Things of Semi Importance!

Semi time at Hednesford and only 20 drivers will be sure of lining up at the Norfolk Arena for the big one. The largest track in Briscaland plays host to the Semi Finals for the first time in 10 years. It was August 18th, 2001, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers were playing the V Festival down the road at Weston Park. Mark Butcher scored an amazing 173 against Australia at Headingley during the Ashes series, and the mother of all rainstorms befell the former reservoir, which left the Semi a bit dull. It was my first meeting all by myself, as a result of the double Brucie Bonus of girlfriend having house all to herself, and living in nearby Telford, it was a defo ker-ching!

This time, both semis are here - and what crackers they look. Laugh as my predictions damn me to hell!


SEMI FINAL 1
886  Chris Bradbury 
Bradderz started the season flying, unbeatable on both surfaces, consistent in approach. However his form has dipped of late and it appears his interest is on the wain. Hasn't yet had a real opportunity to show his wares in the World Final. Numerous titles on his bonnet already, and probably due the next "golden" cab of the rank.
Survive the first corner, top 3, possibly the win. All on that first corner mind
218  Rob Speak
He's back, and where he belongs, front row of the Semis and in the role of Kingmaker once again. The 8 times World Champ sole goal is to get what is his back, he wants Gold no 9 (10 if you include the tractors). Looking more imperious and back to his best, he also has the psychological edge over his two main rivals, just remember Buxton 2009!
Death or Glory has always been his way, either 1st or nothing!
7  Gordon Moodie 
The winner of the last shale world final at Mildenhall 2006, Gordon had a slow start to the season, but now has gathered pace and seems to be peaking at the right time. A different approach may see him being the hunter, as the hunted has ended in early exits. The top man in the sport presently, will he add to his 1 (and a half) World Titles, or will he end up having to do it the hard way.
All dependent on his tactics, should take the win on speed, but that dreaded first corner might see him go
702  Allen Cooper
Primarily a shale specialist, no mug on tarmac and if a decent result is achieved (like last years Semi win, when both Speak and Bradbury clashed) would be one to watch come September.
He could again be a beneficiary if the more fancied runners fall by the wayside, a top ten should see him right
905  Rob Mitchell     
His Shale form is better than his tarmac, but he drives a fair amount of tar, Barford being the main stomping ground. Could be an outside bet if the drive favours him
Likely to be part of the first corner kerfuffle, Top 10 a possibility, as likely to be swamped.
732 Daz Kitson
Double World Champ, he's seen it and done it, and won the semi here in 2001. Loves racing big racetracks like this, and won the world the last time it was held at King's Lynn (2000)
Will need a few names ahead to fall, but Top 3 not out of question
968  Micky Brennan     
The 2009 World Champ gained many plaudits for his demeanour during his spell as gold roof. Races both surfaces well and is a very popular driver amongst his peers
Like Kitson, podium is his best shot, I expect to see him at the Norfolk Arena
100 George MacMillan
Always seems to be the bridesmaid to Moodie north of the border, the high speed Staffs surface should suit GeoMac, his dad 
Top 5, but only if he stays out of trouble
70 Brian Shadbolt 
Another supreme shale shifter, Shadbolt needs to negotiate to keep the chances up. New machinery at the start of the season, he might be swallowed by faster tar cars. 
Consolation Semi best route in for Brian, but could sneak Top 10
844 Darren Phillips
This driver likes a bit of the big tracks. Arena and NIR gave him some big scores
If the stars behind are held up, could be top 10
854  Robbie Dawson
Having led a World Final, Dawson's stock further down south rose considerably. Races some pretty looking cars. Along with GeoMac, proof that there is life beyond "7" in skirt wearing land.
Could be a casualty as there are some hard chargers, but could pick up pieces of what goes ahead.
126  Jamie Avery
One the westcountry's rapidly improving drivers, he stunned many by taking the St Day Qualifier, and then added a good haul at Taunton two days later.
Here for the ride, Top 10 his best bet! 
