CIRCUIT RACING: DAVID SUMMERBELL JR – STILL THE UNDISPUTED KING! PART 1

Author : cmunroe

During the weeks then the days leading to the Carnival of Speed there was overwhelming interest in Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg’s newly acquired Radical machine. The questions were numerous and the expectation was skyscraper high! And understandably so. When you think that Kyle Gregg not only swims in a gene pool of motorsport accomplishments, he also has a trophy-room laden with vessels brandishing his numerous Class/Drivers’ Championships. Then, it is only logical that fans of the sport would want to see how he would perform when faced with opposition from the ‘real machines’.

But Kyle was confined to that which a lawnmower could provide. A potent force in its class. A winner without a doubt, but unfortunately, not in the same arena or on the same track as a race-ready TA1.  As such the face of the new generation – Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg was retained in the Potential Corner awaiting his Realisation Date!

The year marked 2016 introduced a new road for Kyle. Despite not being built by the Chinese there was a toll to pay. How would he perform when the green flag met St Ann’s medicinal wind? Were we ready to be radicalized?

I stopped by the JRDC’s awards ceremony in April and if attention was taking notes, I am certain that the observation was made that there were only two individuals of relevance in the room – Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore and Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg. It was expected, well received by all and the expectations heightened even more.

I spoke to Stephen Gunter. I knew Ian Webb was onboard. I was informed that TA1 would be in an advanced state of AMS-Mayhem readiness, but I deliberately refrained from introducing to this space my thoughts of what the King would deliver. The King in some circles was not a factor! And if Dr Phil’s theory is accepted – the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour – I understand why.

TA1 has done an excellent job of disappointing the red brigade (fans) so a scientist from NASAs enclave was not required to expound why Ta1 fans were clinging to imaginary strands of hope. But, 2016 was earmarked for a revival.

I was at Dover at 3 am on March 28. It was evident that unusual events would unfold. Kyle Gregg, like a cat in a blanket was wrapped in chair reaching for a few zzzzss while a team completed work on the machine. Has anyone ever seen Kyle Gregg at the track at that time? I dare you! I double dare you! The year 2016.

TA1′s pit-bay had a sole source of life. Engulfed in feint light, one individual remained to secure all things. At the DTM Audi’s ‘hotel’, a white station wagon blocked the locked gate’s entrance. My phone which maintains a higher IQ than its owner, indicated 4:29 am. After Peter Moodie requested Windex and cleaned the Radical’s windshield the now gurgling machine was ready for Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg to reacquaint himself with the track – 4:30 am.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer

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