Air Race UK

Amazing Alderney (Round 7)

The disappointment of losing the entire Schneider Race weekend due to inclement weather was forgotten last weekend.

The Alderney race venue is probably the most popular on the air racing calendar and this year was no exception. A total of 13 pilots entered for the races, not a record but nevertheless the highest entry this season.

Ralph and Maggie Burridge always organise a great weekend and this year’s event ran true to form. With the kind cooperation of Aurigny and the Airport Authorities we ran two great races in glorious sunshine.

The Saturday race (Eagle Airways Cup and Flightline Cup) saw yet again, Neil Cooper (Race 44) in his Bulldog, and Geoffrey Boot (Race 31) battle it out for top honours. Neil, ably aided by dad Ian in the navigator’s seat manage to grasp the premier position. Veteran racer Peter Earp (Race 5) in his super fast Beech Baron, always a strong performer at Alderney, picked up third place.

With Geoffrey securing the British Air Racing Championship, the Sunday race (Aurigny Air Services Trophy) was to be the decider for the Sunday championship, aka the European Trophy. This time round Geoffrey, with long term navigator wife Suzie, passed Neil Cooper yards before the finish line to grab victory in the final race of the season. Payback for 24 hours earlier. With wiley old fox Martin Gosling (Race 25) putting in a very strong performance to give himself third place.

It has been a tough season with entries being at a low level, no doubt due to the financial climate. Nevertheless, we’ve had fun, enjoyed good racing and a great social atmosphere. But most importantly it’s been safe flying.

Thanks to all our sponsors, supporters and hard working officials without whose support we could not operate. Roll on next season, it all starts on 22 January 2012 at the AGM and Symposium.

See you there!

Tim J Wassel