WF2012 - The Final Word (1 Day to Go!)

Goodbye to our countdown girls Lucy (above) and Chantelle

So here we are, one day to go, consolation semi tonight, and those will all be all decending on to Barford. A very special guest will be there , and she's had one helluva year.... Also we have a scientific experiment to predict the winner using increased methods and a Danny Baker gameshow from the 1990's


A Message From the Queen
by: jho537


Now, where do we go for a final prediction....the cat! Introducing Mystic Francis (I know, I didn't chose the name!)

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
Consolation Semi	15	Consolation Semi
Consolation Semi	16	Consolation Semi
Consolation Semi	17	Consolation Semi

WF2012 - The pundits predict (2 DAYS TO GO!!)

Chantelle..... her last appearance in the countdown...

So once again, in a homage to Incaworth/Spederace's Euro Weekend Predictions game, the blog turns into the first couple of hours of Gilette Soccer Saturday, when Jeff and the guys talk about the days games, and usually come up with a prediction or two, whilst the rest of the folk watch the dinnertime game on ESPN!

So the great and good have come up with their predicitions. However we couldn't afford them, so here's a veritable hodge podge of rag tag ne'er do wells with their thoughts on the big one...Let's see if they know their shit, or just know they're shit

First up is the Midland photographer, Martyn Robinson, who usually has his lens pointed at a tractor or a hot rod...
 "Ooo well thats a difficult one. I will go for Chris Bradbury (886)
After seeing the World at Skegness, he can come through a pack and avoid all the self destruction around him, a big factor for Barford I think. Can just imagine there being pure chaos into turn one. If he can make it through that I think he'll be somewhere near the front and that new car of his is easily quick enough to go forward and pick the rest off, as long as the engine doesn't let him down again."

Of course our man in the North, will have his say, in less 100 words... Paul "Wrighty" Wright
"Ok lets see, Firstly the CSF.....I fancy George Macmillan Jnr (100) and Chris Burgoyne (647) to get through from the consi and both make top 6 in the WF. As for the win itself I'm torn....Moodie (7) should romp it based on his form there but I think Bradderz(886) is gonna go for a huge shot early to keep him from getting away, and I think Goldin might get caught up in an early shot from Brennan (968) on Dowson (494) (they have form this season there)
I think Bradderz might have it to be honest, especially in his new chassis, nice and strong and seems fast so I'll go 886 then 921 from 494 with 647, 100 and 218 (dark horse) for the top 6"

The Motorworld guru and ca constructor John Harding, mused for a moment. Only to proclaim
"Hmmm, Goldin has the skills to do it" 
He then retired, minus spinny chair, for a museful thought, which many a customer has feared.

Former F2 racer and dad of Dale and friend of Crispen, Mark Moon, claims to have not missed many world finals for quite some time, his first world final was some 40 years ago, when he saw Jimmy Murray win at his beloved St Austell.
"Barry's (Goldin) the man. He'll ride the first corner and drive away from the mayhem behind"

Autospeed's in house northerner, Alan "Ali P" Parkinson, gives his prediction
"I think that when others are losing it all around him, and chaos and mayhem is rife out at the flag will be Goldin.. a present for his soon to be wife!!.. so yeah.. 401 been there and rode it before me thinks"
Here's hoping you don't get a face full of fucks come Monday, Parky!

Scotland's Mr St Car, of Scottish Stock Cars.net Kevin McQueen gives his opinion...
"Goldin. Not seen a lot of him recently, but knows his way around Barford. He'll get the jump at the start and walk it. Moodie will have a DNF. Speak will finish with 3 wheels and a twisted car if he isn't in top 3"

Barry Weatherhead, photographer extraordinaire, gives his thoughts, however he might have too much of a vested interest...
"I'm going for "Tricky" Micky Brennan (968) because he's got BWP down the side! lol "

Washed up former F2 driver and tractor bothering ageing lothario, Timmy Farrell, gives us some interesting thoughts on whose taking home the gold, and who's taking home the "I can't believe its not butter"

Those 2 do Tim?

