Less than a week.....

Excited? I reckon! Brisca should issue an advent calendar for next season. Countdown to a joyous occasion. As Florence and her Machine would sing, the dark days are over. Some of you have gotten your teeth in and broken the seal on those newbie cars and done your first laps of the year at Brum, Mildenhall, Skeg and other such tracks to dip the methaphorical toe into the river New Season. Even tracks your not supposed too, (*cough* Lochgelly *cough*)

So with no St Columb to test, and the only practice day in the westcountry at Mendips clashing with the opening Taunton, what did us pasty chomping pixies get up to....

First up it was Janner Motorsport's Lanky Boy Jimmy Chalk's 21st. Yeah, he doesn't look it, despite his 8ft 4 frame. Then with new paint on the 605, getting rid of the dreaded green bits and making it look, well a bit lively - we decided to introduce the J-ho Stoxblog babes to the car, and get the girls down to a few shots. All of which you shall be enjoying soon right here. My photography skills are rubbish, but from my behind the scenes -more Bill Bailey than David Bailey moi.... Natalie Autumn Photography is doing the proper ones, rest assured.

So meet Kirsty (the blonde) and Amanda (the brunette), and a garage somewhere in Redruth, where Janner Magic happens...

Obviously, this being a rare J-ho pic, this was incognito.

So Saturday at Kings Lynn and Brumingham Wheels, its go go go. And we'll have results, report and reaction here every Monday. Including some fun features, and the usual gumpf....

We're on the rolling lap, the strains of the awful tinny Rinky Dink echoing out, yep, it's over to you Mr Starter...

UPDATE - I am reliably informed that Mendips Practice day is actually Saturday 5th March, but still everyone will be driving past en route to Birmingham Wheels!

Gossip Galore

Yup, the fumey mix of oxyactylene and an old tin of softener might have knocked him out in his quest to be race bound but the Mystic Sponge has been dusted off for some mores record breakers, sorry gossip!


COBLEY COPES WITH RCE

Will Cobley (255) famous for his Uncle Tom, who seems to be omnipresently everywhere, has got one of the RCE things for his 2011 attempt.


SPENCE SPENDS LOTS OF PENCE

Mike Spence (903) has got a new RCE copy, with suspension from that good looking Yorkshur lass Kaz Ditson to help him go round corners quick

JIMMER BUILD IT

Reknowned Westcountry mechanic and rattler abuser Jimmer from the legendary TART Motorsport has started building a chassis for a person undisclosed

More news when we get it

You need HANS.

Apologies for the gratitous Bygraves....

How we all doing?

Sweats gone?

Carpet worn out from pacing the floor?

Still not long now... So who's ready? Who isn't? The cold turkey time is almost over folks, it's almost racing time. But for those who can't wait, a small matter of a little race round some piffling little track with no heritage in a hicksville area of the world's arsehole is taking place.

So if you in Daytona, like half the frigging drivers in the formula - the oval fix doesn't get much bigger than that really. The dodgy internet feed on Ftooz was patchy so I put on Top Gear instead and watched something I am akin too - a combine harvester being driven to the point of destruction! From the feed I could make out that there were a lot of lead changes, akin to those of that Warton final many years ago. Congratulations to rookie #21 Trevor Bayne, a lot of nerve to be held with those yellows at the end. Also, the nice touch of the 3 fingered salute to Dale Earndhardt (Snr) #3 who died at the race some 10 years ago was a really nice touch. Serious points were brought up in the build up to it, and when a tragedy strikes, its important lessons are learnt. This article on the NASCAR.com website, shows the importance of the HANS device, a device which is becoming more prevalent within the stock car community. They believe it could have saved Earndhardt, Senna and numerous others over the years.

The forces in a race car are sufficient to say that a considerable amount of force can hit the body at anyone time, and when they come under the stresses of an accident. Add into the mix the UK version of stock cars, unlike our American cousins (and we all know what NASCAR fans do their cousins), we like to shove people out of the way, delibrately and often into a fence, at speed. The extra force and added momentum, means that a standard accident, with just a degree or two out of line can turn a crash into an accident with serious consequences. We all know its a risk we all take when we cross onto the race track, but surely there are more and more things as a racing community we can do to try and limit the personal cost.

Now I know what you are all going to say the cost a fortune. They have been coming rapidly down in price over the past few years and now a reasonable HANS device are under £400. You only get one spine, and its a sure as hell cheaper than being wheelchair bound. Having seen a few of my racing mates get some really bad back injuries, which were potentially touch and go - it is extremely important to understand that the neck and head take immense strain. If it can prevent a broken neck then it must be good, right?

This is one area that I do think Brisca and the ORCi should look to look to make mandatory over a phased period of time, perhaps buying a job lot and part subsidising them for the budget racers. I understand that this might be the final straw for many budget racers, but what price safety. I do think this, in this incredibly litagous and health and safety bound world we live in, it will become apparent that this kind of device will become mandatory, more to save governing bodies and to keep safety paramount.


The final chilling words goes to the inventor of the device, Jim Downing.

