Raceweek 5.....

So with the turn of the month comes more racing... and it was second visits to Buxton and King's Lynn as well as the obligatory Racewall

TURNER TAKES TWO AND DAWSON DOES DOUBLE

Another disappointing turn out of 16, including mad youngster Steve Gilbert (542) who was so far away from home he needed a passport. Well another one, since they don't use tickets at the bridge now... It was Robbie Dawson (854)'s evening as he took a win in Heat 2 and then took the final, the first driver to break the Moodie/Burgoyne stranglehold this season. This was bookended by two impressive wins from Gregor Turner (391) as he looks to join the Scottish red top crew...

Astonishingly only 23 cars have raced at the Racewall so far this year, which considering 4 of them are English doesn't bode too well for the Scottish scene... I'm at a loss as for why, surely there should be a world final bounce soon??

THE RECIPE FOR A FINAL WIN AT LYNN, TAKE A PINCH OF BASIL

Another bumper turnout of 71 cars, gave King's Lynn second place on the plinth of turnouts to add to it's first place on the attendance chart. Indeed last year the opening King's Lynn wasn't beaten until the speedweekends...

So 3 heats and a consi, something that most tracks dream of! Heat 1 went the way of Bobby Griffin (866) on the loose stuff after some good early season showings on tar. Heat 2 was Justin Parker's (630). The third heat was burrowed away and it was Graham Mole (145) who rose to the surface. See what I did there... Blue topped Daz Kitson (732) took the consolation, and that just doesn't seem right to me! A super 38 car final graced the shale...with some excellent bumper work and some calling it as the race of the season so far, it was Barry Goldin (401) who took the final win. Cue absent missus Jo cursing on Twitter that he never wins when she's there! In the GN Mole took his second win of the night, which brought about some blog based banter with Sarge on Facebook over getting a blue roof out...


BRENNAN BANKS BUXTON WIN AFTER OTHERS SEE CHANCES BLOWN

A solus meeting for the Hi Edge Raceway, and one can't help but feel, that if the fixtures had remained as planned, with the Birmingham the night before, that there could have been quite a few more cars there. 30 was the total. However, one car in the pits had them all talking - the car of racing legend Rob Speak (218). Much had been said since his last tarmac steed was destroyed in that fateful world final race. This time, it wasn't the RCE of Burgoyne's that had been muted, but a new car from the workshops of Darren Bingley, his first tarmac car for a while, and whilst the teething problems had been sorted out, it looked on the money. On his way home from Cowdie, Cornishman Gilbert called in to try and bolster his points haul. However he couldn't stop Richard Stott (169) in heat 1, settling for the 9 points of second. Heat 2 went the way of Daniel Fallows (581) who looks like if results go his way in the next couple of weeks, could be a first time red top. The third heat went to the possessor of Chief Bridesmaid of Gordonia, Mike Green (115), with Stott and Gilbert following home.
Indeed it was Gilbert who sped away in the final and looked in an unassailable lead, until a massive blow up, accounted for the majority of the field, the first 3 all falling foul of the oil and spinning and crashing in a Wacky Races style. Main beneficiary of the misfortune Micky the Midget (968) who took another Buxton final win, in a race which saw only 8 finish. The GN saw a second win for Stott as he led home Green and Speak, getting his best result in his new F2.

POINTS OF ORDER

Congrats to Mrs Chaos who drove to victory in The Mothers Day Ladies race, and Liz Polley, i.e the one that keeps DP in check, super quick in 2nd. Of course for my patch, we get a girly race this year. Some say we race like girls all season long....

On the old chart of points, it's clear that Moodie is chasing the points. I mean he's doing a good job of hiding it!

I'm going to make a honest prediction - the points for attaining a blue grade this year look to be higher than the 30-40 it usually takes, but the amount for red looks as though it could be as low as 80 points this year.

