept his cool; hit his braking points and apexes and was able to keep Dunlop at bay by half of a machine’s length, or 0.047s; the 6th closest finish in 56 years of racing at Billown. Ryan Farquhar duly took third and said that he had held Michael up on the first lap; allowing Guy to pull clear. Conor Cummins took an excellent 4th place; with Dan Kneen and Russ Mountford filling the final leader board place after a wonderful race.

Total Oils Senior Race

1. Guy Martin 1000 Suzuki 110.118mph
2. Michael Dunlop 1000 Kawasaki 110.111mph
3. Ryan Farquhar 1000 Kawasaki 107.376mph
4. Conor Cummins 1000 Kawasaki 106.532mph
5. Dan Kneen 1000 Kawasaki 106.281mph
6. Russ Mountford 1000 Honda 106.204mph

The second event on the card was the 250cc/650cc race; with the two classes starting I minute apart. In the 250cc class Chris Palmer led into Ballakeighan on the Mannin Honda from William Dunlop and Phil Harvey. In the 650cc Ryan Farquhar had the lead from Wayne Hamilton and Ian Lougher. Palmer still held a slender advantage from Dunlop as they peeled in to Ballakeighan; they were 5s clear of Daniel Sayle. In the larger capacity class Farquhar was showing his own class and led Hamilton by 1.7s.

The end of Palmer’s race left Dunlop well clear of the soon to retire Daniel Sayle as they passed us for the third time. The 650cc race was also becoming processional with Farquhar 5.8s clear of Hamilton and Lougher a further 2.4s behind and losing ground. With the class win in his pocket Dunlop eased his pace; but Farquhar kept his up; setting his best time on the 5th lap. With the 650cc twins set to be in the TT next year and being a relatively cheap form of racing this may be the last year in which we see 250cc machines being campaigned at the meeting.

Mann Auto Car Sales 250cc/650cc Race

1. Ryan Farquhar 650 Kawasaki 98.189mph
2. William Dunlop 250 Honda 97.656mph
3. Wayne Hamilton 650 Kawasaki 96.722mph
4. Ian Lougher 650 Kawasaki 96.375mph
5. Phil Harvey 250 Honda 95.194mph
6. Jamie Coward 250 Honda 95.044mph

The next race for us to enjoy was the Radcliffe Butcher’s 600cc Race. An incident at Billown Dip on lap 2 brought out the red flags. Local rider Dave Taylor suffered a broken pelvis; whilst Daniel Sayle escaped with just severe bruising. A flag marshal was hit by one of the machines and suffered a broken leg. Some debris hit a spectator, causing her a minor eye injury. The state of the track and police insistence on an investigation meant that racing had to be abandoned for the evening.

Thursday saw a continuation of the hot sunny weather and provided some great racing for the large crowd gathered around the circuit. The taster for the day was the 600cc B race. This was a good race with some close dices throughout the field and some interesting overtaking manoeuvres at Cross Four Ways to keep the crowd attentive. Dave Kennington proved the class of the field, passing initial leader Mark Goodings; setting the only 100mph+ laps and pulling clear to win by 5.7s. The battle for second raged all race long; with just 1.3s covering second to fourth at the flag.

600cc B Race

1. Dave Kenning ton 600 Honda 97.886mph
2. Mark Goodings 600 Kawasaki 97.441mph
3. William Cowden 600 Suzuki 97.409mph

The S&S Motors 600cc race was set to be the highlight of the morning and it did not disappoint with new lap and race record averages being set. The action at Cross Four Ways was tremendous with the riders coming in three or four abreast at times as they fought for positions. Michael Dunlop made a rapid start and had used the clear road to open a gap of 1.1s over the field as he braked hard for the tight right hander for the first time. Behind it was very tight; Ryan Farquhar and William Dunlop taking a narrow line whilst taking the wider approach was larger group with Guy Martin heading a pack containing Ian Lougher, Cameron Donald, Russ Mountford, Dan Kneen and Conor Cummins. No quarter was given by anyone as they fought for positions.

On lap 2 Michael had opened up a lead of 3s over William who had put a little daylight between himself and the pack led by Farquhar and Martin. Fighting for position was costing the pack in terms of their lap times as they cut each other up at the corners. Michael was setting a ferocious pace and had increased his lead to 3.8s by lap 3. William in turn was edging away from Martin, Farquhar and Donald. The best entertainment was being provided by Dan Kneen who had the bike sideways on most laps as he braked hard for the corner. Misfortune hit Ryan Farquhar and he was obliged to park his bike; Wayne Hamilton was another notable taker of the dreaded early bath.

