Scampton Challenge 2000
by Bob Cruikshanks
At the eleventh hour all the forelocks had been touched, approvals had
been granted and the weather was booked for the annual pilgrimage to Lincoln.
The event - the Scampton Challenge - for BBC members, which for some reason
this year was called the Scampton Challenge 2000. Held on the weekend
8/9 April 2000 at the prestigious home of the Vulcan Kite & Buggy Club,
the airfield at RAF Scampton which some would say is/was the best flying
site in the UK. I say was because the infamous Red Arrows are due to take
up full-time residence at the airfield so the VKBC may have to look for
a new flying site. This inconsiderate return of flying metal also meant
that there were restrictions on where the buggiers could go. The main
restriction was not being able, as in previous years, to complete a circuit
of the airfield, some 4½ miles of twisting, turning and dipping concrete/tarmac
that tested the skills and courage of ardent buggiers. That said, there
was ample space left to play and play they did.
Saturday kicked off around midday. The sun was out and the winds dictated
3 to 4sq. m's of sail. Mark Mather, a newcomer to the sport and Scampton
only had the option of a 26 or H160. However, after a few changes of underwear
he opted to stick with the 26 or anything less than four metres offered
by others. Buggiers came from various hideaways. The attraction of overnight
accommodation and cheap booze made it particularly worthwhile for those
travelling any distance. Bob Cruikshanks, London and Dave Stratton (minus
Annie) from Oxford dragged themselves north and several others, Paul Morgan
(Skybums notoriety) to name one threatened their presence but work etc,
obviously got in the way. Saturday was a play-day that was measured for
enjoyment by the number of bruises one had and who had the best 'out'.
The light drizzle around 5pm had some scurrying away for early showers
and scoff before hitting the bar for more stories and the theory of best/future
wind tools. Ultimately, Dave Stratt's "House Brick" theory (again) will
keep several people deep in thought for some time - come on chaps think
about it!
Sunday started with lots of surface water from the overnight rain but
after the hearty - definitely not healthy - bumper breakfast specials,
the day started at 3 to 4sq. m's. Steve "Walt" Webb had got up before
the birds to travel from the Midlands and get in a full day's buggying
in. Mike "I now work for Flexi" Shaw arrived with a van loaded with wheels
on the roof which surprisingly were not tied on. This was also a surprise
for Mike because he had just inflated them at the garage - 2 miles away
- nice driving Mike! Arrivals were thick and fast throughout the day including
Garry Box and Matt Hurrell who, with Walt Webb, relived (with photographs)
to anyone who listened their recent buggy excursion to the USA.
With the winds picking up in the afternoon, the main events were the
standard BBC novice and professional races. Bob "You gotta be in it to
win it" Cruikshanks, the founder of the VKBC in October 96, set the course
and briefed the pilots. The course, which was aimed at keeping people
on the concrete, was a dogleg then several square circuits with a reverse
dogleg back to the start.
The novice race had 13 entrants and consisted of two circuits. The reach
from the starting gate made for a fast turn into the second part of the
dogleg that had people beating into a mêlée of kites and lines. Dave Pearson
with a 2m Predator, second place last year, avoided the early tangle and
romped home to take the trophy. Second was Tom Gibson with a 2m Jo-Jo
and third place went to Dave Peck sporting a 2.2 C-Quad. Phil Hewitt,
(Kite Magic) came a cropper in his Competition buggy with the new rear
suspension gizmo. The lesson from Phil's mishap is check your nuts regularly!
(Nylock nuts would work - Flexi) It was encouraging to see two new (that
day) buggiers having a go, well done Andy Ward and Paul Fraine.
The professional race had young and old jostling for position on the
starting line. Their course was the same as the novice's but with four
circuits and the added gotcha, no touching the grass anywhere. Matt Hurrell,
quiet as ever, was eager to repeat his last year's winning performance.
As in the previous race, the reach start produced some blistering two-wheeled
turns on the tight first bend. Around the circuits, Matt was being hassled
by Dave Pearson; the (18yr old) novice winner, so Matt opted for the well-practised
head wind turns, which, on the tight taxiways, proved the decisive winner.
In the end, Matt, flying a 2m Predator, came home 1 minute clear of Dave
also under Predator power. In third place was James Welch (18yr old),
last years novice winner, flying a homemade kite. Clearly, the youngsters
were showing the oldies how it should be done. The tightest finish was
between Garry Neil and Dave Stratton on Predator and SkyTiger respectively.
It was evident that Dia's (Garry's wife) infamous baking was to be Garry's
downfall - one too many pieces of fruitcake since Berrow 99 Garry!
With the races finished, the trophies awarded - or given back in Matt's
case - and the thanks for the marshals and all attending it was back to
playing. The weekend was without doubt a blast and those that were able
to attend made the most of it. Walt Webb and Dave Peck, both flying 2.2
C-Quads, were showing masterly skills in manoeuvring, speed and staying
upright, most times. The hard smooth surface of Scampton was also very
endearing for those that have, or are trying to, master the mountain-board.
For many, it was the first good thrash of the year; so once the wounds
have been licked, the aches have subsided and the kit/lines have been
repaired/replaced thoughts will be on the next BBC Challenge at Wroughton
on 13/14 May. Rumour has it that there will be some additional trial events
at Wroughton in preparation for Berrow 2000.
Will there be a Scampton Challenge 2001? Watch this space.
Bob Cruikshanks
Read Steve Walt Webb's account of Scampton 2000 at kitelife.com
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