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SOUTH EAST PAST EVENTS

MR2 CHALLENGE RACE - BRANDS HATCH, KENT - SATURDAY 23rd APRIL 2005

This was the first Race of the series for the MR2 MK1s and being at Brands Hatch, we decided to organize a club meeting to go and give our support.

We were not sure how many would people would turn up as there was a bit of a mix up as to what day over the weekend the MR2s were actually racing. We had presumed it would be the Sunday but we found out just before that weekend it was the Saturday not the Sunday.

First to arrive nice and early was Eddie Pagdin shortly followed by myself with Kelly, Karl Thomas, Kevin Crane and Pete Kyte with his son Alex. We turned up just in time to see the MR2s start their practice, or that was what it was supposed to be. We were extremely surprised in the number of MR2s actually on the track and instantly knew it would be a good race. There was quite a few more this year than last year. Karl was straight on the Stop watch, timing to see what the lap times were, they was impressive but unfortunately showed up by most of the other racers including a Noble, Ginnetta and Ferrari that were going round at the same time. But still the MR2s sounded very good, there was one with a big twin exit exhaust.

Just as the practice ended we all decided to go and wish the MR2s good luck in the paddock, and on our way we found Steve Kingsnorth driving around completely lost, we sent him in the direction we parked the cars and carried on.

After chatting to the drivers and having a good look round the cars and several photos later we heard Alan and Mark and arrived so off we went to find them. When we found them we were sure Mark wanted to be out there racing with them on his little electric scooter.

When we got back to where the cars were parked we had quite a few MR2s of our own parked up together and looking good, as they were all facing towards the track as if to watch the racing. After some food and a good chat with everyone it was time for the MR2 race to begin. Armed with umbrellas, cameras and camcorders we went to Druids bend to watch the action.

Soon the race was under way and it was not long before there was an accident right in front of us. Two MR2s were involved, and that nice new twin exit exhaust was ruined. The race was excellent and very entertaining to watch and enjoyed by all, full race details can be seen on the racing section of this site.

After the race we all met at the paddock and congratulated the drivers on a good race and got some after race photos. Another good day was had by all and a good turn out.

We hope to see the next race later on in the year at Brands and hope to see you there its well worth watching

Report by Pete Mason