Michael was further ahead on lap four; but Martin was closing the gap on William now that he was free of scrapping for position. Donald was 4th; with 5th being fought over by Lougher, Kneen and Cummins. On lap 5 Michael was further ahead but for William it was becoming tighter because Martin had closed to within 10m as they powered away towards Church Bends. Donald remained in 4th; whilst Kneen was ahead in the scrap for 5th.

Michael set his best lap of the race on the 6th lap and then eased his pace; with the race in the bag. The pressure from Martin forced William to up his pace and on the penultimate lap he set the best lap of the race and a new track record for the 600cc class at 109.422mph. This enabled him to pull away from Martin and secure second place at the chequered flag. Martin duly took the final podium place. Donald was 4th; Kneen won the battle for 5th; with Cummins taking 6th after another solid ride.

S & S Motors 600cc Race

1. Michael Dunlop Street Sweep Yamaha 107.504mph
2. William Dunlop Wilson Craig Honda 107.086mph
3. Guy Martin TAS Suzuki 107.026mph
4. Cameron Donald Wilson Craig Honda 107.009mph
5. Dan Kneen Marks Bloom Yamaha 105.319mph
6. Conor Cummins McAdoo Kawasaki 105.250mph

The 125cc/400cc that could not be run on Wednesday was slotted into the Thursday morning programme to be the final race before lunch. The 125cc race was going according to the script on the first lap with Chris Palmer, William Dunlop and Ian Lougher covered by a few metres as they approached the corner for the first time. As Palmer and Lougher banked into the corner; Dunlop peeled away and stopped his machine briefly; before touring to the pits to retire. In the 400cc class Alistair Haworth had grabbed the initiative to lead by 1.2s as he rounded Cross Four Ways for the first time. Peter Simpson was in second; closely followed by another local man; Adam Jones.

Palmer led Lougher by 2s on lap 2; whilst Lougher held an advantage over the soon to retire Lee Vernon of 6.2s. In the 400cc class Haworth led from Simpson by 2.6s with Jones 0.9s in arrears of him. The pattern for the race was set in the smaller class with Palmer increasing his lead and Lougher pulling steadily away from Nigel Moore. Whilst Haworth was secure in his position; Simpson and Jones had been joined in battle by impressive newcomer Connor Behan; Dave Madsen-Mygdal and Dave Moffitt. Once ahead in this battle Dave Madsen-Mygdal moved away from Simpson. Dave Moffitt retired at Cross Four Ways on the final lap; whilst Connor Behan nursed his smoking machine home to claim 6th overall and 4th in class.

Station Garage 125cc/400cc Race

1. Chris Palmer 125 Mannin Honda 93.967mph
2. Alistair Haworth 400 Yamaha 93.202mph
3. Ian Lougher 125 Honda 92.868mph
4. Dave Madsen-Mygdal 400 Honda 92.422mph
5. Peter Simpson 400 Honda 92.127mph
6. Connor Behan 399 Honda 91.859mph

The afternoon’s proceedings opened with the second 250cc/650cc race. Chris Palmer was again quickest away from the lights and he led William Dunlop by 50m at Church bends on the opening lap. They were already 4.5s ahead of third placed Phil Harvey. The 650cc race also had a familiar look to it with Ryan Farquhar 100m ahead of Wayne Hamilton and Ian Lougher. One second behind them came Lee Vernon. Dunlop passed Palmer to lead by 0.35s as they weaved through the S bend at Church for the second time. In the 650cc class Farquhar was well clear of the Lougher/Hamilton battle for second place.

On lap 3 Dunlop had doubled his advantage over Palmer; whose Mannin Honda was about to suffer the mechanical failure that would give the place to Phil Harvey. Harvey would only hold it for two laps before he too was forced to retire. Farquhar continued to pull away from Lougher who was now 2.2s ahead of Lee Vernon who had Hamilton right behind him; the latter man having lost time in an overshoot. Hamilton set about making up for what he had lost and had not only passed Vernon on the next lap but had also cut the deficit to Lougher in half. By the seventh lap he had almost caught Lougher and had dragged Vernon along with him.