662  Steve Wycherley
A shale specialist, but does venture on the tar at Skegness. Did well early season and 
certainly would have been in the shake up if this track was the 1966 version of Hedno - shale!
Sadly I think it might be a bit too much, progression through the Consolation Semi will be the best bet
990  Paul Rice
One of the Westcountry's up and coming stars, he has been more consistent this season. His Dad Pete (ex 890) famously started on the front row of a semi a few years back.
More than likely to sneak into the World, Top 10 
921  Jack Aldridge
The 16 year old has come into the sport fresh from Ministox (and Outlaws at StandlakeCD's older than him. 
A cool head could see him take a top 3. A learning curve for next time definitely.
259  Simon Farrington
A dual surface driver who'll be looking to make sure that he's there at King's Lynn. Plenty of experience on Tar and in semi finals.
Experience foreboding, it will be a struggle to get through. Will prefer the consolation semi
677  Chris Roots    
Probably more likely to be seen in Holland than over here, certainly has a fair pedigree in semis, and is better than his blue grade gives him. 
Top 10 at best for Roots, might have more success if he put a H in front!
725  Paul Broatch  
A veteran of the sport, who started on the front row of Newton Abbot WF in 1989, "Nail 'Em" is of wily stock, there's not a lot he hasn't done or seen in his career. Not afraid of the shale either. Might wait for another attempt at home track glory at Barfbados next year.
Might be a sneak in, but you can't put a old dog down if he's still barking
744  Tom Smart
Former European Champion Smart is very much the Randall Camp, being part of the travelling bandwagon that went to Austria. This year has been there and there abouts on both surfaces.
Pedigree should see him in the Top 10.
150  Mark Thoms
Another sh*t shifter Mark has been impressive on the loose stuff. However has yet to venture onto the tar this year. Loves it muddy as proved by the Muddyhall meet in June.
Unlikely to make much of an impact on this uber tarmac
315  Justin Fisher
The Flying Fish has had a relatively quiet year. The new Motorworld car has taken a while to bed in, and a drop to blue aided his quest. A win at Skeg over the Speedweekend has proved that he has the skill to do it away from home. 
Will struggle to make Top Ten, but not out of his realms
541  Luke Phillips
Another midlands based racer, who will certainly enjoy the locality of the racing. Another driver happy to be there as you've got to be in it to win it.
Top 10 unlikely - but a lot could happen in front!
143  Marc Lammas
One half of the Lammas brothers that seem to have a large female following (according to a undisclosed source) he will be looking to get onto the grid at the first attempt.
Being in the shake up for the lower reaches is best he can hope for on asphalt.
103  Carl Issitt
Carl is a driver who likes racing in equal measure. Loads of WF experience, and used to be a renowned driver round Skeg and Swaffham. Now he tends to like the shale more
Tar experience should count for something might miss the cut this time
495  John Cayzer
Another shale racer who might would have been happier to go straight to a Kings Lynn final. Consistent form on the loose stuff has seen him in.
Unlikely to progress much further but will look to Consolation as route in.
276  Murray Jones
Murray switched from Higgy to Elite at the start of the years and despite an early season spot of tag team with brother Todd, Taunton helped him a lot. 
An outside chance to sneak in, you gotta be in it to win it!
231  Matt Clayton 
Won the Kings Lynn QR in convincing fashion back in March, but the overgrading that has given him a bit of an albatross round his neck. 
Will have better luck come Consolation Semi, I think this might be too much.
72  John Broatch
The Son of "Nail 'em" another of the new breed that took white to red at the start of the season. Loads of experience to hand in the form of dad Paul.
Will enjoy the day and might pick up the pieces starting from the back
SEMI FINAL 2
401  Barry Goldin  (Bolton, Lancashire)  
Our Barry seems to have had a resurgence. The 2003 Champ, currently holds both British and European titles and is currently one of the men to beat on both surfaces. This writers current favourite for gold, just purely because of the other semis line up could see a favourite fall.
Gone in the distance, I expect a win. 

