WF2012 - The Fantasy World Final (9 days to go)

So last year's final at King's Lynn ticked many boxes with fans and drivers alike. A real effort to put on a show...So with this in mind, what components from World Finals would I take to make, the ultimate Fantasy World Final Meeting???

Everyone was in agreement that last year's meeting at King's Lynn was near faultless in presentation. From the big screen to the blow horns, the programme to the pits, everything was done to the nth degree and attention to detail, with nice touches running throughout the meeting. Only the one thing they didn't get right was the weather, it was awful, but not even Paul Butler has the closer links with the gods.

So let's start with the first thing, the staging of the meeting....

THE MEETING
World Finals should always be in September. That is the 1st Law. Have it in August and it shall rain or a significant royal will die and put a put a dampner on the rest of the meeting. Have it in October and you get a flat world final, fuel strikes and hypothermia!

A World Final should always be on a weekend. A 2 day meeting. 3 days leave you exhausted and fatigued come the end of day 3, and 1 day leaves you clamouring for more, or indeed even going into a second day.

Those tracks who regularly race under lights should have the World under lights, but the more traditional Sunday tracks should stick to the Sabbath for the golden glory.

Whilst it is an opportunity for a promoter to make an awful lot of money, you shouldn't fleece the punters. 1999 saw a 50% increase from the previous year.

So you've gone through the gate handed over your hard earned spondoo, and now something to read....

THE PROGRAMME

For me the absolute daddy of world final programmes is Crispen Rosevear of Autospeed. The Gold Cardboard cover of the 1989 World Final programme, set the standard of World Final programmes. In depth jokey driver profiles, a good bit of history, opinion and looked fairly different to existing programmes, with a cardboard front. Crispen, along with Steve Linfield and Andrew Carter are the doyennes of the written stox word, and he always prides himself on a very good world final programme. However, Paul Butler of Trackstar rose to the challenge and created the largest programme. 52 pages full of content from a vertiable dream team only besmirched by yours truly. A behemoth and one to beat. Can't really say that about Arena's programme in 2007, it  had no build up of sorts, and 2001's NIR programme just served as an elongated advert for the Brisca F1 WF... It is the souvenir and the bog read for the following week..

THE BUILD UP

The build up to any World Final starts usually in March, it is the official build up as soon as you enter the stadium. If your local "shithouse" stadium looks nothing like the track you last saw then you have a good start. I remember Taunton 2003 and having what is/was now the motorcross field to camp in and having another entrance too. Once into the stadium, having some big screen entertainment was a nice touch at King's Lynn last year, aslong as you have something entertaining to watch on it. With the interviews it was good, however watching the near insomnia inducing semi final re runs from Hednesford. Pre meeting interviews like Bristol 1991, which had someone (possibly John Edington or Graham Bunter) roaming the pits interviewing the great and good. Whether it was the driver autograph session (nice idea at KL'11) or the pre meeting on track photo opportunity (Newton Abbot 1989), these were all nice touches for the youngsters.

A parade of existing world champions have been done, and especially in the Westcountry as, well, we won the lot for 20 years! I think it has to be done sooner rather than later, as some of the older boys might not be with us much longer. With the last champ coming on with the trophy, it could be the closest we get to an opening ceremony.

Then the meeting starts, and you need some build up. Wet you whistles, clear the horns, and basically whip you up into a frenzied foaming of the mouth. Richard Kaleta gets plenty of practice being the Skegness gee'r upper, and to be honest he could probably build up the Latvian over 85's Knitting final. People like Kaleta have to be employed, but you also have to have a decent grid. Northampton 2005 was totally devoid of atmosphere, possibly because both the Scots and the Westcountry had very little entrants. "Who's here supporting 7 3 2 Daaaaaaaaz Kitson". A brief cheer, possibly from his mum, and stoney silence followed. However, the intervening years have given us 2 main protagonists, of which you cannot of the splinter variety, you are either pro Moodie or pro Speak, so if you were Jock, Pasty or northern monkey you have someone to cheer for.

THE RACE

Of course, the drivers parade is key. Turn up, give the trophy trollopes a kiss and get the momento, then lap up the admiration or abuse from the hostile crowd. Then the grid forms. Some promoters have engaged a "Grand Marshall" which is a brilliant idea. Get the great and good to do it, someone worthy. Stalwart Dave Ruby at Bristol, and a very young Charlie Sworder. Or Billy Newman at this year's Saloon World was so poiginant and a fitting touch. This should be considered at every world final, just grounds some people before the frenzy. 

Then after the engines have been started by the gentlemen, the warm up lap is key. Whether it was pace car led, like Buxton in 1999 or just tortoise style like Speak of the 90's, it certainly got you going. Then's its over to the starter. If he's not happy, like 2003, then bedlam can erupt when drivers try to get the mother of all pringles. I for one, would not like to be a steward on this day. Big calls can ruin races, but the correct decision must be made, regardless of any clamour!

