So, here we are guys after the first ever Urban X...
Firstly I would like to express my sincere thanks to every racer who trusted my concept, came to race at my first meeting, and also made the day a wonderful exhibition of the true spirit and meaning of our wonderful sport. All of you are a real credit to the scene.
The amazing thing about the experience we all shared today was that less than 2 years ago I was away from the sport. This break from racing lasted nearly 16 years, and I am so very grateful for the support and guidance I have had to help me settle back in to the community.
Creating and running your own race meeting whether at club level or larger scale is a really character building experience, I salute every single race organiser and club chairman across our scene who goes through this experience that I have had over the last 2 months.
Urban X would not exist in concept nor reality if it wasn't for the people who have made the first event such a great experience. I asked many many people for feedback, and ALL points have been humbly noted and will be acted upon immediately to further enhance my upcoming plans for what may be Urban X Part 2:
The following points of very important feedback are planned for revision....
Bigger track space that will accommodate all classes more comfortably and ultimately give fun and exciting racing for all attendees.
Greater track technicalities and challenges.
Deeper consideration for the nature of mixed ability heats and how all drivers can compete within races that suit their ability level.
I would like to offer my public and heartfelt thanks to the following people, without whom, Urban X would not have been born or taken it's first tentative steps into the off-road culture:
Miles, Steve & Tom for their event planning and management assistance
Darren Johnson, Dave Williams, Stuart Macdonald, Tony Bishop, Phil Sleigh, Andy Mountford, Andy Funge, & Steve Haines for their amazing help during today, and also making me feel that I am part of a really inspirational race club. I was over the moon to be asked to sit on your club committee guys.
Jimmy and Vicky Storey for bringing me into the oOple family of staff and trusting my judgment and journalism skills.
Robin Schumacher, Tony Evdoka, Kev Lee & Simon Osbourne for their experience, mentoring and product support.
Danny Fisher & The Custard Factory for a brilliant venue.
Andy Jones for his advice and knowledge.
My family for putting up with living in an RC dominated environment for the last few years.
Carl Arrowsmith for his support and professional skills with race control and timing gear.
Dan Holmes and Joe Cockill for bringing that Pitside retail magic to our event.
Rob Chalmers and Simon Choc for their photography and film skills during the event.
and last but not least....every single person that raced around the track that I built from scratch....it will get bigger and better very soon guys.
As I sit and type this post I realise that my passion and commitment to RC is vastly overshadowed by my passion and inspiration for people....you all made this possible, and I thank you all for helping me create Urban X.
So, deep breath, who's up for Urban X Part 2 folks?...I have a feeling that it won't be long before we all go for it once again
Racing is the one thing that will always strip away the constraints we are all dogged by in this crazy modern world...and ultimately bring hundreds of like-minded people together to enjoy a bit of exciting competition, learn new skills, meet new people & see new places....long may it continue.
Peace...Stuart 'Style One' Styles