"Well with it being tradition and Unc and Mickey winning on their birthday I reckon it's gonna be me lol and that's stood in from the infield at Clay Pigeon Kart club cos that's where I'm gonna be on me birthday. Really 9th september at Barford could have been my luckiest omen ha ha. On second thoughts it is Barford and I wouldn't give that tosser Cyril the satisfaction! So skeggy bound for the better looking world final in the ones is where I'll be the following week. Semis threw up an interesting grid this year and looking at it the weather will play its part. If its wet then I reckon "Our Barry will be bringing home his 2nd gold. If its dry then I think "Tricky Mickey" will be picking up his 2nd gold its his race to lose. The pole sitter can be proud of his achievement and hope he enjoys the day, but even as a race winner of Barford no disrespect he isn't pedigree enough just yet to land the big one. That said I can remember Cowdie 97 and I was written off as a DNF so I hope he proves me wrong and lands a decent result that he can build on in years to come. Speaky will have his F1 boots on and be on a mission but can't see him making the distance if he still got destruction on his mind, that said wasnt he the same in the 90`s and was the favourite even starting from the bar lol. You can hype up the race but I don't think will be as good as the last one there as from a family point of view that will live forever in the westcountry's minds . 22 year gap think it was for last westcountry winner unfortunatley looks like we will be waiting that long again when hopefully Tommy Farrell will go one better than his ol man ever did! The west best just isn't good enough anymore if 7th row is our best hope. I've only given you a winner so far so for a Mystic Meg no I`ll make it a septic peg prediction I`ll go for ......1st Sophie Fasey (fiesty maid that one must be something about ministox with Lipson Vale Garage down the side and the female opposition ha ha). 2nd Colin Higman in his 76 world beater but only if Motorworld sets it up . 3rd Me in a threesome with 2 leggy blondes cos I'd certainly like to think I could come third out the 3 of us ha ha. Best gold this week well that belongs to Alex Zanardi, respect to such an inspirational man who has come so far in the last 11 years since his near fatal crash. Looking forward to next years world at Taunton and seeing the Semtex Kid at his best. Enjoy the worlds!"

In the words of Chris Kamara, "Unbelievable Jeff"

Thanks to all the have been bothered! Cheers fellas, as for me, I've got a fence to sit on, not as much as a pussy as those to come tomorrow....

WF2012 - Johnny Foreigners (3 days to go)

  

3 Days to  go and now we shift our focus to those coming from further afield, (although Holland to Barford and Redruth to Barford is probably a toss up!) and their possible impact on the Big One

Last year, the Dutch took away our Moodie and Speak battle, cos they got over eager. Willie Peeters (H24) took the big title. Despite the Uk Form of Wim Peeters (H3) and Danny VanWamelen (H3), neither is making the trip over. Giel Kubben (H7) and Henk Keins (H66) are the Dutch entrants. Whilst no premier league Dutch drivers, these will be out to prove a few folk wrong. 

And of course the Irish. 40 years since the first time they won at St Austell, the Irish have taken two titles, Jimmy Murray and Ian Thompson Jnr. This time the Irish approach is led by NI251 Jeff Minish
former Ben Fund champ NI312 Christopher Kincade, "The Racing Catalog" NI317 Denver Grattan,
NI436 Matt McCreight, young gun NI551 Kyle Beattie, NI909 William Murray, former Euro Champ NI925 Craig McConnell, NI929 Connor Hughes, NI944 Ryan McCrory and star man, and Barford final winner, NI998 Graham Fegan. With carnage looking to be a given, the Irish could certainly throw a surprise.

The Isle of Man always give us one to do. Gone are the days of Les Palmer et al. Today its wily old veteran Mike Booth (IOM115), and sadly, Onchan isn't the powerhouse it once was.

Does bring the age old debate up to date. Foreigners are now in rude health on the continent. You have Peter Baer (D92) and the Bekkers brothers form Belgium. Add to that the possible Austrian contingent, as well as the Dutch, and you would have a true European spread!

The Irish bring the party and there are many capable drivers over here, as proven by the Skegness, Northampton and Taunton weekends, they like to party hard and drive hard!

Gone are the days of token entries from Jersey and "Darkie" Jim from Jamaica - (it happened in 1982). Our sport is probably getting to the point where we could have a truly world final. With lots of stox ex pats living in Australia and New Zealand, they could certainly make an impact. Give Alex Salmond his way, Scotland could be considered an International Country! In the late 90's and early 2000's they needed it!

Maybe an international semi final is required to sort the wheat from the chafe, or maybe seed the international folk into the semis, and if they are good enough they will qualify. It should be about the best drivers in the world, not token entries because you have too. 

Still, Slán libh, Veel geluk, and Aigh vie! to all our jolly travellers from afar!