THE AFTERMATH

After the chequered, comes the fireworks, enough bangs to make the noise, not like the near on tracer fire of NIR in 2005. The presentation of the champ is key. I liked the drivers meeting the fans at Ringwood in 1995. You could get up close and really taste the champagne. That again was a nice touch. Why not allow a track invasion!The laurels and tickertape are recent additions but certainly add to it the show...

You just hope that you don't get home and it's all kicked off in post race scruitneering. The memories of Bristol and the not knowing still gave it a black mark, but we do like a bit of controversy!!

So what makes a good world final?

A decent grid, an excellent build up, plenty of action, a heavy dose of controversy, yellow flags galore and plenty of talking points to last a month without a taste of anti climax...

There's the blueprint, Barford, over to you....!

Wf 2012 - A Final Virgin- Mike Green (115) (10 DAYS TO GO!!)

10 Days to go, and another world finalist gets a light grilling from the Jho interview. When I say grill, if it was a steak, a good vet could make it moo again. 
Midlands young gun, Mike Green (115) makes his debut and we caught up with him....

JHo -Congratulations on qualifying, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your chances and why?
MG -4 out of 10. I go into the race with little confidence because of the track it is at. But with all the carnage that can happen anythings possible. 

JHo - How do you feel being a world finalist? 

MG - It's my first ever one and I'm happy bout that, but my aim was much bigger than a 5th place semi finish but it's nice to be part of a world final. 

JHo - Whats the game plan likely to be? 

MG - Well people tell me to take the first few laps how they come and see where you are after the crashes but that's not me so the game plan is like every race get to the front as quickly as possible.

JHo -How are you going to address Rob Speak's (218) front bumper which will be close to your back one?

MG - Everyone's in the same boat! I'm just gunna get it first so the plan will be ride it out and see where we end up!

JHo - How would you feel if you ended up winning it? 

MG -You can't even think of things like that. It would be crazy and the most amazing thing ever but definitely got a lot to do before we can start to think like that. 

JHo - How much Barford experience do you have? 

MG - Watched a few times about 5 years ago. Never raced there so going up soon to have a play. 

JHo -What would you do if you were world champion? 

MG - Get Dave from RCE to build me a new car the week after! Paint it all gold, get a shale car and go crazy for a year.

WF2012 - Super Simmo (11 DAYS TO GO!)

Today step on the journey sees us pay tribute to the outgoing champ

871 Mark Simpson

Naturally overjoyed, Simmo with spoils

One of Brisca's nice guys took the glory in the monsoon mud bath of King's Lynn last September, despite waking up that morning, not thinking he could win it. He wasn't even in the race on the morning of the event. Benevolent Fund Treasurer, Sharon Blood, tipped Simmo to win back at the NEC Show of that year. After a not very good semi performance, Simmo seemed resigned to another year without a world final appearance, He'd race the consolation semi and see where he was. The rest is as they say, history!

What made his win so special, is that as a mainstay of the Skeggy Spedeweekend, he is known to all and sundry. Many have stayed at the Cottage Farm campsite which lies close to the track, and many have enjoyed his hospitality at the site.

He's been racing for near on 20 years and the World Title is a fitting peak to a driver who has given it all over the years, both on tarmac and shale. He's won consolation semis, semis, started 2 world finals on the front row, and then took a safe second behind Barry Goldin to secure his place on the grid.
In fact, he was the winner of  what many pundits call, "the Greatest of all time", the meeting final of the 1994 Warton Semi Final. Early signs that whilst others lost their heads, his came through to the top.



His golden year promise was to try and get to every track. Tooled up with two new cars and gold roofs shimmering, Simmo set about achieving this.  Sadly a nasty break curtailed his racing mid season and this fell by the wayside. However he has done a superb effort in travelling with the gold roof, from the far South West with St Day to a week in Scotland. In previous weeks he has seen hit the Mendips Raceway and all over tracks across the land. He has certainly continued the Champions' blue print. Show it off and keep smiling, regardless of the results....

So the Memories of the cracking race and victory for the ever cheerful Simmo. A true ambassador for the sport, and certainly a year he wont forget...

WF2012 - Starting on Pole (12 DAYS TO GO)

With a dozen days to go, it's time to look at some of the competitors. John Dowson (494) started the semi hoping to qualify for the big one. An unlikely pole sitter spoke to the Stoxblog's Jonny Hoare

Buxton and looking imperious (Martyn Robinson)

JHo - How did it feel to firstly win the semi and then find out you were on pole position?

JD - It was a shock to me and everyone else I think when I won the semi, before the race I would have just been happy to qualify. So to win the race and be on pole position for a world final was a nice surprise and something I consider as a big achievement for a driver who has only won 1 meeting final in his career. Although I'm not convinced it is the best place to start.

On the shale...(Dannii Wright)

JHo - How are you going to approach the start, and then the race?

JD - I have no idea, I don't think you can make plans for a race like this. Nobody wants to finish 2nd, There will be alot of cars on track, alot of yellow flags and alot of big hits.

Doing it locally (Dave Howarth)

JHo -You have local track knowledge, do you think this will stand you in good stead come the end?

