09/08/2023
Now that we've had a few days to recuperate, a few important points and thank-yous from the Club:
First and most importantly, we want to wish Tim Nobes a full and speedy recovery, and our thoughts go to his family in what is likely a distressing time. We're pleased to hear that he's looking to be on the mend and we've posted a link to a fundraiser below if you'd like to donate to help support him and his family throughout his recovery.
We all understand the risks that racing imposes but that doesn't make it any easier to see an incident such as his play out, especially at our home track. Words can't express how grateful we are to the Met Medical team, who have proven time and time again how important it is to have such an efficient and professional team on hand.
A huge thank you also goes to those nearby, who acted quickly to make it as easy as possible for the Medical team to do their job without interruption and to those who offered their support to Tim's friends and family. Moments like this truly bring the Grasstrack family together and it's wonderful to see our community looking out for each other.
Of course, it's the last reason any club wants to see their meeting abandoned for but rider safety is and always will take priority, we would like to thank you all: riders, spectators and everyone in between for your patience and understanding.
On the subject of patience, we ought to address the situation on Sunday morning! The weather was very much against us on Saturday and while we had no worries about the track itself, it was already becoming difficult for the team to keep morale up in the pouring rain and mud. It then became clear very early Sunday morning that getting riders onto the field in the first place was going to be a whole other issue in itself. Thankfully, we're blessed with (what we like to think of as) some of the best tractor drivers around on our team, who dropped everything to pull 60+ race vehicles through to the pits, as well as multiple others onto the track field. It was nothing short of a military operation- the fact that it only delayed practice by 30 mins is a credit to them and their hard work and organisation. This again couldn't have happened without the patience, support and cooperation (plus many borrowed towing eyes!) of those of you who kept in good spirits and allowed them to get the job done. Thank you!
Of course, we can't forget the Landowner, Andy, who not only helps out every year while the bikes tear his field apart, but this year also watched his gateways become mudslides and yet still stepped up and helped tow everyone in amongst various other jobs. Thank you!
Lastly a heartfelt thank you to every single person who helped us on and in the lead up to the big day.
The committee itself is a very small team and we simply couldn't do it without the generosity, blood, sweat and (only occasional) tears of the countless volunteers who give up their time and energy to make meetings like this happen. Marshalls, Officials, Pit Crew, Track Team, Car Parkers, ACU Officials, Signing On, Starters, Lap Scorers, Pay Gate Attendees, Toilet Cleaners and everyone in between putting your hand to anything and everything that gets thrown your way. You may not always be at the forefront of the meeting but you're the cogs that keep the event ticking over as it should and we simply can't thank you enough, your efforts certainly don't go unnoticed!
As a committee we've worked tirelessly for over 8 months to present the 2023 British Masters at the highest possible standard. We've faced multiple hurdles in the lead up and although it wasn't the ending anyone would have wanted, we're proud of what we achieved under the circumstances. We hope that you enjoyed your weekend and managed to watch some top class racing, which was provided as expected by some of the UKs best riders- they certainly didn't disappoint!
You can donate to Tim's fundraiser here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/funding-to-help-the-family-of-tim-nobes