WF2012 Last Chance Saloon (4 days to go)

 

So who's drinking in the last chance saloon this Saturday night.... With 4 days to go til the big one, this lot have only 3.

CONSOLATION SEMI FINAL
377 Daz Shaw	1	676 Neil Hooper
100 George MacMillan	2	647 Chris Burgoyne
641 Dennis Middler	3	905 Rob Mitchell
788 Steve Mallinson	4	145 Graham Mole
823 Sam Wagner	5	797 Dan Moss
72 John Broatch	6	488 Liam Bentham
324 James Thackra	7	226 Billy Webster
254 Richard Beere	8	522 Chris Mikulla
700 Adam Rubery	9	301 Charlie Whitfield
189 Paul Butcher	10	186 George Turiccki
798 Mark Sargent	11	409 Luke Maw
817 Tim Bailey	12	725 Paul Broatch
617 Carl Shield	13	634 Paul Kitching
126 Jamie Avery	14	866 Bobby Griffin
783 James Rygor	15	732 Daz Kitson
101 Kelvyn Whalley	16	964 John Fortune

So with that as the confirmed grid for Saturday, lets have a look at the potential lucky half a dozen to progress to the back of the grid.

Who's gonna drive the tractor when I crash??? (Big Dave Howarth)

The first three drivers failed to get much past the first corner at Buxton. Daz Shaw (377) would preferreHooper (676) has won a semi here back in 2006. GeoMac (100) will be looking for something to get on the grid, he will have someone guiding him from above. Former world champ Chris Burgoyne (647) won the last final at Barford. The local drivers, Sam Wagner (823), Carl Shield (617), and the Broatch's John and Paul. If Paul is to get through again, there could be an opportunity of a race lead again. And of course, there's the promoter's son Charlie Whitfield (301). There's the westcountry boys Mikulla, Rygor, Beere, Avery, and the well travelled Dan Moss. Also there are former champions Kitson and Fortune, and vastly experienced James Thackra. Other wearers of gold of some note include former Rebel top man, Adam Rubery (700) and World of Shale winner George Turrucki...
So there you have it, these are the last chancers. One last go for gold for another year...

If Simmo proved one thing last year

"You've got to be in it to win it!"

WF2012- If This Trend is to be followed...(5 Days to Go)

With 5 days to go, and the last racing weekend before the Big One, the talk is who is going to do it.... so without going all John McCririck on you, here's a few salient points to be going on with if you are looking for a winner, with actual basis to the fact, and some clutching of straws!

History

All 3 World Finals held in the north east have been won by Westcountrymen.

In 1980, Plymouth's Dave Bunt (595) took victory at Hartlepool. He turned his silver roof into gold with an awesome drive in the north east, beating the locals!
Dave keeps his toe in with his daughter Sammy is one the mad haired marshalls at Taunton!



In 1986, with his number being 686, no one, yet no one was going to beat Gary Hooper (686) at the land of the Hanging Monkey. The ex pat Cornishman took the World title in what was a near faultless drive. Jimmy Moodie (7) became bridesmaid yet again for the 2nd year in a row.
Gary's son Neil (676) is in the consolation semi, and has work to do to get into the World and get in the race.

Finally in 2004, when the world entered Barnard Castle, it was near OAP, Bill Batten (167) who trundled off with gold.
Bill is back lately, and after a roll, is certainly looking the part again. If only he could drop to blue!

If this trend is to be followed....The pasty chomper nearest the front is Redruth's Liam Rowe (605) who has a long way to come, in more ways than one to the front...

Of course in 2004, it was tobe the starter on outside row 1 who takes the glory. After the first corner, Batten rode it out and took the win.
If this trend is to be followed.... Barry Goldin (401) will be hoping for a repeat performance of that particular role, but not a repeat performance of the race, where he spun and was hit around like a pinball!

Form

Form books usually help to discover who is likely to know the quick way round. But for many it doesn't matter if it is a strange track, miles away from home...

If this trend is to be followed....Unquestionably, the form man round Barford this year has been one G. Moodie Esq (7). He has taken the mick really, including a maximum this year. Imperious, if only he had taken the qualifiers more seriously, he could have been nailed on for the gold. However, it appears that he is only just Blu tacked at the moment, and with the slightest touch could be gone. So look at the likes of John Dowson (494) and Mickey Brennan (968) both multi winners there this year. As is a certain bloke called Speak, but he won't amount to much!