JD - I hope so! I do know the track well, I'm also well acquainted with the fence, so I might have more chance of bouncing out of it than others



JHo - What makes Barford so unpredictable?
JD - It is a small tight track with only one racing line and some very aggressive curbs which makes for great f2 racing.

WF2012 - Billy's Brillant Barford Birthday (13 DAYS TO GO!)

Todays countdown sees us remember the 2004 World Final, which finally saw Barford host the big one for the first time, some three years after it was due to host, however, the unique farmland setting and the on set of foot and mouth which curtailed the 2001 season for them. A feather in the cap for the Whitfields, what was to happen in the race was true fairy tale stuff...

A fairly overcast day hit the tiny little Durham track which had all the modcons removed, and rudimentary basic facilities, but cracking racing. So in a cold September day, we watched the guys line up. The Scots were behind Moodie, who looked likely to take the title for the first time. The reigning champion Barry Goldin (401) was outright favourite as he knew the quick way around Barford. The Westcountry's main hope was Bill Batten (167). Bill was getting towards the twilight of his career but his car was on the money, and he started on the front row. Then you had the likes of James Thackra (324) and Daz Kitson (732) who both were brutal.

The early yellow flag saw Barry Goldin (401) being accused of dirty tactics by Gordon Moodie's (79) loyal following saying that he took him out under yellow flags caused by the early roller.  Conspiracy theories ran true then too!
On the second start, Batten sped away into the distance, Goldin spun and spun, and the number of yellows later saw Batten lead from Thackra, then had Westcountry wingmen for company. Dave Luscombe (642) and nephew Timmy Farrell (667) held back. Yellow flag and yellow flag followed, as the former Cornishman defended stoppage after stoppage, as he took an instant like to the tight track. Maybe it reminded him of home! Then with the boards coming out, another yellow flag came along. Local veteran favourite Paul "Nail'em" Broatch (725) was up to second, and one lap later, the yellows came out again. It was Batten, from Broatch and defending champion Goldin (401) who had recovered after numerous spins and take outs. Goldin was like one of those baddies in a horror movie, it just refused to die and the 401 car just kept going, and its eyes were on the prize. An early drop of the green saw Batten napping and Broatch to his chance, and Batten was left defending a rear assault from Goldin. Batten caught and then passed the North East veteran, like it was Aycliffe or Hartlepool some years back. Daylight was achieved by Batten and an unlikely 4th World Title. It was also his 57th birthday. One helluva birthday present!

Video cameras were banned at the track at the time, but somehow, this one got in and here is the video of the race. Thanks to Gary Ellis for braving the wrath of Cyril then!



For me as a westcountry fan, and fellow citizen of Batten's home village of Pensilva, for me it was everything about stock car. Watching Bill celebrate brought me into the world of the late 70's when, he was king. For me, it was the first time I had watched one of my own win the world title. I went through the doldrums, the constant screaming until hoarse, as one by one pixie challengers fell by the wayside. I'm not ashamed to say it, but when crossed the line I cried. Tears of joy, as this ageing legend proved to all and sundry, that there was life in the old dog yet. Plenty of "youngsters" fell by the wayside as it turned out to be a battle royale in the closing laps between two wily old veterans!

Batten returned home to Taunton to a glittering display put on by home promoters Autospeed, who even considered a lap of honour with driver still in car, in a replica of the events after his first world final. Even in his old home village of Pensilva, I often bump into his sister Mavis, who works in the local shop. She was beeming and to be honest so was I! In fact it made me very late for an appointment I needed to be at, as we were both nattering away about Mervyn!

So what does this year hold.... Hopefully more of the same.

WF2012 - Wrighty's Whistlestop Tour (14 DAYS TO GO!)

So with a fortnight to go until the massed hoards decend into County Durham in search of stox and sun, local legend of the internet forum and all round good egg, Wrighty, takes us on a Beginner's Guide to Barford (and surrounding areas)

So…..you’re all coming North…..

Well it’s almost September and that can only mean one thing….yep it’s World Final time! Now, while this year’s venue of choice Barford doesn’t have the best of reputations for hosting the big meetings, the site has been rejigged and re-arranged (I hesitate to say ‘modernised’ because that’s not really appropriate but it has been heavily modified through the course of the year) and so, whether you’re just coming for the big day or staying for the weekend or perhaps staying for life like me (or more than 3 days, which will feel like a lifetime) you will thank me (yes THANK ME!!) for this idio…..erm tourist’s guide to the locale:

1: Provisions – Because the local towns of Barnard Castle (you can call it ‘Barnie’ and get away with it in the right accent…..that is any accent from north of the M18) and Richmond appear to the outsider to operate on what appears to be an archaic feudal system of trading (well archaic if you’re not from Buckinghamshire) there isn’t a surplus of huge supermarkets but fear not, you can follow the A688 (the road that goes past the stadium gate) away from Barnie, through Staindrop and onward to West Auckland where there is a stonking big Sainsburys with an equally outrageous Tesco next door…..both are well stocked with artisan (read ‘poncey’) ales and tipples and tasty nibbles and there’s a KFC and a Starbucks and one of those fantastic brand new 'homely' gastro-pubs on site if you need that added whiff of middle-class spending to offset the smell of cow….well lets just say cow.
Distance from track <10 miles.