But remember its double bubble as the busy easter period is still under March grades, so the likes of Gilbert, Bailey et al can cement their new grades at least for one more grading period!#

For those who haven't - and shame on you if you have not, sign the paper petition, or e-petition support Mildenhall's stance to get the law changed on the rights of existing complying to planning regulations. A full piece on Mildenhall will be coming soon...

And that's shallot.

Raceweek 4 ----

So, with almost the 1st month out of the way, it's time to go racing

BURGOYNE TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE AT COWDIE

Again, another poor showing at Cowdenbeath, why is this. There is certainly no world final bounce yet, and with a few big name drivers yet to show in season 2014. Heat 1 went the way of His Gordyness (7) proof that he is near on untouchable with a usual faultless display. In Heat 2, he failed to double up as plucky blue top, John "Boss" Hogg (92) held off the Moodster to take the maximum 10 points. Final time, and it was apparent that Moodie was not going to have it his own way, as Wullie Draeger (102) led the early laps, Liam Rennie (3) sped away, until about halfway when Moodie swooped on the plucky teenager, curtailing his race. Meanwhile Chris Burgoyne (647) tracked Moodie's rear and waiting for the decisive last opportunity to take his second final win of the season. Robbie Dawson (854) took the GN.

GILBERT GRABS A GLUTTON BUT BRADDERS BEST AT BRUM

A lower than expected entry of BriSCA F2s at a cold Birmingham saw the format changed to all-in, heat one seeing white grader Steve Gilbert (542) lead all the way for the latest victory of his debut season while Ben Bate (242) tangled with Martin Bussey (547) as they fought for the minor places. Gilbert passed Brett Constable (91) to take the lead of heat two and held on for his second win, holding off Tim Bailey  (817) and Chris Bradbury (886) in the closing laps while Bate’s tough night continued as he spun into the banking. Any hopes young Gilbert was harbouring of a hat-trick evaporated right at the start of the Final as he spun avoiding Keith Walding (563) on the first bend, Constable and then Bailey leading but Bradbury was finally up to speed and at his Birmingham best and he came through for his first Final win of the season, Bailey and yellow top Ryan Morgan (48) his placemen. Bradbury could only make it up to 11th from the handicap in the GN however and it was a white grade one-two with Gilbert making it three out of four ahead of Constable. Mike Green (115) meanwhile was black flagged twice for mischevious loose wheelguards leading to a post meeting dummy spit in race control and Aaron Williamson (411) received a pringle while placing outside the top ten. Dave Goddard

MANIC MILDO IS SHOWN THE WRIGHT WAY

Although they have been told by a bunch of nimbys with a couple of wig wearers in their pocket to be quiet, it was time to bring the noise for season 2014 for the F2's at Mildenhall. The semi finals are held there this and whilst a few of the usual regulars were missing, it was just under 50 cars taking to the under threat Suffolk shaleway. George Turrucki (186) took the first heat and yellow top Graham Mole (145) the second. The Bradbuilt car of Sam Wagner (823) took the consi, but it was yellow top John Wright (448) who held off the charge of the more stellar names on the loose stuff to take the final, continuing a trend of different final winners at Mildenhall. The GN was rounded out by Turrucki, Mostly, though, the talk was of their petition to go to the House of Commons for a change in the law which would give security to all legitimate meetings.


GORDON GRABS GLUT AT BARFORD

Andrew Hingley reports in from Barford...
"It was a good meeting with a good amount of action. Gordon Moodie (7) won the heat and final, Mickey Brennan (968) and Craig Wallace (16) had a coming together in heat 2 which john Broatch (722) won. Moodie had got stuck on Paul Prest (49) early on in the heat and was last from that point. If there wasn't the yellow flag for Liam Rennie (3) stuck on the pit bend then he wouldn't have got to up to third. In the final 968 got his revenge on 16 early on and 7 won. Peter Macullum (187) did really well keeping up with 7 after he got past, but unable to have a go back at him. In the GN John Hogg (92) was flying as the track dried, 722,968 and 64 were fighting for second place and it all went wrong....

This is what happens when you take the Micky....

