2013-12-09 09:17:19.2
Despite a spin and a penalty for a jump start in two of his qualifying heats, Eddie still managed to finish an impressive 12th in the A final having qualified from the B. On a circuit that is least familiar to him, this was yet another encouraging result for what has been a very successful second half to the 2005 season.
Eddie lined up ninth for the first heat of the day. Despite his lack of experience at the circuit, he was instantly on the pace in a field that looked more like a typical line-up for an A final. Eddie was running comfortably in a train that ran back from the lead kart before an over-ambitious lunge resulted in a spin, dropping Eddie to 11th at the finish.
Undeterred, Eddie lead away from pole position in his second heat. Although pursued by the rapid Trevor Randall, the duo managed to pull away from the rest of the pack. Eddie held the lead until lap four, before the flying Randall, who had much better top end, passed him for the lead. Eddie clung very closely to the back of Randall to the flag.
Starting 12th in his final heat, Eddie knew that he needed a good result to qualify straight into the A final. Making the most of many of the drivers in front hesitating at the unfamiliar prospect of starting under lights, Eddie made a cracking start to jump straight up to fifth at the first corner. Unfortunately, he was deemed to have passed a kart in front before he crossed the line and was given a penalty as a result. Eventually being classified 11th.
“It was a bit unfortunate really. Everyone in front had bunched up into the middle of the circuit, leaving me plenty of room to fly down the outside. As soon as the lights went green I floored it, which is what I would normally do if the flag is dropped. Everyone in front of me just went nowhere and I got passed them. I was sure I didn’t pass anyone before the line but even the guy who was alongside me said I did. The stewards and driver can’t both be wrong so I just have to take it on the chin. Shit happens!”
These results put Eddie fifth on the grid for the 28 kart B final. Eddie lost a place at the start, dropping to sixth. He nevertheless pulled this position back and made short work of catching the fourth placed driver and passing him. He had no hope of catching (reigning champion and current points leader), Brian Trott or Simon Mace, but finished close behind Peter Watson and managed to scrape onto the back of the A final.
“It was a pretty uneventful race really. It seemed a lot less than 15 laps. It was nice to see the return of the blue flags. Most of the backmarkers did a good job of getting out of the way. I was chuffed to get another A final.”
Again making a good start from 26th and last on the grid, Eddie rounded the first lap in 20th. He continued to make great progress up the field and again was in a chain of karts that went back from the leader. Enjoying a great battle with Liam Hegarty and Paul Kay for the top 10, Eddie couldn’t quite find a way passed and finished a very happy 12th.
“It was a great day, especially after the poor qualifying. I really enjoyed the A final. It was nice to make up so many places in such a competitive field and race wheel to wheel with these guys. You always know where you stand with the top 10 drivers. They are usually very fair and that makes for great racing.”
