Winter Workshop - #7 Modified Glen Sole
July
2009
Woodford Glen fans may not be familiar with the name Glen Sole but the arrival of this new competitor to our track doesn't mean he hasn't done plenty of racing before. In fact Glen's raced speedway for approx 21 years. Solo Bikes and succesfully completing the Ronnie Moore training seasons were just a start and after racing Solo's for 16 years Glen moved to four wheels, taking up Modified Sprints. Racing these motorcycle engine powered machines with wings he carried on his competitive streak and although he was regularly a feature winner at his home track Ruapuna the major championships remained elusive. For 5 years of racing Modified Sprints the major meetings such as the Canterbury Championships were what Glen says "my bogey meetings" due to the lack of top results. He was however first Kiwi home against the Americans and regularly drove well from the rear of the grid to pick up podium placings.
So I asked Glen why the track move and why Modifieds? He says "I see the move to Woodford Glen as a positive mainly for the social side of racing and to get away from the politics. Where I've been racing there seems to be a very much an 'I am' attitude. However when we raced at multiple class type tracks such as Nelson the attitude changed considerably. He adds "I'm surprised with the help and information I have received for the new car in the last month alone. That's completely different from previous experiences already".
Next I quizzed Glen on how he sees the transition into the Modified class and his aspirations for the coming season. Glen said: "I just want to see how it goes and there is no doubts that I will enjoy it. I want to get to grips with the car, drive consistent and tidy. I just wanna ease in out there, be low key. Keep out of any niggles that may arise between the different tracks and I just wanna race! Take me as you find me!" Glen adds "I see it as coming over to the light/brighter side plus we won't have to leave so early since we live closer to the track".
Glen has the assistance of his father Kevin and long time crew member Mike who will also join the transition to the new car and track. Sponsorship to assist with the cars running costs has already been offered from long time school mate Jonty. He has just taken over the running of the local Kaikanui Tavern and will be assisting the team with fuel for the car. Glen adds: "I have just secured a sponsorship deal, so will be running under the KFR (Karen Forsey Racing) banner, they are running sprintcars out of Auckland and Cromwell and I will be the Christchurch based driver running the Modified!".
Glen works full time as an Air Conditioning Specialist for both residential and industrial installations. He is hopeful of obtaining more sponsorship to assist with the cars running costs so if you see yourself needing a heat pump over summer best you look him up around the pits at Woodford Glen.
Meantime I for one welcome Glen and his team as new members to the club and wish them all the best for the future. Next time you're in the pits and see the #7 Modified, call by to welcome them with a "Gidday Soleman!" [article by Roger Nees]
Nov update from Glen (Soleman): "Car is ready to go minus engine, theres been a lot of late nites and hard work to get it to this stage, but thats as good as its going to get! We have had a few dramas with the engine which hopefully we are on top of and will be out there as soon as we can". Thanks Glen.