2: Speciality provisions – smaller stores in the aforementioned feudal areas will stock some speciality nibbles to tempt your touristy tastebuds, which have been coated with years of cheap zoider and jellied eels and therefore require revival – there can only be one – the Taylors Pork Pie – do not underestimate the power of this to remind you that Melton Mowbray has NOTHING going for it. Other pies are available but Taylors are the Rolls Royce of pork pies – you have been warned. (If you have time on Saturday pre-meeting, shoot up the A1 into Darlington to buy these at source…..literally still warm…..you are not ready for this.)
Distance from track <5 miles.

3: Ale – Yes this is not a haven for apple growers, so prepare for a pint of ‘the heavy’ – the normal rule of thumb applies - if you haven’t heard of it then it’ll be good – if Tesco sell it then stay away (unless it is available in hand-pull form, in which case you can boast of having had ‘the real thing’ when you’re next in said supermarket looking at insipidly coloured pallets of tins….). Theakston ales are local but a little passé now, but Black Sheep Ales are mighty fayre, but like I say familiarity with the brand is inversely proportional to its flavour and potency so have fun discovering.

Distance from track.....staggering distance if there's a God.

4: Other attractions ‘for the ladies’ – There’s Raby Castle just past Staindrop which has some art and deer and stuff. I pass it every time I go to Barford, and then I pass it again on the way home. Looks nice. So do stock cars.

Distance from track ermmmm.....

5: Do not attempt to say any of the following in your own accent in an attempt to impress or endear yourself to the local: Eh up, ow do, marrah, chuck, hun, petal, petlamb, love, lover, hinny, environment, NIMBY, Countryside Alliance, Ramblers Association, industry.


6. Finally a note from the wise. Bring coats, lots of 'em. Even your spare coats will not be enough as the track has its own micro Antarctic climate. The locals will have their vests on mind....




Have fun!! Wrighty

WF2012 - The Countdown Begins (15 DAYS to go)

So here we go, the countdown has begun.
The Big One.....
The 2012 Brisca Formula 2 Championship of The World, at Barford Raceway promoted by North East Oval Motorsports.

Last years efforts saw an epic build up. In an Olympic Summer, things have been gathering a pace for Cyril.
Unlike the Lord Seb Coe, no Olympic flame relay, although Crispen has started the ball rolling for next year, asking local Mike Priddle (14) to start the flame burning for 2013's Smeatharpe effort....

So after the Christmas based ORCi suspensions, track improvements, and the like, the Boys of Barford get their golden chance to shine....the World Final is coming, and coming faster than a middle aged woman in a try before you buy section in Ann Summers.

So from Billy's Brillant Barford Birthday of 2004, the last time the North East held Brisca's big shindig was greeted with a good race. A world final that will live in the memory of me, being the only time I've witnessed one of my "own" take a title. I was convinced I was cursed!

So this year, despite the pessimists, Barford aim to put on a good show for the 50th running of the World Final (not technically a jubilee, but that's a finer point for pit discussion with Mark Moon!).
We know the track is rough and ready, and that the facilities aren't King's Lynn standard
They've even have Danny Boyle....'s prop toilet that Renton shoved his head into Trainspotting! Joking aside, after last year's stonking success of a countdown, this year the blog is adding another 5 days to the countdown, and this year, following the ogling of certain drivers, our Golden Girls, Chantelle and Lucy will aide with the countdown for those hard of numeracy. Or if you have 6 fingers, like inhabitants of certain areas of East Anglia. They certainly look better than Bea Arthur too...

So lie back and enjoy the countdown to the Big One, right here with the only blog dedicated to F2....

George Macmillan

Sad news from north of the border as one of the greats of the sport has passed away.

George Macmillan Senior has sadly succumbed to cancer. Our thoughts are with his family at this awful time. A multi race winner in his native Scotland, he was always there or thereabouts

A true legend of the Scottish scene, he was a multi champion. His son George Jnr has taken on the mantle, and when it was first announced that he had the dreaded disease, son in law David Polley set about racing in 100 meetings as a tribute to him, and took the National Points as a result.

The general consensus about George was that he was a true gentleman, both on and off the track. A father and grandfather and always willing to help.

George Macmillan (Snr) (100)

1993 British Champion
1989 and 1990 Benevolent Fund Trophy Champion
1982 Scottish Champion

Race in peace, buddy

Saluting Higgy the Hero --- Taunton part 2

Day 2, and with the headaches kicking in for all and sundry, and after the thunderstorms the night before, a soggy grassed area, and after a good nights sleep and shower, it was off to Taunton, albeit more sprightly and without the 5am toilet run to Exeter Services!

It was time to Salute Colin Higman, the reknowned former World Champion, car constructor, scrutineer and all round legend. With a commerative programme with lots of nostalgia and memories of a by gone era, I contributed my own little tribute to him in it aswell.