The Unlikely Winner

Local track glory certainly played into the hands of Mickey Brennan in 2009, and for Mark Simpson last year. The right driver at the right track, consistent, faultless and over the moon in taking an unlikely title.
If this trend is to be followed.....Contenders you have too look at the locals, Dowson, Pannett, and maybe a Broatch if he gets in

The Grandad Winner

Sanotgen Gold was on special in Newton Abbot

Bill Batten won the title at the grand old age of 57 years exactly in 2004.
If this trend is to be followed... The oldest contender this year already is probably Mark Simpson(871) but not by much, however there are plenty older in the consolation semi, Paul Broatch (725)

WF2012 - Contender Interview - Liam Rowe (605) (6 days to go)

So another day, and the final is nearing. Probably setting off north today on the near 8 hour journey from his base in Redruth, row 7 starter Liam Rowe (605), carries the hopes of the Westcountry at Barford. As sponsor to the legend of the love tap(it's my beer he's drinking this weekend) I caught up with him just before the long slog up the country...

JHo - So your first world final!.... nervous??
LR - Umm, yeah, a little. If I was to say I wasn't I would be lying. No doubt on Sunday I'll be shaking lol.
JHo - Whats the game plan likely to be?
LR - I don't really think there is a game plan I ain't really thought of one. I think I'll just point forward try and get going and work the plan from there.
JHo - How would you feel if you ended up winning it?
LR - Haha. That's a long way off to be fair. Strange things have happened in world finals but I'm not sure lol
JHo - Your Barford experience was limited to the 20 laps of the Semi, do you think this would be a disadvantage?
LR - Yeah the last time I was at Barford was ummm 2010. Didn't really have much practice or knowledge then so will just hope we can sort it on Sunday morning. I had never been to Buxton either and that went good so I'm sort of hoping for the same.
JHo - What would you do if you were world champion?
LR - If I was lucky enough to win I would have to try and work something out so I could race as much as possible, but being so far down, and with work to pay for it I would struggle but I would still try my best to be the best I could be!

WF2012 - The Contenders Insiders (7 DAYS TO GO)

So after the outside, lets have a look on the inside....
Pics courtesy of Martyn Robinson and Barry Weatherhead

494 John Dowson

Durham

The local to the racer has got a dream opportunity to take hometrack gold. An unlikely winner at Buxton sees the rapidly improving North Easterner, who is equally adept on both shale and tarmac. Rumours abound he's off to F1

If he gets away, local knowledge will make him hard to catch

968 Mickey Brennan
Nelson, Lancashire
The 2009 World Champion has a quiet season on the national scene, but has been quietly getting on with his business at the northern tracks of Buxton and Barford, so recent form should put him in good stead. Has used the bumper to full effect too!
Has to be one of the favourites, as in the kingmaker position, a 2nd gold perhaps?

921 Jack Aldridge
Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire
Youngster Jack can barely buy a pint, but certainly many think he is on the cusp of greatness. With a lot of his more experienced peers alongside him on the outside row, he could well still be there...
Every decade the youngest world winning record is lowered, Jack is certainly in a good position to do so.

960 Aidy Whitehead

Nelson, Lancashire

Aidy set the ball rolling with a near QR maximum at Birmingham, and has certainly hit the ground running. With a lot of fancied runners not completing the distance. Aidy found his car stuck to the wet Buxton like glue.
In it for the ride, I hope for his sake he's not the one taken for a ride round the plating

605 Liam Rowe

Redruth, Cornwall

Liam makes his world final debut at the track he made his semi final debut. With his schooling on the tight tracks of Taunton and St Day, the tricky Barford oval will be not much of a challenge for the plucky Cornishman

If he survives the first corner and stays out of trouble a good finish should prevail

871 Mark Simpson

Skegness

The reigning World Champ hasn’t had the best of defences, and only now, he’s getting up to speed. With broken bones and tarmac steed being a little temperamental. Goes into today’s race, probably with a bit more positive vibes, but a popular champion nonetheless.
Simmo will be either in the shake up or a pile up. Has proven history  to be the last man standing, but unlikely to add a second gold.