STARTRAX BACK TRACK AS SPEAK STORMS TO FINAL WIN

At the beginning of the week, it was announced on the Rob Speak Facebook Group, that the 2013 Belle Vue track champion had been denied a booking. Cue howls of derision and criticism of the bookings restrictions (the fact that the opening F1 meeting and some novelty banger meeting took preference kind of puts the formula in its status with this promotion). After solutions were sort (and after realising that Speaky would draw a crowd from the tractor fans also) Speak got his booking. The 2 out of 3 format was deployed and after a win for Daz Shaw (377) and Andrew Palmer (606), Speak saw out the meeting by taking the last heat and romping home in the final, proving that he still deserves a booking.

NO SPINNY CHAIR AS TEAM TOM TAKES THE VOICE (OF AUTOSPEED)

So after all the other tracks, it was time for God's own country to get in on the act, as I descended through the "Valley Of Windmills", stopping at my usual spot of Kingsley Village only to find to my absolute horror, that the excellent food hall has been closed down. Cue not at all happy Jonny. But that frown was turned upside down as the threatening rain showers which planned to put a dampener on the day failed to materialize. Heat 1 got underway with the young gun Steve Gilbert (542) storming away. However his lead was eradicated by a yellow flag brought about by the meeting of last season's kings of crashing, Simon Edwards (430) and Gary Sillifant (627). Edwards had the 627 sideways and kept going all the way down the back straight. This allowed world champ James Rygor (783) to catch the Doublebois youngster, and take the first heat. The second heat saw Tom Clark (575) lead them away along with Ryan Hoskin (991) and Chris Rowe (76). All three lead until Hoskin took over, but pursued by Clark, sought after him and crucially passed the 991 car. Clark took the win from Rowe, then Hoskin. Behind them saw a last bend move which crucially did not pay off for Neil Hooper (676) as both him and Nathan "Angry Child" Maidment (935) indulged in some off piste action as all finished behind them, leaving them in 9th and 10th and missing out on the qualification spots (Top 8's again.... grrrrr). So needless to say, the consolation was won at a canter by Neil Hooper (676) from Maidment, with Marc Rowe (526) still getting so close to a maiden win he can smell it! Final time and it was no surprise that Gilbert led them away, with Marc Rowe and Matt Brewer (206) hitching along for the ride. Behind, Clark broke away from the pack and was starting to persue Gilbert as once again, Edwards and Sillifant clashed, and crashed! As the laps descended down Sillifant was left adrift at the exit of turn 4 and Gilbert took the high road, and Clark the low road, which got the Lostwithiel based driver a foothold away. Meanwhile more bedlam was occurring down the back straight as more comings together happened, which brought a caution with 2 laps remaining. Clark led from Rygor, Maidment and Gilbert. Enter Madame Starter Sam Bunt, holding the number 2 board and displaying it to everyone like she was auditioning for a "ring girl" role. Ding, ding, seconds out round 2, and the start caught everyone out bar Gilbert, who jumped from 4th to Clark's back bumper in the process. However, Gilbert's blistering start only stopped Rygor in his pursuit of Clark and with it his chances, as the 542 motor was then swallowed up by the pack. So, a second final win for Tom Clark, adding to the Alan Benson Trophy he won on World Final night, Rygor took second, and an excellent third for Maidment. I spoke in a windy pits to a fairly shy Tom, who lets his brother do the talking normally!
The grand national was yet another teasy affair as a bit of line dancing took place with Maidment pummeling Hoskin round the Tip Bend, but it was a GN for Rygor. He was happy with his points haul even discussing the finer points of shiny roofs and points with a certain G J Moodie esq. on Twitter later that evening....

UT OH>>>>POINTS OF ORDER!!!!

PA's. Both Belle Vue and Mildenhall suffered from complaints from not being able to hear the full results. It's nice for drivers and spectators to receive who comes where. Mildenhall it's probably understandable, who require dulcet tones to keep the Nimbys happy. If Ted Lowe was still alive, he'd be pitching up at West Row. "And, for those watching in black n white, you need to turn your contrast up"... Or maybe give the gig to Whispering John....

