He managed to blow up 3 engines & whilst being driven by a friend, the car was involved in an accident in a Non-FISC race at Silverstone (UK). The repairs for this involved replacing the complete front end (including the chassis rails). Then to top it all he was involved in a heavy impact at Assen at the end of the 1999 season. Despite only finishing 19th overall in the drivers standing he came back for more in 2000!
This says much for the FISC members, the size of Marks overdraft & his wife Michelle's patience!
For the 2000 season Mad Dog Racing (Triple Drivers Champion, Dave Shannon et al) took him under their wing, and taught him how race cars should really be prepared. This coupled with one of their engines, built by that "ace" engine builder James Bilsland resulted in Mark's first FISC podium finish, a third place at Dijon, and 9th overall in the drivers standings. His wife Michelle tells me he didn't stop talking about it for at least a month! Bedtime must have been scintillating for her!!!
The 2001 season then proved to be even more successful. A steady consistent season and finishes rarely outside the top 6 resulted in a 5th place overall in the end of season drivers standings. Sounds like even more scintillating bedtimes are ahead for Michelle!
Mark & Michelle are the proud owners of a "Furbie", which, since it will never make a decent mechanic, I am trying to teach to swear like one. They also work together in their own Training & Consultancy business, IPE Ltd. - web address www.goinspire.co.uk
Mark is one of the two UK contacts for FISC since he now loves FISC so much! Simon Page is the other.
Mark's Car
A standard Midget silhouette. The car has a long racing history having been raced in the UK for many years. This car is usually well prepared & nicely turned out. Mark was innocently involved in a first bend pile up in the 1st race at Assen in 1999. It looked like Marks weekend was over. But then the car was completely rebuilt overnight, using the Bonnet/front end, Steering Rack, Wheel, & Front suspension from Steve Chapmans car. Steve having destroyed his gearbox. Again this says much for FISC members, who are, on the main, prepared to help a fellow competitor race wherever possible.
For the 2001 Season, Mark removed the roof & screen and now runs the car open. Another result of the association with Mad Dog Racing. An association and more importantly friendship that came about after parking next to them at Mark's first FISC race meeting at Nurburgring in 1999. A true example of what FISC is really about.
For the 2002 season there are strong rumours that he will be out racing just for fun rather than points and that Triple Drivers Champion, Dave Shannon will be seen racing the car occasionally. Perhaps we will really see how fast this car can be driven?