Autospeed has really excelled itself in the nostaglia front in the past and this was no exception. Two of Higgy's old steeds where on display, including the car in which he won the 1976 World Final, now owned by Brian Taylor (ex547). After a few words from the Higster, Chris Bradbury presented Colin with a silver replica of a stock car, celebrating 50 glorious years of stock car history.

After the Moodie masterclass the night before, and of course the mention of a certain Robert the Great, all eyes were on Autospeed's heat split. Like the semis the weekend before, one was very top heavy, the other less so.

With a stellar line up of Moodie, Speak, Kitson, Hooper, Goldin and Wagner, in Heat 1 it was going to be lively. After early laps were led by Ryan Cattell (904, the runner up from Saturday night Ritchie Meads (596) sped away. Meanwhile, Speak led away from the reds and Moodie wasn't too far away. A quick tap and unwrap saw Gordon move Speaky, but Speak had other ideas as he went into the pit bend caught the #7 RCE and overshot and spun himself. However, after a half spin for Moodie, both recovered, but it was too late. Meads held on, from Neil Hooper (676).

Heat 2 had the rest. After the early laps were led away from Mike Lees (135), a resurgent Adam Deeble (685) took Paul Rice (990) along for company. However, as the boards came out, it was Chris Bradbury (886) in another car borrowed, only this time it was his old Higman from 2011, which its new owner allowed him to race. "A Higgy for Higgy" was his proclamation and it brought a smile to the infamous car constructor, as he took the win.

Free Sweets come and get em! (Alan Parkinson)

Crunch!

Heat 3 doubled up as the "Teen Sensations" and in reverse national points order, the closed grid was formed with the whites at the front and the reds not to far behind. Indeed after the green flag was displayed the youthful exhuberence got the better of them, and the push from the back meant they all went into the corner like a pack of fatties at a Weightwatchers meeting when someone has thrown in a Big Mac. Taking the brunt was Tom Mallings (111) and Luke Loveland (120) and half the field was obliterated, leaving 8 cars left for the restart. The Early laps were led away by Ryan McCrory (NI944). The Irishman led up until the last board, when Jack Aldridge (921) took a clean sweep of the whippersnapper titles.

Consolation time and it was led away by Saturday's consi winner Ryan Hoskin (991) and he had Paul Milsom (245) for company. However, it was battling blue tops Chris Rowe (76) and Dale Moon (302) who took it up. Rowe crossed the line first, however, he joined of the double Pringle, making it a six way fight for the title now. Moon inheirited the win and away he went!

After the youthful exhuburence, it was time for a blast with the past, as star of the show, Higgy, got reunited with the 1976 World Final winner. Filmed by me on my phone, here's those laps!

Grandad Colin has a sit down

The Final was again a frantic affair. Only one yellow top lined up, that was Meads, and he sped away
from the scrapping packs behind. After more engine problems for Speak and yellow flags galore as fancied runner Ryan Hoskin (991) tripped over Mike Priddle's (14) new Motorworld, complete with Pyramid of Doom bonnet, whilst leading, Meads took it up and sped away. Moodie couldn't catch the yellow top and it was roles reversed.

In the national, Moodie sped away to a faultless GN win, to round off a good weekend for the National Points champ, and one final lap of honour for Colin who beamed like the glorious sunshine that befell the track at the end of the meeting.

Other points of note from the weekend....

Andrew Bennett (830) unleashed his new Motorworld car. "The Spinney Chair Special", paid homage to John Harding's chair of thought. John said it would be a "Marmite" car, you'd either love it or hate it. Different it certainly is, although the Dulux colour chart for "blue" is a point of discussion. Plans are afoot to avoid confusion from Farmer Bennett, something predominantly blue will adorn the car on its next journey out...

Jack Aldridge's dad must have been aiming to make a swift exit as he had to be in East London to close the Olympic Closing Ceremony as lead singer of "The Who"....

J-ho stickers have been given out willy and nilly to all and sundry, including two former world champs!

So whats next? Serious amount of prep work for the countdown to the World Final....

Eddie Excels, Moodie Marvels Taunton Part 1

All roads led to the Devon/Somerset border where around 140 cars assembled in the pits for the Smeatharpe Speed Weekend, which this year had the added bonus of the Saloon Stock Car World Final, along with numerous fancy cups for the F2's too.

Now this is rapidly becoming one of my favourite weekends of the year. Something about a busy bits and plenty of travellers coming down to play. Including some feuding drivers called Moodie and Speak. Personally I've never heard of them and their antics!

Now my journey wasn't too bad, but there is definately a saying in the Westcountry, never travel on a Summer Saturday. From those coming up from Cornwall, the bottlenecks of Chivvy to Carland and the notorious Temple tailback added at least an hour or so onto journeys. The amount of times I shouted "fucking emmets" went off the scale, such is my love of holidaymakers.

Of course Taunton is located just off the start of the holiday road the A303, which on this occasion was blocked at the Dorchester junction which is of course the one we require! Years of going here have taught me well, going through Honiton town centre and got out the other side relatively pain free. We overtook Dale Moon (302) and he rocked in an hour later! 

