Ticknock Karting News
Aug 25, 2006.

Mansell fails to deliver

Despite years of experience in national and international motor sport, the Nigel Mansell Experience failed to shine
on a sunny evening at the superb Watergrasshill karting circuit last Monday.  Suitably attired in orange helmet, driving gloves and fireproof underwear, the experienced NME failed to please his fan base with a rather tame performance and was annihilated on the night by less experienced, and far heavier, rivals. 

Star of the show was the rapid Tommy, organiser of the event, who showed his prowess on the night by lapping all at lease once - he still maintains that the brown envelope handed over to the track officials before the event contained only his car keys and not a bundle of notes, as has been alleged by jealous rivals.

Team Rory Gallagher member, Danny Mc, drove consistently to be rewarded with a fine second spot but unable to make any input on the turbocharged Tommy.  Claiming third place, albeit fortunately as the second Team Rory Gallagher member, yours truly, held a podium place throughout the 41 laps but made a slight error on the second last corner, was young Shane O Brien, offspring of Bertie, surely a star of the future.  Did I mention it was only by 0.04 of a second??

The real Gordie put in an amazing display to take sixth position, proving that skill, not a fast kart, reaps its rewards. 

After a dismal display in Barcelona, Barbara & Paul showed their prowess by taking the next two places just pipping young Aideen who was content to whip her sister's ass (metaphorically speaking, of course).  Rounding off the top ten was newcomer Aine, who finished a lap behind Aideen.  A fine 11th place was bagged by Bertie who, despite two time-consuming spins, managed to fend off the young Boss.

Prizegiving followed an excellent banquet, arranged by Sir Norman Bowler and staff, and NME was last seeing gorging on humble pie.  The talk has already started about a repeat for 2007 - let the diets commence ...................