Charity Run Nifty 50 number 10 ranks number 1 for entertainment

The annual Nifty 50 endurance event returned yesterday to Mondello Park providing a thoroughly entertaining day out for riders and spectators alike.

Now in its 10^th year, the charity driven run goes from strength to strength managed meticulously by Blackchurch racings Ed Byrne. A packed field of 46 teams entered this year with an International cross section of riders from the UK, Isle of Man complimenting the strong contingent of Irish riders from the length and breadth of the country.

The day began for some well before 8am as the scrutiny bay opened for business, where the MCI Technical team provided this service free of charge. A flag seminar and anti-doping talk was given by Terry and Sheila Logan just before the start, who also kindly gave up their day to volunteer as Clerk of the Course. Some yellow flag indiscretions were reported during the practice session, so before the start another briefing was given to remind the participants about the importance of safety during the charity event.

The pandemonium Le Mans start created the first talking point of the day as over-enthusiasm got the better of some riders who bolted early, meaning a restart was necessary and all riders were ushered back to the start\finish. This time, all went according to plan and the madness ensued. As the day progressed, the misty drizzle disappeared and some dry mild weather graced the drying track allowing lap times to drop. Some talented entrants had made the best of the tricky damp conditions and by mid-afternoon had built up a healthy lead. The rate of attrition then began to take its toll or machine and rider alike and the recovery truck was kept busy bringing battered bikes back to the pit lane for duct tape and cable ties but, by and large most teams last the distance from flag to flag. The afternoon flew in the sunshine and at 3.30 the chequered flag was raised ending a terrific event and another highly successful day where 44 of the 46 teams entered also finished.

Awards

50-80cc

                1^st Team Cider

                2^nd Blue Light Bastardos

                3^rd Epic Failure

90cc Standard

                1^st Bikeworld

                2^nd Knee Down Racing

                3^rd Manly Racing

Modified class

                1^st The Old Peculiars

                2^nd SDR Racing

                3^rd Jetshed

Pot Noodle awards went to Peig Scrapers (illegal testing session in Watergrasshill), James Carroll (crashing while not racing) and Gogi (paddock gymnastics)

The Aidan Lynam Trophy “the Spirit of the Nifty 50” went to Graeme Young

This event was run mostly by volunteers maximizing the funds that will be donated to the nominated charities. Mondello Park also offered 50% of the admission fee to which Ed and Andy decided would go to Down Syndrome Ireland.

Huge thanks to Ed Byrne and his team Jordan and Mike in the tower, Sheila and Terry Logan CoC, the MCI Technical team for scrutiny, Jay Murray and Gerry Power plus all of the Marshals, Paul Grogan from Timing.ie, the Medical staff, the Mondello staff, Noel, Karie and Mattie running pit lane and photographers John Burke and Roy Adams.

The entry to the 2020 Nifty 50 will open towards the end of the year and an announcement will be made on the Nifty 50 Facebook page.

Full results on MyLaps.com

Words Andy Quinn

Images courtesy of John Burke