124 Ollie Skeels
Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Former Orci ministox driver Ollie starts the World in a mischief making position. Not afraid of using the front bumper, and if his last championship race appearance is anything to go by, expect a huge shove from the plucky youngster
Will cause the havoc, if he survives, a tricky customer to pass

315 Justin Fisher

Newton Abbot, Devon

Justin has had a hit and miss season this year. After clinching the St Day track championship, he has been in the thick of the accidents, including some really nasty roof scalping at both local tracks to him. However away from home a win at the Skegness Speedweekend
Will be picking up the pieces either one way or another, has the skills to get a top 5

836 Dave Pannett

Stockton on Tees, Cleveland

Another local to Barford, Dave Pannett has done the miles in search of the points. A good solid showing at Buxton sees him far enough to be avoiding the trouble infront...

In 2004 a local lad near the back came through to almost win, could Pannett do a Broatch in 2012?

76 Chris Rowe

Plymouth

Chris got into the world final, via big scores at Bristol and St Day, but he doesn't limit his racing to just the westcountry. A big fan of the blog, and all the young ladies that have come to see him when he won!

Too far back but certainly will enjoy the experience, always with a smile on the face

WF2012 The Contenders Outsiders (8 DAYS TO GO!)

Now lets have a closer look at the contenders, starting with those starting on the outside line. Photos kindly supplied by Martyn Robinson....

401 Barry Goldin

Bolton, Lancashire

Barry had a very successful 2011 taking both British and European titles, he took the semi win in challenging conditions. With his wedding on his mind later in the year, he carries the hopes of bride to be, queen of the twitter rant, Jo Polley
Last time at Barford, outside pole took the win. Goldin has the experience and the nous to take the title. First corner is key..

888 Paul Ford
St Boswells, Borders
The Scottish driver took a non conventional route to get into the semis, going via St Day and Taunton and racking up the motorway miles. He was the main beneficiary of the Speak/Moodie spat and took a very good 2nd. He has been consistent and not afraid of the challenge
A dark horse, if those behind fall by the wayside could be a good shout

 7 Gordon Moodie

Windygates, Fife

If rumours are to be believed, Gordon is unlikely to be gridding. But this is nothing but poppycock. The wound inflicted at Bristol still hurts the Scot and if one man is desperate to regain the gold it is Moodie. The form man round Barford this season, a lot of fellow contenders are behind him and after him!
Starts as a slight favourite, will have to watch his back, as he poked the daddy bear Speak at Buxton. if he survives the first lap nonsense, will be hard to beat

 886 Chris Bradbury

Winnersh, Berkshire

It hasn't been the best of years for Bradders. After trashing 2 cars via over eager back bumper abuse. Bradders has survived the season by borrowing numerous cars, and winning in a Spedeworth Fabrications, Polleysport, RCE and Higman, and now a self built beauty...
Bradders is certianly the next driver due to win the world final, however I don't think this will be his chance

115 Mike Green

Bedworth,Warwickshire

The youngest of the Green clan, Mike finally hit the heady heights of Superstar at the start of the year. One of the men to catch round the large expansive midland ovals, the tight and tricky nature of the Barford oval might not be too much of a problem.
The man behind might have something to say about the outcome of his race, but has the opportunity to finish high.

218 Rob Speak

Manchester

Speaky started the season late, fell in love with shale again, got the points needed for pole, was tootling along in 2nd place at Buxton, then wallop, along came Moodie with a spot of vengence, and a bit further back than he wants, the 8 times champ,is keen for number 9.
The feud continues to a 3rd world final in a 4 years, but will he bury the Hatchet with Moodie or just bury him?

154 Steve Green Junior
Bedworth, Warwickshire
Older Brother of Mike two doors up the grid, another midland fast track specialist, Green is consistent on his home tracks. Dissillusionment a few seasons ago has turned into enthuasism. A mainstay of the red grade.
Could be a major beneficiary of any Speak assualt on the front, however the win might be out of his grasp

59 Lee Dimmick
Congleton, Cheshire
Lee is another tarmac specialist who could easily spring a surprise or two. Quick to adapt at new challenges, he certainly is always in the running for wins at Birmingham.
A finish will be a high one if he does indeed finish

854 Robbie Dawson

Aberdeen

Scotland's Mr Consistent has got onto the grid. Impressive displays away from Scotland this season have seen wins at Northampton and Skegness, and people forget, he led the 2009 World Final for quite some time, before Brennan took over.
Adept at finding the gaps, Top 5 if he survives.

270 Mark Gibbs
Leek, Staffordshire
Having sneaked into the semi at the expense of the banned Dave Polley (38). Mark made the most of his opportunity, getting through the carnage of a semi and getting himself into the World Final.

A top ten finish is well within his remit and will certainly benefit from others misfortune