Morgan Park Sprints Round 1, 2020

By Andrew Row

After anxiously watching the forecast all week, the weather gods shone through giving a dry track all weekend. So pleasing to see paddocks of green on the way up after the previous few weeks of rain. Still a green drought at this stage, but some welcome relief to the local communities.

The sprints draw more and more LCQ members along each year, with 17 Lotus runners this round. Not quite the full turnout of those entered, but an impressive lineup in Lotus lane. Some stiff competition turning up to keep Geoff Noble honest. Although he still cleaned up the Audi R8 LMS Ultra, that will be an interesting matchup to watch as the year unfolds.

First run on Sunday morning was dubbed by some as the run where “everyone beat Geoff, except Joe”. Was quite the shambles really. Red flagged when Matt Plowman spun, setting off his inertia switch. And in his haste to escape the approaching tow car, forgot to shut the boot lid after resetting it. So another quick stop at the back of the grid to close the air brake. After a second red flag for no apparent reason, it was onto the third attempt at completing the run. Geoff soon dropped off the pace with a broken shockie, leaving many to achieve a once in a lifetime dream to pass Geoff on track. Garry Pitt and Joe Arico celebrating the moment with some pirouettes.

With the track lacking grip after a couple of weeks of rain, most were well off their PB’s. Tony Seymour being the exception, his V6 Exige now well sorted and making good gains. Cris Johansen had a true gentlemen’s weekend at the track in his Evora, although not as quick as the S1. This round was Gideon Streets first Morgan Park in his recently acquired V6 after coming from a gravel rally background. Will be a man to watch in the future after already surpassing his expectations. He finished the weekend with that typical Lotus smile.

The social nights at Pit Stop were full of the usual beers and banter. Friday was off to the newly reopened pub down the road. Valentines day special, a Parmi and champagne for $17. How could a girl not be impressed by that. As Maree left us to fend for ourselves, it was take away on Saturday night. After long discussions to work through an order for Thai, it was found to be closed for Chinese New Year. Lucky the Chinese was open.

All in all another great weekend. Can’t wait till next round.