Clear and paced results, not rushed, which is something that the best commentators do, not garbled and rushed, and doesn't distract from the meeting flow. In our immediate society where we live in now, results are accessible. I'm seen as a conduit of information flowing through, either by text, tweets or web, the amount of people in a meeting who ask me "what's happening at Barford!"

Tom Clark's aerofoil only had yellow tape around it, and was told by the steward to have a bit more yellow around it. A temporary solution! Indeed, I added, with the aid of an infamous implement of Ben Fund Do Hi Jinx, the Sharpie, a spot of additional signage!

Both myself and Jim Brewer, Autospeed's Clerk of the Course had become so blase about Steve Gilbert's winning streak, that we both stopped the rolling lap because we thought Gilbert wasn't at the usual race winners postion of his back of grade. Indeed, it was the first meeting without a win for the Cornishman!!! Oops...

I swear my memory gets worse you know.... Memory of a goldfish....

I swear my memory gets worse you know.... Memory of a goldfish....

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers n gone!

Tyred and Emotional....

Smoking is a expensive habit...

So with Incarace's announcement that they wish to try an experiment with tyres at Northampton but primarily at Birmingham. The Second City Circuit has been notorious as a burner of rubber, with many drivers going through 4 tyres in a meeting. At a cost of £210 a meet, it isn't any wonder that this, coupled with crap formats, has led to a dwindling attendances at Birmingham.

Some say it is after the horse has bolted and that they are late to recognise what many have been saying for some time, the abrasive nature of the track kills tyres stone dead. Indeed, it is said, that after a Birmingham meeting there is more used rubbers than a Amsterdam brothel. So I am told.

As a wiseman once said, don't give me problems, give me solutions. So here in summary and picked apart what has been thrown around social media (you know the one, the one that Brisca likes you to be nice on, no abuse now) over the past couple of days.

1.....RESURFACE THE TRACK

Birmingham Wheels is owned by Birmingham City Council as part of the Wheels complex. As it is owned by the council, all improvements have to be signed off and the like. As a council owned brownfield site, it is seen as surplus to requirements and, in the past ten years, has been linked with the idea of a "super casino" and new "City of Birmingham Stadium" to replace the nearby St Andrews, the current home of Birmingham City. So to say its being delibrately run down would be unfair, but the council has little or no interest maintaining a site which will soon become surplus to requirements. Graham Brown, a man in the know at Spedeworth, recently quoted a figure of over £100k to retarmac the straight at Ipswich. This kind of financial outlay doesn't make fiscal sense when it isn't owned by the promoter, on a council owned brownfield site, so it's kind of a non goer...

2..... RESTRICT THE AMOUNT OF TYRES USED IN A MEETING

Should be enough for the parade lap, whaddya think!

The idea Incarace svengali, Paul Gerrard has put out there for discussion, is the declaration of 5 tyres to last the whole meeting as an idea. With exceptions made to tyre damage and wet weather during racing, its seems a logical idea to bring the cost of racing at Birmingham and Northampton right down.

Within seconds of it being announced, both neigh and yay sayers were in force to praise or suggest how an idea would work. Firstly, there were some who said all that it would achieve is that everyone
would just present 5 brand new tyres and race them, thus not actually achieving anything. If a restriction of one new tyre per meeting was put in place, questions were asked about how it would be policed. Does a receipt from Dave Polley count as a new tyre, and if that tyre has been buffed, is it now no longer a "new" tyre. These are the questions that need to be addressed. I cannot see how buffing a brand new tyre is beneficial to its longevity. I know from the Avon days when I was more hands on, that a new tyre had to be scrubbed in, so in practice at one of the more gripper tracks to get a new tyre to race readiness.

My personal view is that if this experiment is successful, then it should be rolled out to all tracks. They have been neigh sayers that whats good for a 1 meeting a weekend traveling circus formula shouldn't necessarily transpose over to the nationwide multi meet weekends we all have with F2. It would mean a greater role for the scrutineers, who need tightening up for consistency, to mark the tyre with an can of spray or marker pen of sorts. You simply can't for the good of the sport have one rule for one track and one for the next.