Dunlop cruised to victory; as did Farquhar; both easing their pace to save their machines. With waved yellow flags out at Church; Hamilton, now ahead of Lougher, went into the corner at full racing speed causing a moment of panic amongst the marshals dealing with an incident and outrage amongst the spectators. The Clerk of the Course did hit Hamilton with a 5s penalty for his indiscretion; dropping him one place down the order in the 650cc class. He can consider himself fortunate; had the decision been mine he would have been out of the meeting. This type of incident is becoming more prevalent and the penalties do not appear to fit the crime; selfish actions like this put lives at risk and must be stamped out before a disaster happens.

Harlequin Oil Tanks 250cc/650cc Race

1. Ryan Farquhar 650 Kawasaki 98.914mph
2. William Dunlop 250 Honda 97.560mph
3. Ian Lougher 650 Kawasaki 97.422mph
4. Wayne Hamilton 650 Kawasaki 97.257mph
5. Lee Vernon 650 Kawasaki 96.885mph
6. Tom Snow 250 Honda 95.218mph

The next race was a repeat of the morning’s 125cc/400cc race. Ian Lougher was quickest away and he led by 20m from Chris Palmer and William Dunlop at Church on the opening lap. Alistair Haworth had again grabbed the initiative in the 400cc race; he led by 2.1s from the morning’s fastest lap setter Brian Purdy. Brian Gordon and Peter Simpson were battling for third. On the second lap Palmer led from Lougher and Dunlop but it was a matter of inches between them as they snaked through the S bend. The 400cc class win was not in much doubt, Haworth edging away from Purdy who had 2s in hand over Brian Gordon, Peter Simpson and Dave Madsen-Mygdal.

On lap 3 it was as you were in the two classes; but Purdy was not quite so secure in second, being reeled in slowly by his pursuers in the 400cc class. Lap 4 saw Dunlop leading by 1m from Palmer with Lougher the same distance behind Palmer. Clearly this dust up was going to be settled at the final corner. In the 400cc class Madsen-Mygdal had moved into a clear 3rd place and had closed to within 25m of Purdy.
Palmer had regained the lead on lap 5 but it was by the slimmest of margins from Dunlop as they each put in their fastest lap of the race.

In the 400cc class Madsen-Mygdal was all over Purdy like a nasty rash and looking for a way past. The final time through Church saw Palmer inches ahead of Lougher with Dunlop right in his tracks. The race did go right to the wire with Palmer taking his second win from Dunlop; who had squeezed past Lougher at the final corner. This was a good race but the small entry list put its future inclusion in doubt; perhaps 250cc singles are the way forward. Haworth took a comfortable class win; but it was very close in the battle for second; Purdy just holding off the advances of Madsen-Mygdal.

Steam Packet Company 125cc/400cc Race

1. Chris Palmer 125 Honda 94.908mph
2. William Dunlop 125 Honda 94.882mph
3. Ian Lougher 125 Honda 94.867mph
4. Alistair Haworth 400 Yamaha 92.700mph
5. Brian Purdy 400 Honda 92.254mph
6. Dave Madsen-Mygdal 400 Honda 92.228mph

The Solo Championship was next and it promised to be a cracking race. The consensus view amongst the blue bib brigade was that if Michael Dunlop could make a fast start no one would be able to catch him; we would soon know. Cameron Donald was fastest away from the lights; but Michael passed him on the way into Church Bends to lead; Ryan Farquhar was third, Guy Martin fourth, Dan Kneen fifth and William Dunlop sixth. Once ahead Michael piled on the coals and he was on his own as he came through Church for the second time; already 2.5s ahead of the pack of chasers now led by Guy Martin. Cameron Donald was third; Ryan Farquhar fourth; Dan Kneen fifth and Conor Cummins sixth as the pack skimmed the wall on the inside of the left hander on the exit. The action was fast and furious and providing a great spectacle for the sun kissed crowd.

On lap 3 Michael had increased his lead over Guy by a further 1s; Guy had himself edged away from Ryan Farquhar. Behind them Cameron Donald and William Dunlop had resumed their wheel to wheel battle from the first race of the meeting; with Dan Kneen about 25m behind them. Conor Cummins was next; closely followed by Steve Mercer. Conor’s machine had a problem and he eventually gave up the battle after 4 laps; Mercer had a good ride to claim 7th place. Others joining Conor on the sidelines included Ian Lougher and Davy Morgan; whose bad luck seems endless.