For those coming from the North, the M5/M4 was a standstill and an accident at J25 (again the one required) added time to the journey. Some quick thinking from Autospeed saw them moving the Teen Sensations Championship. After a faultless win for Speaky in Heat 1, heat 2 looked to be going the way of the Moodster, however James Rogers (544) had other ideas, as wallop he took out the Scotsman in a move befitting of the winner of heat 1. After recovering, he appeared to have another go, but locked up. Held up by the incident, Moodie recovered to 6th, but it was purple dressed Neil Hooper (676) who took the win from Barry Goldin (401) who took the car of the trailer and took 2nd. The Teen Sensations race was in comparison, a little dull. Graded up in national points order, Jack Aldridge (921) drove away and was never seen again. Somehow I don't think it will be his only title this year.

Here in spirit (Ali P)

Len Goodman's replacement give generous marks to Neil's Nifty Routine

Ha ha ha

A 1 2 3 with glee...

Then it was time for the main event. The Saloon World. Autospeed had certainly raided the box marked nice touches, and it was certainly looking good. With the new tradition of painting the fence with the title names and sponsors having an effect on the track, the back straight was adorned with a mural of the 311 car and "Race in Peace, Steve" who without a doubt was sorely missed from the events of the weekend. As the twilight descended, a lengthy buildup delay from the infield PA. It doesn't work unless everything is coming out of the PA. Much as I love Safri Duo's Played Alive, I don't want to hear it numerous times back to back. However, sending around the girls with the 10 minutes to go boards was a nice touch. The legendary Lively gridwalk was good, although if Mr Linfield is to take Martin Brundles crown, he needs to bump into a 4ft multi millionaire Octogenarian. Wonder if Billy Batten could do that? It was then over to the grand marshal, Billy Newman, (son of Steve) to give the immortal words of Gentlemen, Start Your Engines. Applause, and a few tears in the crowd for the brave little chap. We had ex F2 pilot and friend of Autospeed, Neil Truran (306) as Mr Starter on the back of the purple Mondeo, bedecked in a gold shirt, possibly last seen in a St Austell nightspot. With Neil doing the moves to "Night Fever", the green went down and after a few frantic laps, it settled down to a battle between Eddie Darby (1) Shaun Webster (402) and Shane Brown (120). Indeed Darby doubled up his gold, and hometrack glory, with a few fireworks, gold was given. However, said gold shirt ended up briefly on the pintsized Devonian, although tried to deny. However, after financial inducements the picture was released....

Back to the 2's and after a consolation win for Ryan Hoskin (991), it was English Open time. The 34 entries gridded up in reverse average national points. Hoskin and the yet to race in the UK, Ryan McCrory (NI944) at the front, and Moodie and Bradbury at the back, with Speaky just in front. An early break for Speak saw him cut through the field. Moodie wasn't too far away, McCrory sped away to a decent lead with Hoskin tagging along for company. A misfire started to befell the Speak car, as Bradders (in the old Higgy being borrowed for the weekend) blew up and spilt the oil and made the next couple of laps interesting, along with a shower, it was a survival of the fitest. As McCrory spun, Moodie moved into the lead, and became a three time English Open champion. Second was rapidly improving yellow top Ritchie Mead (596) and Hoskin finished an impressive third.

A GN win for Hooper rounded out the night, with massive thunderstorms putting a dampener to the apres stox which usually is good, however, unperturbed, many partied into the wee smalls, possibly in just their wee smalls....

 

Sunday was Higgy day.... that will come tomorrow...

Next Stop Barford....

After a super Saturday of Olympic glory for Team GB, Sunday brought Team Brisca another step closer to the gold, as Buxton Raceway took its turn to give us golden fever. However, I was suffering more with another kind of fever, as manflu took hold. Lemsip Maxplus to the max, let's go racing....

So with bright skies at the start, a trip to Buxton for the JHo funbus since the '09 world final, and Speak versus Moodie round 1. Somehow, history wouldn't repeat itself again?

So after a support heat which was won by 2010 World Champ, John Fortune (964), and then after some next generation Wainman, Sworder and Harrision fun in the Brisca Minis. and the hoppystox (aka Rebels). It was semi time.

Sadly, in the words of Peter Kay's dinner lady, "it's spitting" as the brolly brigade put up and then a heated debate on the start line of what was a gaitor and what was a crocodile, allowed the track to get sufficently damp to have an effect. In fact, it was as damp as a middle age lady reading "50 Shades" for the first time...