3..... CHANGE THE TYRE

The tyre tests done last year proved one thing, the Yokohama is still the best all round option for F2. If the Yokohama isn't working for some tracks, then we have to look at a different set of tyres for a different track, unless the great and good want Birmingham and NIR to go to say, I don't know, Hoosiers perhaps, and change the name of the formula to something that rhymes with chicken pox. Yes, the Avon's were better, but they were dear, and susceptible to abuse from softener. You could run them down to canvas! There is no value for money alternative at the moment, and with a few tweaks to the rules, the Yoko could last for eternity!

....FINAL THOUGHT

The future of F2 rests on this and the engine decision. With a lack of agreement and petty squabbling at a higher level, there does seem to be some blue sky thinking going on, but the clouds above scream ulterior motives, and juxtapositioning of pawns in a bigger game. Once the rules of engagement have been drawn up, its interesting whether it will fly or not.

We have a real opportunity to drag us out of the perceived malaise we currently are currently experiencing, and come out the other side with a professional focused formula, with the numbers to justify its presence as Europe's premier formula, not the "and chips" option on the menu for most promoters. With a fanbase which spans the entire country, it should be promoted as such, and with the help of drivers and spectators, let's drive this formula on with common sense, practicable and economical solutions which keeps the racing good, the drivers keen and the fans satisfied.

 

Raceweek 3..... Stuntman Stuns Skeg

So week 3 and trends are starting to show.....

MOODIE MARVELLOUS IN RACEWALL SHOW....

Just when you thought it was going to be a season of different race winners at Cowdenbeath, another poor show of 17 cars turned up to see normal service be resumed. After Chris Burgoyne (647) took the win in Ht1, Gordon Moodie (7) took the other heat and romped the final. Burgoyne then took the national, with Moodie a credible 5th. I've got a feeling that I'll be writing the same report in a row....

JACK ATTACK AT BRUM

The opening F2 heat saw teenage sensation Steve Gilbert (542)lead all the way for his third win in two weekends, track specialist Chris Bradbury (886) too embroiled in a scrap with Mike Green (115) to hunt down the leaders.  Opening night winner Sy Harraway (83) led the second heat until his engine went bang (Jho: it was his diff) while he was under fire from Darren Clarke (571) and he was out for the night, Jack Aldridge (921) passing Clarke to win it before the consolation saw Luke Loveland (120) lead for much of the way until Adam Rubery (700) powered past him to make up for retiring from his heat with a win here.  The Final turned into the best race seen so far at Wheels this year.  Gilbert led the early laps before a caution when Ben Bate (242) and Ady Whitehead (960) tangled, the restart seeing an immense seven-car midfield scrap involving Green, Bradbury, gold top James Rygor (783), Micky Brennan (968) and others slamming the bumpers in on every turn with positions changing constantly in a wonderful display of stock car racing.  Almost unnoticed Aldridge passed early leader Gilbert and completed his double victory, Green taking the GN after Gilbert’s lead was eradicated by a caution when Tom Adcroft (768) came to grief. Dave Goddard

WAS STUNTMAN ABDUCTED AT SKEGNESS???

Sunshine on the Fun Coast, but it still was coat order, and not yet time for revelry. But a early season meeting of fanciful roof colours was the order of the day, as James Rygor (783), Gordon Moodie (7) (almost taking a summer residence like fellow Scot, Paul Brown) and Panto Villain Dave Polley (38). 2 out of 3 format greeted them and it turned into a quite feisty day. After heat wins for Mike Green (115), Jak Marshall (199) and Billy Webster (226) and a reigniting of the Moodie/Polley war, off which Mike Green (115) wasn't an innocent bystander, followed some friendly "discussions" on the infield between Prince Charming and the Big Bad Wolf in the infield. In the final, in what could only be a move unbefitting, full time stuntman and majority of the time crash magnet Richie Mead (596) took a blistering win in his RCE, and without a scratch. Questions were asked whether it was indeed the "Mother of Chaos" recipient as the 596 sauntered to the win. A return to the more accustomed blue grade for Richie. For the second week in a row, James Riggall (527) took a win in the GN.

