PHOTO REPORTS

Brainless Raceway Park - Slot Car Drags Summernationals 2007

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A capacity crowd enjoyed Saturday Night racing at Brainless Raceway Park, Braintree.

The Main Eliminator winner was Jack Brewster who extensively damaged his car but kept repairing it and having another go. He defeated Peter Lane in the final after getting by Jon Evans, Chris Morgan who broke in the burnout and Marion Morgan in the semis, whilst Peter Lane got to the final defeating wife Jean in the first round, then Carla Pittau (in the only street car at the event) in the second round, and Track Owner Bob Doyle in the semis who raced the Zed Case Datsun.

Stuart Peck's Rat Rage 2 Camaro was running in Super Slot (S/ST) and was suffering with severe tyre shake and traction problems. Apparently so bad were the grip problems that during one qualifying pass the tractor, on cleanup duties, overtook the Camaro and was first across the line. We are told that the tractor was out on cleaning duties after one of the race cars went airborne on the receiving end of a rocket propulsion unit which has never been seen since. Rat Rage 2 was first round fodder, ignominiously losing to Carla Pittau's street entry, and got some consolation from the next session... the Flame Burnout competition.

Unfortunately, due to excessive alcohol consumption, the driver left the car in the burnout far too long and the Camaro went into a severe meltdown (see photo below). Driver and car are OK but the bodywork needs some attention. Subsequently the driver was sacked for violating the "falling asleep on the line rule" (again).

Rat Rage will be competing at Brainless at the next event, this time powered by a secret power plant, as yet to be designed, which we are told will definitely get off the start line with a bang.

Exhibition runs by rocket cars wowed the spectators, who particularly enjoyed the explosions mid track, the spectacular crashes into the new cushioned safety barrier at the top end (see photo below) and the even more spectacular multiple crashes of Paul Baynton's famous Lime Green 32 Ford.

Baynton managed to still race despite the extensive engine and suspension damage by removing the front wheels altogether, which puzzled the scrutineers but seemed to work. He then appointed daughter Laura as the driver for the eliminations but she was cruelly defeated by Steve Dunn, who then received his comeuppance by Marion Morgan, the race director's mum.

Race Director Tracy Doyle confirmed the famous 55 foot track will host the "Claim & Blunder" Nationals in November.

The control tower features the same robust construction as the one at the famous Santa Pod Raceway

John Price was glued to his seat at the usual place in the Race Control Office

 Track gluing and preparation were entrusted to Peter Lane The very popular Brainless Raceway Park takes pride in having tarmac pits all round. The track is a full size (24th scale) 1/4 mile strip.
Despite continuous monitoring, several blue line violations were observed by race marshals Track Owner Bob Doyle denied blatant bribery, despite accepting a brand new Zed Case clone from Peter Langford. The fans were especially thrilled by the rocket cars "Rocket Robert" Doyle also drove one of the exhibition rocket cars, and severely bent the chassis after making 7 spectacular passes. A pioneering innovation was the installation of additional safety equipment, which proved very useful during rocket car crashes.
Race Director Tracy Doyle personally wrenched on some of the entries and raced her own Pro Mod car. Suggestions of possible conflicts of interest were denied.

Aptly named "At Last", Tracy's Prod Mod entry suffered no damage on her maiden race.

 Tracy's Pro Stock entry was also left pristine but was defeated in the second round by Bob's Zed. Paul Baynton resurrected his popular lime green 32, but suffered several debilitating crashes

Fortunately emergency services were quickly on hand to prevent casualties
Carla Pittau debuted the team's new street car, a 41 Hot Rod. The only street car in the eliminator, the Heaven & Hell entry pushed past Stuart Peck in the first round. David Doyle dared a little too much and melted his Chevy Rocket Truck after tying 2 rockets to the roof. Rat Rage 2 looked well  despite the tyre shake, before the Flame Burnout Competition Although victorious in the Burnout Competition, the Camaro suffered extensive damage. The Tokyo Toy entry was criticized for blatant deep staging.

The Copter rides proved popular until the unfortunate crash in the pond, which caused no casualties but many a law suit..

 Pilot Rick McCann denied liability.

FBI* inspector Mr Pontiac  later examined the damage to the copter and investigated possible causes for the mishap. Terrorism by way of sabotage is not excluded.

(*Feline Bureau of Investigation)

 Kim's entry was "good enough to eat" and eaten it was, before it could turn a wheel... Tech inspectors Tedster & Chick declared all entries disqualified and then went to sleep. Nevertheless, trophies were awarded to all entries, Heaven & Hell received the "Best appearing" and "Fastest Street Car" of the Meeting.