A story of “Grass Roots” Racing in 2020 Part 3

Report by David Gowshall

11 Aug 2020

Pistonclick’s adopted “grass roots” rider Mick Pennell, although picking up his first championship points, had another frustrating BEMSEE weekend at Cadwell Park. 

After taking part successfully two weeks ago in the CRMC meeting at the same venue the “Northern Monkey” rode well in sunny and dry conditions in the first Blue Haze race of the weekend on Saturday, moving up two places from his sixth place grid position to take fourth in his Class, and overtaking a number of the MZ class riders in the process .

Unfortunately, three lengthy red flag stoppages during the day to attend to injured riders meant Saturday’s race programme was severely curtailed and Mick’s scheduled second race was moved to an early morning slot the following day.

After a reasonable night’s sleep in the back of his Ford Transit van Mick opened the back doors on Sunday morning to a circuit shrouded in mist and drizzle, with lots of damp patches on the track to catch out the unwary.

After a hesitant start which allowed three of his class competitors to stretch out a gap quickly, Mick decided the “iffy” conditions had to be treated with respect and with “no feel from the front end” he settled for another lonely Class fourth place, slowly building up his pace as he became more familiar with the conditions and almost matching the pace of the three leading Class rivals on the last lap.

His last lap pace, his first points in the BEMSEE championship under his belt, his two fourth places and the mist lifting and allowing the track surface to dry out, meant Mick was eagerly looking forward to his third race of a busy weekend.

However, as Mick enthusiastically leapt astride his 350 Yamaha in the paddock to take his place on the grid his trusty and experienced “spannerman” Barry picked up a worrying noise from the power unit. Barry’s “ear” should not be ignored and taking Barry’s advice Mick chose to sit out the race to allow some further investigation to take place, in the hope it was a minor issue.

Sadly Barry had some bad news, the rattle turning out to be caused by terminal damage to the big end bearing, and Mick was forced to miss his final race of the day too.

A mixed weekend and with only two finishes in the first eight planned Blue Haze races of the curtailed season Mick’s BEMSEE season is now firmly on the back foot.

It sums up “grass roots” motorcycle racing in many ways, with highs and lows throughout the two days.

The bike will now spend the next two weeks undergoing repairs before Mick takes part in the second round of the CRMC championship at Darley Moor on 22nd/23rd August .

COVID permitting, :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography will be there, hopefully with some better news of Mick’s 2020 season.



You can see more of David’s work here