2013-12-09 09:17:19.2
IMSD came to Wales with the intent of closing the gap to championship rivals HB Racing. With Eddie having raced the previous day in the sprints and the team fresh from their second place in Dorset, the whole team were in confident mood.
Having had the most practice, the team decided to send Eddie out first to start the race. Making a great start, he made up several places on the opening lap and was running well in the top 10 when he came in for an early splash and dash after 10 minutes.
On a circuit that is more difficult to overtake, a good strategy was imperative. Bringing Eddie out on a clear track, he put in some fast laps. Unfortunately, the kart started to develop a problem and Eddie had to call in to change it.
"It sounded like the exhaust was blowing but the mechanics couldn't see anything. The kart started making an awful noise and I lost power going up the hill. It was obvious that there was something wrong with the engine so the mechanics put us in a fresh kart.
The kart change seemed to pay off, Eddie going out and making short work of the karts in front. Stephen and Ian both put in storming laps to try to make up lost ground. The new kart's better top end being a real help on the fast Glan-Y-Gors circuit.
However, just as it looked as if the team might get back on the lead lap, disaster struck. In Stephen's second stint, the throttle cable snapped at the top end of the circuit. The pusher kart had to push him half way around the circuit back to the pits. Another kart change on top of this delay put the team over three laps down with only 30 minutes remaining.
Both Stephen and Ian pushed as hard as ever in their last stints but could do little more but hope for trouble to hit their championship rivals (HB were running comfortably in fourth).
Despite all of their problems, the team still managed to finish a very creditable 10th, maintaining their second place in the standings.
