Firstly, I agree wholeheartedly with the measured comments of Allan Brew. His succinct arguments leave no room for any excuses by the powers that be.
 
I was there and competing when all this was happening. Bikes held in the park ferme for hours, most unusual. Then the story started to emerge. The majority (probably all) of the front line officials were embarrassed to be put in a situation where cheating was condoned. Apparently Black Eagle Racing were willing to be excluded from the results but only if Team Winfield were too. Draw your own conclusions.
 
Like others, I was impressed with the slick and efficient running of the event by the CoC and had thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the meeting up to word leaking out about oversize tanks. There were no ifs and buts, they were oversize. Ergo, Maria Costello was the race winner, and well deserved too.
 
For the CoC to publish a statement in an effort to justify his decision is unfortunate. After three failed attempts to win the race on the Paton what, please, was the “manufacturing error” that would have “proved costly” for Team Winfield to put right? And can we other competitors who abided by the ACU rules see a facsimile copy of the letter requesting special dispensation? And, perhaps, also a copy of the reply? Why wasn’t this special dispensation knowledge made known to other competitors so that they would know what they were up against? Give them a chance to withdraw their entries and save a lot of money and hard work.
 
Paddock talk during practice week indicated that, ridden hard, the Team Winfield Paton was using more than eight litres of fuel per lap. The large Paton tank is said to hold 24 litres (as per the regs) which is ample for two laps but, significantly, not three at the alleged rate of use.
 
A very sad and miserable end to what should be a fine Classic Festival. Stand up and be counted you guys; it’s a sporting event that calls for a sporting spirit.