I normally try to write the intro to these features before the race, I like to write things as they are happening so the feeling of that moment is as accurate as it can be.
However, it was all a bit of a rush on Friday as I realised my rear tyre probably wouldn’t hold out for Saturday and Sunday’s races.
I had to get a new wheel built up out of an old wheel that had long been on a scooter and gathering dust in the shed. I was also making my own way there and not going with Dave in the van, so it was down to me to get all my stuff sorted and the bike on my trailer and connected up to the car I was borrowing from my Dad, Thanks Dad.
It’s show time!
I also needed to remember to pack my tent and sleeping stuff, as although I’d be borrowing my Dad’s estate which I’d normally be sleeping in, I’d given that luxury to my “little” brother Jack, that joke only really works when we stand next to each other and he towers over me. Jack would be coming along with me to watch the racing.
Anyway, the excitement for Cadwell had been building since I decided to be a part of the BSSO. I had watched at the Cadwell meeting last year and it looked like an incredible track to race at. My usual nerves had also settled in, that stage fright factor that I’ve spoken about before was ever-present here, not really helped by the pressure I put myself under to perform to the best I can.
I really do need to remember sometimes, that this is a fun thing. After a 3-hour drive with a stop off for a KFC wrap, we arrived at a pretty dull and grey Cadwell Park, at least it wasn’t pouring with rain. Got the tent set up and the scoot unloaded and was able to catch up with the team over dinner, after all, it had been a long time since I’d seen them all the week before at the endurance race, we had sooo much to catch up on.
The rest of this is written as it happened, so enjoy the ramblings of a recently-track-departed, adrenaline-fueled, beginning-to-understand-what-is-actually-happening, Ben.
Ben uses other riders to help him learn techniques and racing lines…
First practice
Finally on track at Cadwell Park and my god is this track more complicated than the previous one (Mallory). I feel like I’m getting lost while out here, not at all sure what corner is coming next and I’m definitely not sure what line I want to take through it, what gear I need to be in for it, or when I want to be using the brakes. This track learning was also being hindered by an issue that has somehow developed on the scooter. When right at the top of the revs the bike seems to bog out a little bit, possibly just a new plug, hopefully not an issue with the new piston I’d put in, or something not easily fixed.
Second practice. I changed the spark plug and the HT cap, and it now revs out fully. Much, much better. I can feel I’m getting to know the track better and better with every lap. Not really worrying about anyone else on the track, just trying to find my line and remember what corner is coming next and how I want to attack it.
Andy Walker leads Ben around Hall Bends
First race: Supers race 1
I was worried, (as the majority of the usual suspects that I battle with aren’t here for this race) that my races may be boring. That most definitely is not the case, although it was only me and Andy Walker battling it out that was a brilliant race. He has the faster bike but I seem to be better, or braver, on the corners. For the majority of the race he was in front, gaining a lead in the straight with me reeling him back in on the corners, until finally I found a gap to get in front of him and I took it. Then just to hold that lead, and I did. Finishing after only just being lapped by Warren just before the finish.
Phil Hallam with Ben hot on his heels…
Second race. Stock race 1
I went out and felt like things were coming together a bit. Feel like I’m definitely over, not being at full speed for a few laps. Now I’m out on track and almost instantly going as fast as I can. Anyway, was pushing on, a very good start meant that I was just behind Phil Hallam but then there was a reg flag as someone had an off-right on the mountain, that caused some grass to go on the hill, which I’d luckily spotted and avoided. A lap on red flag then a restart. I however didn’t understand the sign language from Sharkey next to me on the grid and did not realise they would re-do the sighting lap. So I was off, thinking wow I am going fast. Often when something is too good to be true it just isn’t true. It finally clicked what Sharkey’s hand signals meant and I slowed down. The race was started again, and again I was pushing but soon everyone had left me and I was on my own. I think it’s much harder to push on when there’s not someone to battle, so some practice for me on when I want to brake and so on. Another race finished and some more time at Cadwell, now to check the lap times and see if I’ve improved.