Once the racing started, after the first frantic lap for most semi finals, Barry Goldin (401) got away from Rob Speak (218), and further back Gordon Moodie (7) was making most of the mishaps ahead of him. Early casualties were Chris Burgoyne (647), James Thackra (324) and Andrew Palmer (606), which brought about a suspension. Chris Bradbury (886) had slipped back. Come the restart and Speak got on the Goldin back bumper, but struggled to get grip to pass, and the 401 machine went into the distance. The 218 car was struggling with the greasy conditions and falling back into the preying mantis of the number 7 car. With one to go, Moodie swooped on Speak, catching, latching and, just to make sure of any comebacks,dispatching. The hullabaloo that followed allowed Paul Ford (888) to take second from them, as the feuding champions were caught by the peleton of Bradbury and the Green brothers (115 and 154) going into the last turn. With Speak a potential passenger in a Bradbury based last bend shove, Moodie was beneficial of a diving Mike Green (115) who managed to straighten up the Scot to take third. This time, Moodie offered the hand, Speak accepted, but will Gordy live to regret this with Speak looking for a spot of revenge. To those there, a big hit indeed and a spot of revenge for the Moodster, but Speaky didn't look bothered. He laughed, and maybe there might be a laugh or two to come. Another driver, another race, Moodie might have gotten a month ban, such is the precedent this season.

A deep breath, and the lesser spotted semi 2 lined up. After a few frantic laps which saw Hooper (676) take a dive at fancied runner GeoMac(100) spinning on turn one. Jack Aldridge (921) led it away, and Aidy Whitehead (960) with John Dowson(494). Dowson's car looked better to the difficult conditions, and he took over the lead. Meanwhile, the Buxton specialist Mickey Brennan (968) had followed the Buxton version of the yellow brick road, had fought up to second passing Aldridge. And that's how it remained until chequered. Liam Rowe (605) gave the westcountry a cheer with 5th place on track debut, and Mark Simpson (871) broke the champions hoo doo and will defend his title from the body of the grid.

So with the 20 finalists completed, it was just a case of sorting out who was inside and who was outside. As we are Brisca F2 and not some lesser regional formula with delusions of grandeur , letting the Queen decide just isn't in our make-up. So the meeting final, as for the last 10 years, the first qualifier across the line got the inside line. Semi 1's 10th place Mark Gibbs (270) was leading all the way, taking fellow yellow Luke Maw (409). However as the boards came out, Jack Aldridge (921) caught for Semi 2. Last bend, Aldridge moves the plucky yellow out of the way and takes the inside line for his semi....

However, sadly quite a few decided to load up and head on home. The meeting final gridded at 5:30pm, adding further to the argument that 2 semis on one day is too much. It is effectively two championship races back to back, with all the planning in the world, a championship race can take at the least half an hour to run. Semi 2 always falls flat too. Those regional fans look on at our "funny" little meetings and can't understand why we do this. To be honest, it doesn't get any more people through the gate, and does away with the jeopardy of the top scorer sending their rival to a track they don't like. It does breed apathy at the semi stage too, "oh it's at xxxx, I don't think I'll bother". I've always wanted a semi final weekend. One Semi on Saturday Night, one on Sunday Afternoon, and perhaps a return of the coin toss. Or, after watching the cycling sprints in the olympic velodrome, the sprint. Imagine 3 laps of cat and mouse for pole position. A clear event and not confused!

Whilst I do think that it was good to see clear checks, and scrutineering clear to see, however it dragged out the meeting when it was done on track. Most motorsport has a parc ferme, and for championship meetings, I think they should have it for all competitors. A secure area where cars are presented a determined amount of time before (for example 10 minutes before) where a team of Brisca/Orci scrutineers go through the necessary race checks whilst a support race is on. This area would then after the race become the area for post race checks. What has to be apparent is that too many variations of scrutineering has to be stopped. Some turn up have a chat and put a passed sticker on, whereas others look at different things. Consistency has be achieved for the drivers, but the drivers should know the rules. The Brisca "50 Shades of Grey" has be remove from the interpretation, and clear clarification has to take place too. There is no clear technical leadership at the moment, and it is something that needs to be addressed.

So in comparison to last year, the meeting was much slicker. The ideas were good, but not necessarily the application. Profiles much better but sadly some drivers were deemed not even worthy of a line! Right, Saloon World, F2 English, the various youngster titles and a tribute to a legend

So the Grid looks like this...

Inside          World Final        Outside
494 John Dowson	1	401 Barry Goldin
968 Mickey Brennan	2	888 Paul Ford
International Competitor	3	International Competitor
921 Jack Aldridge	4	7 Gordon Moodie
960 Aidy Whitehead	5	886 Chris Bradbury
International Competitor	6	International Competitor
605 Liam Rowe	7	115 Mike Green
871 Mark Simpson	8	218 Rob Speak
International Competitor	9	International Competitor
124 Ollie Skeels	10	154 Steve Green Jnr
315 Justin Fisher	11	59 Lee Dimmick
International Competitor	12	International Competitor
836 Dave Pannett	13	854 Robbie Dawson
76 Chris Rowe	14	270 Mark Gibbs
International Competitor	15	International Competitor
Consolation Semi	16	Consolation Semi
Consolation Semi	17	Consolation Semi
Consolation Semi	18	Consolation Semi

Semi Two Preview

Off to the second half and another lot of driver profiles gathered in by yours truly with nothing better to do, but still remained the only driver profiles available last year

