Morgan Park Sprints Round 4, 2019

For the last round of the year we were presented with perfect weather for the reduced field that made its way to Warwick.

By Andrew Row. Photos by Trapnell Creations.

Targa Great Barrier Reef, family commitments, and broken feet left us with only half the usual Lotus crews.

Although the bright sunny days were enjoyed by those at the track, the dry conditions have been taking a real toll on the local communities around Warwick. Following on from the successful fundraising of the LCQ winery tour, Geoff Noble took it upon himself to arrive with a bucket for donations. With the Lotus lads putting their transponder deposits in, donations from other sprinters, and WDSCC adding to the tally, thousands of dollars were donated to the local rotary club. Providing direct assistance to outlying schools and families desperately in need of water. Well done Geoff.

Friday and Saturday nights are always full of plenty of beers, tall stories, and the odd few laughs. Treated on Friday night by Maree’s Fine Foods, with roast dinner for her adopted Lotus family. What a champion, we all love you Maree. The local Korean restaurant put on a great spread for Saturday night, making our own smorgasbord. Definitely a step up from the usual pub grub, must make this a more regular haunt.

Plenty of PBs smashed over the weekend as everyone made the most of the last round of the year. John Flynn, Clive Wade, Geoff Noble, George Row, and Rob Stevens all making big gains. Rob doing impressive times with meagre Rover power. Clive missing his normal play mate, decided he could see no reason his Kumho clad S1 shouldn’t be able to keep up with Martin O’Brien’s slick clad S3. Turns out it wasn’t a senior moment, and he did some amazing times. Perhaps there is hope for me yet in my later years.

Geoff Noble put on a hell of a show for all to enjoy. Bringing his A game to the last round, as the pressure was on to try and make it 11 years running as outright champion. Unfortunately not to be, with his road registered Elise being pipped on the last run of the day by a Formula 3 car. With only the two of them on the track at once, we had to keep making the trek to the bridge to watch how it was done. The normally excitable commentator was beside himself watching the show, increasing Geoff’s manhood from coconuts to church bells each time Geoff entered the sweeper with no sign of brake lights. Great to watch.

A successful year for LCQ members claiming 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in over 3000cc sports cars by Geoff Noble, Matt Plowman, and Martin O’Brien. Clive Wade took out 1st place in 1600-2000cc sports cars.

With another year’s sprints over, it’s all looking forward to next year. Going to be bigger and better again with more new faces joining in. Can’t wait.