After a close run thing at Brands Hatch with his great qualifying times, Mike Allison was back racing on his home turf at the Turn or Burn slalom comp down on Hove Lawns on 2nd and 3rd July. Like the blistering heat that frazzled the seafront, ‘Old School’ Mike scorched his way through the straight slalom on his Gecko SLE and Virage trucks, impressing the bikini-clad crowds that were enjoying the entertainment as part of the Paddle Round the Pier Festival. In his trail was last week’s winner, Bruno, with Louis taking out SamG for third place.
The afternoon was spent racing against the clock with the digital timing screens facing the crowds so that they could gauge the racers progression. The faster racer in this time trial takes the Throne to become King of the Cones. Bruno’s application and consistency led to his becoming the new Monarch of Brighton, and rightly claiming the Pavilion as Brazilian territory.
I’d love to give a report about the offset slalom Sunday, but it was so damned hot that the results melted and most of us were switched off with crackling skin and heatstroke. Might have had something to do with the Paddle Party at the Brunswick the night before.
Despite an earlier start in the day, the left hand course quickly softened to tar goo, whilst the right hand course, with its higher gravel content, ran firmer and faster. Definitely the side on which to run your best time. The semis saw a return to the competitive side of Michael Stride, racing for the first time this year. Under pressure from the previous day’s winner, Mike S DQd on his second run. Similarly ‘Slipa’ Selby yielded to Octane Sport’s Bruno Oliveira, who then went on to rule in the final and take the Hybrid.
With ‘Old School’ Mike’s Saturday victory, Pig City Racing is at Full Speed Ahead. With Mmedo, Ben and Hameed setting low qualifying times, there is also strength in depth to their challenge. Next up, NASS!
Thanks to Ian Sutherland Cranfield, Mike Allison, Glen and the whole Pig City Crew for running a great Summer seaside event. Thanks also to Octane Sport and to Ocean Sport for the race sponsorship. It’s always a treat to hang out at the Paddle Village, see the surf comps, beach shops and to have a highly-priced sundowner ale at the Brunswick. Great also to see the pre-release of the Gecko GS at Jeff’s stand. Those decks’ll be racing at Hog Hill later this Summer.
Turn or Burn? Turn AND Burn!
Louis ‘Slipa’ Selby, Bruno Oliveira and ‘Old School’ Mike Allison
Pictures here: Turn & Burn 2011