Second to last race – Strange noises
When I started the scooter it sounded different, I thought a kind of “whirr” noise. Possibly because I’ve had chain issues before I thought it might be that. Okay, I’ll go out in this race, but I won’t engine brake so the chain shouldn’t be under as much tension. That was an interesting task, the first hurdle I had when it came to racing was actually using engine braking as I try to avoid it on the road, while on a scooter or in my lovely 2 stroke Trabant. Anyway, that’s kinda slowed me down having that on my mind, however, I did still manage to finish in front of Andy Walker so it wasn’t a loss in my mind. Once the race was over me and Dave tore the engine down to have a look at the chain, it wasn’t loose, weird, what was that noise then? We did see that a part of the head cowling had broken and that could’ve been the noise.
Last race of Saturday
What a race this was. I’d got that noise out of my head, my chain isn’t loose, let’s properly go for it this time. I’m getting pretty proud of my race starts, I seem to be getting away faster than a few of the “bigger boys” this time going into the first corner not too far from Mr Hallam, that was my goal now. Do not let him get away, and maybe, just maybe get in front of him. This is definitely the best I have been around this track. Improving my lap time from 2:22 to 2:19. And most importantly not letting Phil get away and actually even getting in front of him for a section of the race. I am definitely faster in the corners, definitely climbing off the scooter more and more, and what felt like to me, climbing off more than Phil, being able to reel him in, in the corners but then losing him on the straights. And that’s only because he’s got a much more powerful scooter than me. However, why is there always a “however”? More noises had started to occur. That I had somewhat decided to ignore in the pursuit of beating Hallam. The second I got off the track, after finishing the race less than a bike length behind Phil, the majority of my team let me know that they assume I’d killed my gearbox, so that’s the cliffhanger I’m going to leave you on. I’ll report back once I’ve torn my engine apart… Again.
Post late-night gearbox inspection
Just like every quality soap opera the cliffhanger I left you on is an anti-climax. After getting the exhaust off, the casing off, and the clutch out. Nothing, nothing at all looks wrong. No swarf or signs of breakages within the engine. However, the already broken head cowling is now even more broken, although the bolts securing it are tight, the thing moves and rattles quite a bit so I’m putting the noise down to that. I do want to check the brake pads, as there’s no anti-rattle springs in my calliper so it could be that the pads are worn and now there is a lot of room for them to move, a job for tomorrow, along with getting the new rear tyre on as my current rear tyre is as bald as the majority of people out on track with me.
Ben Darling wheelies over The Mountain
The morning after the night before
Back at it working on the scoot before the racing today. The scoot needs a new rear tyre and new brake pads. I’d already built the rear wheel but onto a standard Lambretta rim, which annoyingly meant that the current rear hub studs won’t work. Bit of a beg, borrow and steal and Andy Walker and co, sorted me out. Thank you so much, the comradery of the paddock alone was a big reason I wanted to get into racing. So new rear tyre, new brake pads. And guess what I found. The fan cowling had only 1 bolt holding it on, that’ll be the noise then. Wish I’d noticed that before completely tearing my engine down. Although if I hadn’t torn the engine down that would’ve been the only thing on my mind while racing and that would have massively slowed me down.
Sunday practice
Very luckily for me, there was a practice on Sunday. Giving me plenty of time to bed my new brakes in and scrub the rear tyre. It was incredibly misty this morning and that’s caused the track to be a little wet. So a touch more careful, but once I found the grip I put a bit more effort in and everything felt good. Ready for today’s races.
First race Sunday
Possibly the best I have ever performed. After the practice, I had full confidence in the scooter. And I went for it, but still kept it smooth. Definitely finding my favourite line for each corner and am becoming able to flow one corner to the next. Andy Walker was in front to begin with getting into that first corner before me, but I soon took him on a corner and didn’t see him again. And then a DSC bike was in view and I was not going to finish behind him. So the game was on, I had my sights locked and I was giving it all. Pushing hard to reel him in, but not getting into the dangerous desperate territory but staying smooth and considered. Pushing and pushing and slowly getting closer to him until I was only an inch or so away from him holding back until I could find a chance to get by. Corners seem to be where I can get past people, so when the opportunity arose I took it and slipped past. Then the goal was to keep him behind. Just pushing on, keeping smooth and considered and keeping my pace. The last lap flag came out, right now I HAVE to keep this lead. Just one more lap Ben, get it done. Chequered flag, I did it. And I beat my previous best lap time. The sun is out and it’s looking like a very good day.