At the sharp end Michael Dunlop was setting a furious pace; but he had to because Martin, in second place was now going at record breaking pace as he tried to close on Michael and take his second championship title but also to keep Ryan Farquhar at bay. It was excellent action for the crowd as the gladiators skirted the wall at maximum lean angle and used every inch of the road on the exit. Behind the podium men William Dunlop had passed his team mate and upped his pace as he tried to grab a podium position. All of the top four put in laps at over 112mph as they provided a wonderful spectacle for the crowd. Michael always seemed to be in control of the race but to secure his victory he had to raise the outright lap record to 112.541mph on the 8th lap. Martin also posted his best time on the 8th lap; his speed being 112.284mph. Farquhar harassed Martin for second place until he began to run out of fuel on the final lap and eased his pace.

My Man of the Meeting; Michael Dunlop was rapid around Church on the final lap; he then powered away through Great Meadow and on towards the chequered flag and a very much deserved first Championship win. Both he and fans’ favourite Guy Martin finished inside the old race record after a blistering race. Ryan Farquhar was just outside the old record; he also averaged over 110mph. William had his best superbike ride around Billown and will undoubtedly be challenging for the title next year.

Cameron Donald took 5th and Dan Kneen rode superbly on what looked to be an ill handling mount to take 6th place.

Manx Gas Solo Championship Race

1. Michael Dunlop Street Sweep Kawasaki 111.178mph record
2. Guy Martin TAS Suzuki 110.816mph
3. Ryan Farquhar KMR Kawasaki 110.599mph
4. William Dunlop Wilson Craig Honda 109.937mph
5. Cameron Donald Wilson Craig Honda 108.842mph
6. Dan Kneen Marks Bloom Kawasaki 108.605mph

The Sidecar Championship race saw a full field of contenders. Despite being badly bruised in his off on Wednesday evening Daniel Sayle was in the chair of the LCR Honda and ready to defend the title. On the first lap the lead was with Simon Neary/Jason Crowe; Klaus Klaffenbock/Daniel Sayle were second with Ian and Carl Bell in third. It seemed that a repeat of Monday night’s great race was going to unfold before our eyes. As then, John Holden/Andy Winkle were in 4th; then it was Glyn Jones/Richard Murphy with Roy Hanks/Dave Wells competing the early leader board.

Klaffi put his stamp on the race on the second lap setting the fastest lap of the race at 98.824mph; he led by 1.7s as he powered away towards the flat out Great Meadow section. Neary had the sidecar wheel pawing the air as he went in pursuit of the former World Champion. The Bells were trying hard and also set their best lap at 112.212mph on this lap. For locals Karl Bennett and Lee Cain the race was over; oil on their rear tyre caused the outfit to lose adhesion and slide into the air fence on the exit to the S bend. Both rider and passenger were perfectly all right. The oil leak had left a thin film of oil on the road right through the bend and also for some distance prior to the bend meaning that lack of adhesion flags were shown. The only other retirement from the race was that of Roy Hanks on lap 5.

Klaffi and Dan had control of the race and rode to their signals. The others seemed to accept their positions and rode within themselves. The race was not as good Monday’s had been; but was no doubt not helped by the large line of “oil” flags being shown. Klaffi and Dan were the class act of the field and deserved to retain the Championship; quite how Dan forced his badly bruised body to take eight laps of racing plus four laps of practice in the morning I will never know.

Petrochem Carless Fuels Sidecar Championship

1. Klaus Klaffenbock / Daniel Sayle LCR Honda 97.307mph
2. Simon Neary / Jason Crowe LCR Honda 96.539mph
3. Ian Bell / Carl Bell LCR Yamaha 95.998mph
4. John Holden / Andy Winkle LCR Suzuki 95.798mph
5. Glyn Jones / Richard Murphy DSC Suzuki 94.785mph
6. Gary Bryan / Kris Hibberd Baker Honda 93.204mph

The meeting closed with the Senior Support Consolation Race for riders not in the Championship Race. Kevin Strowger took control from the off and came home 18.9s clear of William Cowden; who was just 1.3s ahead of third placed David Kennington.

This was once again a superb meeting, with record breaking speeds and no shortage of drama. The weather was perfect for the entire meeting; adding to the enjoyment for spectators. The club was as welcoming as ever and the committee rose to the challenges as they occurred, making everything run seamlessly. My thanks go to Press Officer Phil Edge for his invaluable help. 2012 should be a fine vintage; book your tickets now or risk missing a real treat.

.