BUXTON SHOWN THE CONWAY TO GO....

To the hills 23 F2's went for the opening meeting on the High Peak. Unsurprsingly, the all in format was deployed. Heat 1 saw a lengthy delay after Johnny Whittaker (533) had to be extracted from his car, including the cage coming off. Thankfully, it appears that apart from a bit of bruising, he is ok. That heat went the way of former world champion Micky Brennan (968). It's so hard not type number 1 and revert back to 968 after last season! Heat 2 went to the cheeky chappy blue top Tim Bailey (817), and all eyes were on the feature final. Jamie Conway (604) led them away and stayed there til the black and white duster fell, leading home Jack Aldridge (921), Brennan and Westcountry visitor Chris Rowe (76). Aldridge took the GN to round out a good weekend for the former Nationals Champion.

POINTS OF ORDER.... BANGER SPECIAL

Part 2 of the Banger documentary stood in a much better light. Whereas the first part was sensationalist, the second part was about a Veteran's old skool Granada only meeting and the build up, invoking plenty of memories that only a Facebook group could do! My memories of the Suicide Squad were when they came down to the All England Championship at Taunton, and they failed to obey any flags whatsoever, so to stop the cavalry, out went one man. Roy Goodman, his steed, a trusted recovery tractor to take out a few hoodlums and send them to Val-Hala.
On a journalistic front it had a much better structure, but failed to mention the fact that over 30 grands was raised for meningitis research, and the reason why they were all there. No mentions of joy riding, gobby kids - a thoroughly good effort and a good example of how it should be portrayed.

Mike Green (115) now takes over at Number 2, demoting Chris Bradbury (886) for the first time in ages as chief Bridesmaid to the Moodster, but with only 2 points separating them.

Tim Bailey (817) looks likely to supersize his first time red top with flashy flake on top.

Steve Gilbert (542) is looking very likely to do what his dad didn't (Pete stopped on every floor on the way up) by going to red...

Whilst this blog is light hearted and takes the piss, I WILL NOT make a nonsense out of a potentially serious situation when drivers are getting cut out of their cars. The action of a certain individual on a certain dying forum is nothing short of being in poor taste, and he, of all people, should know better.


Cheers n gone....

Fast and Fearless: The Jho Review - light the touchpaper and stand well back...here comes the follow in!

After a busy old days racing, it’s time to throw a bit of microwaved roast down your neck and settle down to some telly. After the Top Gear Burmese Special, we were greeted with another petrol laden programme, “Fast and Fearless”

Based around Arena Essex, home of some infamous banger wrecking teams back in the day (my memories of the Suicide Squad, regularly coming down to take all and sundry out, apart from Roy Goodman on a tractor) and its locality to the London based production team made it a good venue for the basis of the show.

Does it show the sport in a good light?

Not one bit.

As many short oval racing fans thought it would be, it would be a “Gears N Tears” for Bangers. But with it being 2 hour long programmes, it was apparent that after meeting a few banger drivers, it was to aim to sensationalise the sport.

When all oval fans know that this is just a stereotype ridden documentary, we all know that there are characters like the ones portrayed in the documentary.

Portraying characters as “wideboys” and picking out former joyriders, who said “I look at a car on the road, and think that could be a good car to race with”.

If I was a scrupulous Health and Safety officer, and let’s face it most of them are in these litigious times we live in, if a driver said “I got that bit injured and that bit broken” you’d be wanting to have an unannounced visit or three. In fact, as an aside, given the safety regs that all the other formulae have to adhere too, mesh for example. Mandatory on a F2, non existant on a banger and its far greater area of windscreen.