Some close race action between Graham Tatton and John The Greek
Second race Sunday
I am definitely enjoying Cadwell. What a race that was, good start, flat out through the first corner, whack it down to third for the next corner that rag it up the hill. Get my arse off the seat ready for long left round the back, on the brakes into third round the corner, always a good place to get past someone, then down to the blind summit, play chicken with myself on my braking point, supplement the brakes with a bit of engine braking. Then round into the bus stop, over the mountain, try not to wheelie, through the trees and back to the start/finish. All the while whilst trying to reel in and then get past Tim and Phil. Few laps pass and I am right on their tail. Last lap flag shows, right Ben, let’s do this. At the time of writing this, just seconds after getting off the scooter I could not tell you where I passed them, but I did. So now it was just my goal to stay in front of them. Round the mountain, though the chicane and into barn corner too fast. Grass. Fuck. That’s them back in front of me now. Quick back on the track and get the race finished at least. A lesson again in, RELAX! Onto the next one.
Mad Dog McKenzie leads Steve Wright
Third race Sunday
Not a huge amount to report on this one. Not the best start, but managed to reel Andy in and then concentrate on not losing that. Keeping it smooth and relaxed, not getting desperate. I had someone a little in front, I was trying to close the gap but couldn’t do enough to catch up. Coming back in with a best lap of 2:18.3 seconds slower than the last race. And that is purely because I didn’t have much immediate competition. It definitely seems when there is someone, or a few people within reach it pulls you along faster. The need to get in front of them, but also the ability to see what they’re doing and learn from that. A few times I’ve followed someone using a different line to me, then tried it on the next lap and preferred it. That just doesn’t happen when you’re not in a battle and just circulating round. Actually, just as I write this it dawns on me that Andy (or whoever) may have been behind me and could have been feeling like we’re battling. It is so difficult to know what is going on behind you, and you daren’t look behind and give them an opportunity to get past.
Phil Hallam, Tim Simpson and Ben Readings battling it out
Last race – the way I wanted to end the weekend
A very good start and a blunder in front of Sharkey meant that we were neck and neck for the first few corners. I really hope someone got a photo of that as that’s not likely to happen again for a while. Very shortly Sharkey got in front and then I didn’t see him again. However, the goal of my weekend, Phil Hallam number 50 was firmly in my sights. This time I’m gonna get him and keep him back. Pushing harder and harder, but not getting desperate. Relax, find the line, keep it tidy. My God I enjoy the first few corners, just nail the throttle, and keep it pinned as I hang my arse off the side of the scooter all the way round, then swap the side my arse if hanging off, whack it into 3rd and pull it round the right, nail it up the hill while keeping as tucked down as I can. I find it crazy how I again cannot remember where I got in front of Phil, but I did. After the race he commented that my corner speed was amazing and that he just could not carry the same speed round them as I can. So I’d assume I took him on a corner. Right, you’re in front again Ben. This time relax, keep it tidy don’t get desperate and just keep off the grass. Last lap flag, just keep it going Ben. Just keep it tidy. Round Barn Corner, brake, use less speed he can’t get past in this corner so don’t cook it like you did last time, nice and tidy. And acrosssss the lineeee! Yesssss! I did it. Phil has always felt like a good first target, but until now a pretty distant target. But this weekend something just clicked. Once I got to know the track my confidence built and I got much faster.
Warren Wilkinson’s beautifully prepared machine shows its undercarriage as it goes through Hall Bends
Outro
What a weekend of racing it has been. Starting off not having a clue where the next corner is, to getting almost midfield of the race and then finally beating my target. Although the Lammy’s engine was opened up a few times nothing was ever actually wrong inside of it, so I’ll also class that as a win. It’s so much fun to see myself progressing in this sport, I’ve never really been into sports but to have finally found one as good as this, with people as good as these it really is incredible. The number of people who took to time to come and positively comment on my progress was overwhelming so thank you very much to each and every one of you, you guys have all made it impossible to wipe this huge grin from my face.
Cadwell, it has been a privilege and I cannot wait to come back for the final meeting this year. It will be brilliant to return to a track that I now know and hopefully be able to get a decent qualifying time to bump me up the grid and get me in reach of some new competition.
Ben Readings #65
Photos: Ben and Kevin Gunstone (view and buy your favourite images here).
Results and championship standings can be found on the BSSO website.
Coming up this weekend- Pembrey BSSO
The BSSO boys and girls head to South Wales this coming weekend for the Pembrey round (June 10th-11th). Tickets cost £12 per day and can be bought here. Children under 15 get free admission.