"The challenge for us is to get the Saturday night circle track drivers to understand that if you stop fast enough at 30 miles an hour, you can die"

Something to think about lads and lasses....

The Big Interview #2 - 641 Dennis Middler

Our second BIG INTERVIEW sees our Scotland Correspondent make his debut, RYAN WALKER talks to one of the characters in the Scottish stock car scene #641 DENNIS "The Menace" MIDDLER


NAME:  Dennis Middler

HOMETOWN: Carnoustie, Angus

AGE: 25

F2 DEBUT: 2003

NUMBER: 641

PREVIOUS FORMULAE RACED:  Ministox

CURRENT F2: Randall Motorsport

HIGHEST GRADE ACHEIVED: Superstar

ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE: Nothing exciting really few heat and final wins, Won the James Clark Cochraine Memorial, 2nd in Crimond points 2009, 3rd in Scottish 2009, been 3rd twice in Champion of Champions.  Held Superstar for 4 months

NICKNAME(S): The Menace

FAVOURITE TRACK: Bristol

TRACKS RACED : Arena Essex, Barford, Birmingham, Bristol, Buxton, Cowdenbeth, Crimond, Great Yarmouth ,Hednesford, Knockhill,  Kings Lynn, Mildenhall, Northampton, Ringwood, Swaffam, Skegness, Swindon, Taunton,Warton and Workington (20)

The Menace taking the plaudits at his favourite track! (Sponge Pics)

RW: Hi Dennis thanks for taking the time to do the interview for the Stoxblog. So how did it all begin?

Dennis: No problem mate! Well when I was little, one Saturday night my dad took me down to Cowdenbeath to watch the racing. I loved it the next week I asked can we go back , and we went every week and as I got older I wanted a mini - eventually my dad gave in lol!

RW: What made you want to go over to the fast side of the fence?

Dennis: I dunno really just got the bug I suppose lol

RW: So how was your first meeting and where did you make your debut and any memories of how it went?

Dennis: Well it was a week before my tenth birthday so I really shouldn't have been out but don't tell anyone ha!  I was absolutely crapping myself, I think I got spun out in the first race and couldn't get going then I think I finished the other 2 so not to bad for a 9 year old lol

In the pits at the Racewall (Sponge pics!)

RW: You’ve done quite well at Cowdenbeath in the past – I remember the meeting from 5th June last year in the final it was wet and you pulled away from Chris Burgoyne (647) and Gordon Moodie (7) to win the final. What was going through your mind when they got up to 2nd and 3rd or was it just a case of keep the car in a straight line and finish?

Dennis: The Randalls have always been good in the wet and I dunno why but things go allright for me in the wet for a change the car was mint that night I seen Eddie and Gordon slip thru and realised that I was pulling away and you just know its your night - it's a brilliant feeling to have!

RW: Obviously you have had some big accidents while you have been racing. Are there any that stick out for you? I seem to remember you and Chris Burgoyne 647 having a big one at Cowdenbeath when both of yous went flying into the wall with you hitting the wall and rolling on your side while Chris hit the wall side on and cracked his ribs from what I remember. What was going through your mind at the time?

Dennis: Aye that was the worst my fire to be honest. I probably didnt' realise at the time how bad the fire was and how lucky I was until after. I was surprisingly quite calm because I knew in my head that the GMP staff would get me out and would get it under control.

RW: What have been the best bits so far?

Dennis: First time I went to superstar was an amazing feeling. Also when I made my first world final and the Scotland/England team events.

RW: So who helps you with the car at the meetings?

Dennis: Through the week I do my car myself if iIneed a hand Barry Neil (427) always there if I need them but at the racing my pal "The Bear" helps me he stays in Cowdenbeath.

RW: So you have done well in the time you have been racing, any titles you want to win 2011?

Dennis: I'd love to win any title but one that I've always wanted to win was the Scotish

RW: Do you have any thank yous?

Dennis :Yes a big thankyou to my Dad - without him I wouldn't be racing. Also to Barry for his help and Grant Rennie (Rentek Motorsport) he does my dampers and all my loyal sponsors. Nigel at Randall Motorsport always good with us. David Murray Transport Carnoustie, Allstars Carnoustie, Barr Cabs Ltd, Gray and Adams Ltd and anyone who helps or supports me.

641 Dennis Middler was speaking to The Stoxblog's Ryan Walker

Gossip

Sponge has dried up. Either that or he's passed out cos the oxyaceteylene from all the welding he's doing

Few bits and bobs which came into the Jho Stox Blog hotline from other sources!

JASON ON THE COMEBACK

News from the garages of the Motorworld garages is that Jason Walters (540) Harding car is in for some TLC before another attempt at a F2 comeback.

DEEBLE AT THE DARLEY DOUBLE

Fellow Darleyfordian and Jason's cousin Adam Deeble (685) is toying with the idea of a comeback, with a few cars to choose from in the Darley stable

EXTRA RICE??

Mike Rice (438) is back with a new car. One time blue top, he aims to regain that at his local track, and I mean local, as he's fairly close to Taunton.....