Joe Public thinks stock car and sees Bangers. So to the clean living chaps who race other get tarred with the same brush and get dragged down by association.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and a place for bangers nowadays, sadly the likes of which are portraying the sport in this programme are slowing killing the sport. This form of banger racing I have never liked. Big hype, big build up, 2 laps of action, and 13 of hot rodding. Hence the “old skool” movement that many are adopting, is getting better racing and more of a better atmosphere, and you are seeing cars last longer than one meeting. It’s a necessary evil, bangers do bring the crowds in, but many like drinking your first drink, find there’s more than cheap white cider, and go onto more “refined” racing.

Attendances for “blue ribband” banger events have dropped in recent years. Gone are the days when meetings like Blockbuster attracted 180 cars plus, because of the jacking and stacking, follow ins, people simply cannot be bothered to prepare a car and have it last 2 laps tops, cause some nutter wants to wreck his car.

Whilst these guys are showmen, no paying member of the public wants injuries, or long delay. The want to see cars smash and crash, have a giggle and go home. Same for the drivers, as all of have to work Monday morning. As I call, the finger waving follow in hi vis numpties, are gladly in the minority. The way Autospeed have taken their bangers, and Bristol has it’s Old Skool Invitational is the way forward for all banger racing. Couple of limited heats, then anything goes in the final, and then into a DD at the end.

As a former journalist, I know that there is no story in normality, so the larger than life characters will always run the show. Those with a better back story always do well on telly, you only have to watch any reality show to prove that an interesting back story tugs on the heart strings and keeps you focused in.

Still it was prime time BBC2, and hitting its target demographic, blokes staying on after Top Gear, and trying to avoid Downton or whatever costume drama BBC1 was serving up

Still with the minis, it was a case of, “oooh that’s Sophie Fasey – she’s one of ours”, but I could have no sympathy with the young mini driver at all. He came over as too cocksure, something which when he progresses to the senior formula will soon be dispensed with very quickly, as often, there’s a bigger badder bully to break your toys.

I tried so hard not to be snobbish and look down at the obvious stereotypes portrayed in the programme, but the way it was presented was nothing short of sensationalist. At least with “Gears and Tears” there was a few stories, and the portrayl of the Montagues and Capulets, sorry Wainmans and Smiths…. But joyrider boy and flat cap ginger nut didn’t do it for me. It took only 3 seconds to see a hi vis jacket too…

I cannot see Bangers dining out on it like Gears n Tears, and I doubt it will be repeated on Dave ad nausem, but it certainly will get me defending my sport and correcting Joe Public on what is and what isn’t stock car racing…

Weekend 2: Tiger tames Taunton, whereas normal service resumed elsewhere....

So with the starting pistol shot, and with the second Stoke curtailed midweek due to the bedding process of the resurfacing at the Potteries, it was time to head North and South to go racing...

BOBBY BRACES HIMSELF AS BURGOYNE TAKES OPENING COWDIE

A somewhat disappointing turnout for World Final venue, Cowdenbeath's season opener, as the expected bounce that it usually brings failed to materilize with a woeful 18 cars. 2 travellers from South of Hadrian's Wall, Bobby Griffin (866) and John Broatch (722), who both capitalized on the cancelled Stoke to go racing. Indeed it was Griffin who got the show of to a rousing start, with a superb last bender on one G. Moodie Esq (7). Such blasphemic actions saw Griffin disqualified due to the fact that in the incident, his wheelguard came adrift. Team England didn't lose out, as Broatch took the win. Heat 2 saw no such problem for Gordon, who took the win from Griffin. The Final was an attritional race, with Moodie getting caught up with Griffin in an incident early on. This allowed Chris Burgoyne (647) to open his race win account in 2014. The National was taken by Gregor Turner (391)