Semi Final 2
377  Daz Shaw Daz has been the man on the shale rounds this year and has been the man to catch. His tarmac form is something of an unknown, but don't write him off, as remember Allen Cooper (702) took victory	1	676   Neil Hooper After being banned for having a fall out with Chris Baldboy, Hoops has come out with a semi front row after heavy scores at the usual stomping grounds of the Westcountry. Check to see if he has the Black or Purple Motorworld, changes it like an indecisive lady 10 minutes before she's due on a date
100  George McMillan After a spot of disillusionment with Cowdie at the start of the season and a brief dalliance with the Spudworth at Lochgelly. GeoMac's comeback hasn't been cack. The Polleysport built car is going well and looking fast too. Like Goldin, no predictions, I fear the sister!	2	921  Jack Aldridge It was the Reynolds Girls who sung "I'd rather Jack" and the Novice of the Year is certainly looking the championship part. If near the front of the grid, maybe the champagne will have to be changed to Vimto. The former National champion gives it his all and is consistent in giving good performances at any track.
905  Rob Mitchell Last year's runner up in the big one, Ron has been again concentrating on the shale. However is not afraid of Tarmac and will hope to be able to progress	3	960  Aidy Whitehead A Birmingham QR win, and would have been a maximum if he hadn't of got on the Pringle chart and a rathergood round at Buxton saw the blue top take his position
145   Graham Mole The shale of Stoke, Cov and KL has seen Graham on track for this one. Tarmac form is a little sketchy	4	124  Ollie Skeels The Jaguar Skeels got here courtesy of a Taunton win, when he drove away from the field and failed to be caught by all and sundry
494  John Dowson Dowson has been one of the most consistent travellers on the golden trail this year, and is certainly in the hunt to be on track	5	797   Dan Moss The Boy from Foy (Fowey but heh doesn't rhyme outside of pastyland) has been probably this seasons most travelled. After travelling all those miles, it was St Day that gave him a top score.
836  Dave Pannett Another Barford local on the road to gold. Dave scored big at Brum and was aiming to boost his score by travelling to the 3 in 4. But engine problems befell at Buxton	6	761 Richard Bowyer The winner of the Buxton Qualifying round has been the Midlands form man in July. 3 final wins in successive weeks has seen him move from yellow to red
226  Billy Webster Dual surface driver who scores on both surfaces and is consistent at both. He scored well at Barford and will look to be there.	7	254   Richard Beere Beere is rapidly coming into veteran status after racing nearly every formula that Autospeed could offer. And it was the purple people's rounds which see him here, with St Day providing the majority of the points for him here.
700   Adam Rubery This years early season jumper. Rubery has managed to maintain his superstar grade with solid performances at Midland tracks, where Birmingham seems to be a happy stomping ground	8	301  Charlie Whitfield One driver who is destined to be there, well he has a big part to play, he is the World finals promoter's son after all. He will be on a charge again a spot of home track glory.
76 Chris Rowe Chris Rowe has arrived here via the westcountry rounds. However he does like to travel, certainly not afraid of it, and now looks in a relatively good position.	9	315 Justin Fisher Locally, it has not been the greatest of seasons for Justin who has been fleeting between blue and red grades. Has had a habit of being involved in other peoples accidents, including a nasty roll for Bill Batten which made a mess of the Motorworld. Needed a big score at Taunton to qualify
189  Paul Butcher Butch did the TARTS grand Scottish tour with the hope of getting a few points. However, after returning back to more familiar climes, he took glory again at St Day and ended up the grid.	10	662  Steve Wycherley  Mildenhall and King's Lynn provided the scores for the shale driver. He now sees himself in a position to progress.
798  Mark Sargent The East Coast Legend makes it on track courtesy of heavy scoring at the Up'anley meduck Oatcake Arena at Stoke. Love you, bye.	11	968   Mickey Brennan Superstar Mickey returns to the World Final business end to the track that he took the title at in 200. Has been the form man around Buxton
817  Tim Bailey One of the current form men in F2, Bailey has been flying of late, including some brilliant displays at the European Weekend. That recent form saw big scores at Buxton and at Skeg	12	871  Mark Simpson The current gold top hasn't had the best of years with the world on his bonnet. After breaking his wrist, which enforced a 2 month break, and a grumbling tar car, Simmo is glad to be onboardthe grid, although, perhaps starting from the back might be a better idea considering what happened last year
605   Liam Rowe The lead man of the infamous Janner Drinkingsport team bucked the trend of recent converts from Higgy to Harding as he went to Colin for his new car. After a not so good start to the season, he has won a career first final and regained his red roof and is in the form of his life! Sure to get a good cheer from his band of followers!	13	768 Tom Adcroft Tom is another driver not afraid of racking up the miles. Bristol gave him his place, along with a few odds and sods across the country.
219  Chris Mitchell Another Shale specialist, scores from Belle Vue and Mildenhall, in the position of power of letting it all happen in front.	14	70   Brian Shadbolt Former Nationals champion Shadbolt sneaks into the semi by virtue of shale drives, including a 17 point haul at King's Lynn