Mens Nationals 2008

I feel like it's a bit late to be writing about the mens nationals considering it was 5 days ago but i've just been too busy to write anything before now. That's no excuse really considering MY BROTHER IS A NATIONAL CHAMP and i should be shouting it from the roof every day!!

The nationals hosted by the Wiltshire league at Stroud was as well organised as we all expected. They've hosted enough nationals on their spectacular venue now to know excatly what is required of them and once again they didn't fail to come up to scratch.

My brother got off to a fantastic start on day 1 with 2 wins in his own class 8 and 2 wins in our dads class 5. He was on form and the cars were just amazing. It was a fantastic buzz at the end of Saturday and everyone i spoke to was congratulating Mark on a successful day and putting their money on him for at least 1 win in the finals. Was that good or bad luck? He's joked about it before saying 'I don't know which car i'll race in the champ of champs if I win both finals' but all joking aside, I have to admit for the first time i actualy thought it was just possible he could win in both classes.

Both feeling a bit rough on Sunday morning (self inflicted), Diane and I were on form in Pits Control. Plenty of banter on the PA to liven things up a bit and to humour our hangovers! The racing was again fast and clean and we were ready to start finals at 1.30.

With Mark as one of the favourites to win class 5 I was seriously nervous as the race began. The usual carniage in the first corner caused by Ryan Griffiths was to be expected but fortunately Mark kept his head and made-up for this set-back by coming through to 2nd in about 1 lap! Waiting on Antony Jacksons rear bumber he made his move when Antony slipped up slightly and through Mark went. Now all Antony could do was sit and wait for Mark to do the same but fotunately he never and Mark took a fanatstic win from Antony and Dan Lewis in 3rd. I was nearly in tears at various points throughout the race. I've been in Marks position and i knew exactly what it was like for him during the race, i was just willing him to stay calm and keep up his winning driving. The cheers and congratulations from the crowds and all of our racing mates were fantastic, a well and truly deserved win to a well liked, nice guy.

The family are all really proud of him but i have to feel a little bit sorry for my dad who has tried for this title for tens of years and still not won it! Mark then goes and borrows his car for the year and is winning the BAS and claimed his first National title!

Top qualifier in class 8 Mark managed to achieve 5th in the final after major understear in the first corner. Still, he had a good battle and got as high as 3rd at one point, and he is very pleased with his performance and the performance of his car. Roll on BAS 4 in Ireland next week and then all pressure on me for the Ladies Nationals!