606  Andrew Palmer 
Numerous Times World of Shale champion, consistently a top performer on the loose stuff, but not averse to tarmac racing. If a good result is achieved will seriously be in the shake up
Could be a casualty, but best case scenario is a podium.
647  Chris Burgoyne
The youngest ever winner of the world title in 2002, Eddie has been keen to get some shale under his belt, with travels to Kings Lynn, and some success at Belle Vue. He has the speed. 
Podium at worst, could spoil Goldin's charge...
324  James Thackra
JT is one of these drivers you can never discount. Few would begrudge him a title, he is equally capable on both surfaces, and could be a dark horse.
Top 3 is a real possibility, however might be on the wrong side of the track to avoid a prang
823  Sam Wagner
North East based Sam improves year on year and is not afraid of travelling. Car looks the business. Might be leading the charge into the first corner.
If he survives the first laps, podium should be achievable
676  Neil Hooper
SuperHoops set the Westcountry alight with his new Harding car which. Neil raced the Hednesford Qr with some success and carries the majority of the Westcountry's hopes on his shoulders
Should be in the 10, would expect a podium if it is a lively start.
641  Dennis Middler
One of the few characters left in the sport, he certainly livens up any pits with his wit and smile as big as Hadrian's wall.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't progress, but whatever Wee Den will be smiling.
59  Lee Dimmick
Lee loves the midland tar tracks and with that RCE mobile of his, he is certainly one to keep an eye on at the big midland tracks.
May make it through as local folks often do. 
270  Mark Gibbs
Midland based, loves a bit of Brum, so a spot of home track glory might be required for Mark, who has travelled far and wide in search of the WCQR points.
Might sneak in, hoping that track experience plays on his part
154  Steve Green Jr.
A tarmac racer of some repute, the 154 pilot is always there or thereabouts on the midlands tar tracks. Some rumours of disillusionment with the sport abound, but a decent position might aide a new enthusiasm
Qualifying a possibility, if not, the gold train stops here.
871  Mark Simpson 
It hasn't been a glorious season so far for Simmo. However he's no mug on either surface, last shale WF saw him lead up to the last bend.
Experience will aide him to sneak in to the final. 
768  Tom Adcroft
Certainly one of the most travelled drivers in the sport currently. Girlfriend in the westcountry, regular at Cowdenbeath, this boy knows the motorways!
Top 10 could be a shout, but plenty of experience surrounds him
494  John Dowson
The North East driver can be seen everywhere, maybe next year might be more favourable to him. Has the machinery to do it at Hedno mind. 
Top 10 is best hope.
377  Daz Shaw
Daz is one of the top shale racers, and well if he gets into the big one, could be a fancied runner as shale form and Kings Lynn is one of his top battle spots.
Lots of fast cars likely to take advantage ahead of Daz, another fave for the Consi.
888  Paul Ford
Back this season after a few seasons off Paul has forsaken the regularity of weekly Cowdies and gone for a wee travel or two, with varying degrees of success.
If he gets in, would be another Scot not afraid of the shale. Top 10.
302  Dale Moon
Dale started racing just over 12 months ago, in a car bought of eBay. He traded up for the ex Chris Stephens Bingley, and has been flirting with greats. First time blue top came in May and is certainly looking the part, and looking to emulate dad Mark (ex226) 
Here to enjoy himself, unlikely to qualify, unless something major happens in front
488  Liam Bentham 
A brand new RCE for the tar proves that there is the ability to match. Also consistent on the shale too, so a dual surface driver hoping to get through.
Lower reaches of the top 10 should be his aim, but another who wont be afraid of the consolation semi. 
650  Gary Stirk
A shale only driver also - scoring heavily at Coventry and Sheffield. If he races, there will be plenty of chargers. 
Unlikely to make progress as no tar form to speak of. 
571  Darren Clarke
Instrumental in the Ryder Cup Victory at the K Club, and recently won the Open, oh hang on, wrong sport. Another dual surface driver has seen him race up and down in search of  the semis.
Faster cars around him making him a bit below par, might struggle to make the cut. Stop it with the golf references already! 
124  Ollie Skeels
Another whippersnapper straight out of minis drives that car that did that move by Polley on Moodie at Skeggy. Jaguar came in all guns blazing and certainly will be one to watch for the future.
He should make it through, however if he doesn't plenty of time to do so.
NI 271  Gary Chambers
Although from Nordern Orlan, Gary has been a Northampton regular for some years. Will be suited to the fast and wide expanses of Hednesford. The grid might benefit from having another foreigner
Might get a Top 10.
977  Dave Massey
Another shale racer who's form this year has been brilliant taking a few heats and finals, Tarmac form is little to speak off.
Hope for the tar boys to tangle and he might pick up pieces but chances say that he'll be in the consi semi scrap
721  Graham Kelly
One time fancied runner and Scottish favourite, Graham restricts the majority of his racing to his local track of Crimond nowadays. 
A regular qualifier in years gone by, might make the cut
448  John Wright
John's form on shale has got him this far and he does do the occasional tarmac meeting, with this in mind, and the grid in front, he has a good chance.
Outside chance for a place, but all depends on what happens around him.
700  Adam Rubery
Ex Rebel Racer Rubery has been one of the driver of the RCE generation, and that particular chassis favouring the larger tarmac tracks. 
Top ten this time might be likely as no stranger to the tar
169  Richard Stott
Impressive driving from the start of his fledgling career has seen him hit the back of the grid, 
I don't think this will be his time, but his career is barely out of the womb!
116  Ashley Rundle
"Crashley" as he is affectionately endeared by his peers is a death and glory merchant- he's either on the victory wagon or on the tractor. Not afraid of the challenge.
From the back he can certainly have a go, but I think it will be too much
24  Jon Palmer
The Westcountry's most controversial driver, since, er his dad, sneaked in to the semis using the only rounds available to him after his fighting misdemeanour. Certainly one of the prettiest cars doing the rounds at the mo. Fears no one. 
Might be too much from the back, will benefit from others misfortune, if not he'll cause some.

RESERVES

615  Josh Coleman
798  Mark Sargent
742  Nick Rogers
557  Andrew Spence
885  Dave Tomlinson
115  Mike Green
710  Brett Townsend
101  Kelvyn Whalley
326  Johnny Hall
290  Jay Tomkins
254  Richard Beere
189  Paul Butcher
226  Billy Webster