Oulton Broad Club Meeting 31/05/2010
After a couple of attempts to get the Crescent engine running in previous weeks the Area 31 Racing Team's season finally got underway with the 1973 500cc classic hydroplane outfit taking second place overall at a breezy and chilly Oulton Broad circuit. The overall winner on the day was close friend Julian Codling and the JC Racing Team who also broke the long standing 250cc lap record.
Due to the good number of entries the Outboard hydroplanes and OSY's were split for the first time this season and it was Wayne Turner who got race one underway with the 125cc VRP powered Trombetta outfit. Next into the race was Kevin Turner and Paul Jillings, both with GRM 250cc powered hydroplanes shortly followed by Julian Codling in the 250cc JC Racing Team outfit and Stuart Grieves in the Fort 500cc Hydrocat. The field was completed by David Jones in the Area 31 Racing Classic 1974 500cc Hydroplane restoration, Peter Rix in the 750cc powered barge and Matthew Lockwood with the 500cc powered hydrocat.
Area 31 Racing Team driver David Jones powered through the field trying to make up the handicap deficit on the very impressive Julian Codling. Despite the tricky conditions at Oulton Broad the hydroplanes drivers were putting on a spectacle for the crowd with some good racing and spectacular noise. With the handicap too much for David to make up on Julian Codling who broke the 250cc lap record on lap four with a time of 39.33 seconds, the Area 31 Racing Team finished in second place in race one with Peter Rix finishing third with the classic 700cc outfit.
With a high tide breaking the banks at Oulton Broad race two had to be held on the shorter course due to safety reasons. Once again Wayne Turner in the 125cc powered hydroplane got events underway shortly followed by Kevin Turner, Paul Jillings and Stuart Grieves. After a good race one win Julian started behind the classic 500cc hydroplane outfit of David Jones (Area 31 Racing Team) Followed by Peter Rix and Matthew Lockwood.
Both David and Julian soon carved their way through the field due to powerful driving and other boats mechanical problems and soon found themselves battling for the lead with David staying ahead as they started the last lap. As they approached the bottom turn buoy for the last time Julian and David were neck and neck and as they dived into the turn together. In a wall of spray it was Julian who appeared in the lead as he raced away up the back straight and managed to hold of the challenge from David as they crossed the line to take the second race win. With these two battling out for the first two places it was Peter Rix who had closed the gap to take third place.
With no third heat taking place due to a unfortunate injury to one of the rescue divers at Oulton Broad meant racing could not continue meant the Area 31 Racing Team finished second overall with Julian completing a great day for the JC Racing Team winning overall and being the new holder of the 250cc lap record at oulton broad.
