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 10th 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
1st
Team Cider
2nd
Blue Light Bastardos
3rd
Epic Failure
90cc Standard
1st
Bikeworld
2nd
Knee Down Racing
3rd
Manly Racing
Modified class
1st
The Old Peculiars
2nd
SDR Racing
3rd
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
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