More to come as we approach the brow of the hill new season!

Big Interview #1.- 605 Liam Rowe

Welcome to a regular feature where we ask the drivers a few questions in a "get to know" session. First up is up and coming Cornish driver, and also the most southerly and westerly based driver, so he truly knows about heading upward.

NAME 
Liam Rowe
HOMETOWN 
Redruth, Cornwall
AGE 
20
F2 DEBUT
2009 (St Day)
NUMBER
605
PREVIOUS FORMULAE RACED
None
CURRENT F2
Motorworld (ex 393 Chris Cuming)
HIGHEST GRADE ACHEIVED 
Blue
ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
2009 St Day Whites and Yellows Champion
2010 Teen Sensations Champion
2010 St Day Whites and Yellows Champion
SPONSORS
Jeffers & Stock, S J Andrew and Son Steel Engineering, Chicken George, Heron Refinishing, ValueVanz, Gav Signs, Janner Motorsport, Jho's Stox Blog
NICKNAME(S)
Lovetap. Janner. Chuckle 2.
FAVOURITE TRACK
Bristol or Skegness - rubbish at both but still think theree preety good
TRACKS RACED
St Day, St Columb, Taunton, Bristol, Birmingham, Northampton, Skegness, Barford

JH: Thanks for breaking your winter schedule to be the first interview on the stoxblog. So how did it all begin?

Liam: Dad used to take me and Ross to St Day and Taunton and we got hooked then. Ross started back in 2004, and I made my debut as chief mechanic!! I wasn't old enough and didn't have any money..

JH: So what made you go over to the fast side of the fence

Liam: Dunno, having a go in Ross's car - the one Ian Jefferies (992) has got now. There's only so much pisstaking you do without having a go. Ross got a fair bit. I wasn't going to at first, I thought I'll save up and do it properly next year, and saw Ian Serpell's car on eBay and Ross said that it would be a good car to learn and knock about in.
We went up St Columb to test it and I was rubbish. I struggled to get to grips with it and tried to listen to what Ross was telling me.

The Ex Ian Serpell (613) car in a bit of pre season testing at St Columb

JH: Your first meeting was a real baptism of fire wasn't it?

Liam: My first meeting was St Day - it was absolutely pissing down. I was rubbish. Not a good meeting to start. It's hard at the start, certainly not as easy as it looks, more you do more you get better at it
I got to yellow by the qualifiers - and I was happy with that, and then after drinking with Chris Cuming (ex393) during his stag do and wedding, he told me that he had become disillusioned with F2 and I made him an offer for the majority of his gear. I bought it in the summer and used it first at the last St Day of the year and won my first race and then followed with another in the national.
I started 2010 flying as I rolled over at the opening Taunton, scored enough points to go blue and stayed there since.

End of Season 2009, 2 wins straight out of the box

JH: You done quite well at St Day, what do you like about the track?

Liam: Its bouncy, fun trying to keep it flat out round the straight corner (the infamous kink down the pit straight). Balls n all, get it sideways and hope for the best.

Start of season 2010 - the Cuming Motorworld in its new guise

JH: Going into the last meeting of 2010  you had led the track championship there, only to be pipped at the post by Neil Hooper (676).

Liam: Losing the track championship at St Day to Neil Hooper, you get yurself up knowing that it could be yours, and then coming home demoralised, seeing as it started so well by winning the whites and yellows championship. Just generally thoroughly pissed off, as Ross is still one -up on me.

JH: So you how have you benefitted from your older brother Ross (105)??

Liam: He spends quite a lot of time looking at how I can get better. I've got the enthuasism and he's got the knowledge. So this season will be all the gear no idea! (Ross is spending a bit of time over in Australia) Its gets quite competitive between to the two of us, with Mylaps even if I have finished in front of him, he says I got the faster lap, which is always wrong cos I'm the quickest! One of Ross' mates were out drinking one night and he asked who's actually better, Ross said I was better at downright speed, but he was better at finishing races.

JH: Whats been the best bits so far?

Liam: Probably qualifying for the semis last year at Barford. I got wiped out first corner, managed to get untangled and missed out by not much, all with 3 laps practice. Winning the Teen Sensations last year was a highlight, to boost my year, trading blows with Nathan Maidment (935) every corner, and being by far not the fastest was a highlight, certainly better than the Young Guns the night before when I was catching the leader, but crashed into my girlfriend Amy Deeble (985), who then didnt speak to me for the rest of the night!!!

Posing on his lawn with his new blue roof

JH : You've definately had a good start, what else do you want to do ?

Liam: I definately want to maintain a red roof, travel around with it, if there's enough money. Get into a world final and get that track championship at a local track. Generally being popular and entertaining, the janner will sort that out. Oh and motocross world champion! And to go karting with Jonny and Ross and not end up in the tyres!!


JH: Do you have any thank yous?

Liam: My family driving my around,, dragging me everywhere, all the sponsors, the Janners




Liam Rowe was talking to Jho Stox Blog's Jonny Hoare