GREEN TAKES CHEQUERED AT NIR

Ben Aimson (749) and Jay Goodwin crashed early in the opening BriSCA F2 encounter with leader Brett Constable(91) pulling off under caution handing Ryan Morgan(48) the advantage but handling problems stymied the yellow top and let Mark Gibbs (578) through for his first win of 2014.  Heat two began with a pile-up which saw Drew Lammas (341) almost roll, the second attempt led by Darren Phillips (844) until a final lap stoppage for a three-car tangle meant a one-lap sprint for the line, Mike Green (115) bumpering past Phillips to win it.  The Final saw opening lap leader Courtney Finnikin (55) tangle with Morgan and come to a halt in the middle of the back straight, the yellows flying but too late for Kelvyn Whalley (101) who ploughed into the Ministox graduate who was luckily not seriously hurt.  Phillips was leading but Green and Tom Adcroft (768) took over and the former completed his double, the battle for third a highlight with Adam Rubery (700) winning out just ahead of Jack Aldridge (921) and Luke Wrench (560).  The GN was briefly halted for a turn three tangle which was sparked when Ben Bate (242) spun and claimed Adcroft and Aldridge, Riggall taking the first win for his ex-Richard Bowyer bolide on the restart. Dave Goddard

GORDON BACK AT BARFORD

The Moodster took a near on faultless display at Barford, taking both all in heats and also taking the final. The dual surface Paul Prest (49) took the GN.

TIGER TAMES TAUNTON BUT MINI TAKER TAKES TWO

Glorious sunshine befell the Devon Countryside as Smeatharpe had a rather pleasant day. With the cheque presentation meant that myself, Stef and Nat and Alana, who was on trophies, leading the Grand Parade. First time for a lap of honour for me...all that was missing was a spot of Sempre Fidelis and a chequered flag...

In the pits, new paint and new cars not yet shown at any of the practice days, including the Bradbury steed

Enough of the showboating an on with the racing. Steve Gilbert (542), "The Apprentice" sped away to a huge lead, helped by a pair of scrapping stars, as Neil Hooper (676) came under assualt from the James Rygor (783) bumper. One hit from the The Tiger made the 783 car jump out of gear, but even a last bend assualt couldn't shift Hooper.

The second heat saw Ryan Hoskin (991) speed away in his revamped Higman.

The Consolation was a lower grade affair. The rapidly improving Andy Walker (328) and Shane Hector (528) led away the pack. Hector took the win from Chris Rowe (76)  with Walker a close third.

The final on the other hand, took a long time to get going. 3 early incidents  saw nearly half the field wiped out. 2 complete restarts, a yellow flag, and all manner of chaos. Once things got going, it was white tops that sped away. Marc Rowe (526) led them away and drove away. However a yellow flag for the stricken Matt Linfield (464) saw the pack close up. First of the reds in the line was Chris Mikulla (522), then Hooper and Rygor, with Bradbury a little further back as he was caught up in the Linfield incident. Mikulla then spun, allowing Hooper to swoop and pass Rowe, as Rygor played cat and mouse with Hooper, as the gap closer one lap, then wider the next. The race looked to have calmed down, but like George Macmillan (100) at the world final, the one lap board was in site, as Hooper's diff expired, leaving a forlawn Motorworld with no drive stranded by the start finish line. Rygor took the win, for the 2nd time he had won the MDP Services trophy, the first time, as a plucky white top in 2009, and now at the very top of the sport. As Mike Priddle (14) was the meeting sponsor you could expect champagne high jinx. Needless to say, Alana and daughter Sophie did not get involved, having already done a runner. Rygor took the win from Bradbury and Mikulla with Jay Tomkins (290) taking 4th after a night off as his Stoke was called off.

listen to ‘Stoxcast#2 - With F2 Stock Car World Champion James Rygor (783)’ on Audioboo

The National saw another win for Gilbert, who certainly learnt from his father that the "pick on the first car you see and watch em scatter" certainly paid off. An excellent opening meeting, bodes well for 2014!

POINTS OF ORDER

After crashing once more, a little frustration from Nathan Maidment (935) seen him monikered with a new nickname - "The Angry Child"

After the fun sweepstake was a bit of a damp squib last weekend, Richie Mead (596) suffered a fuel starvation problem on his RCE, meaning he didn't get many laps under his belt, but the national saw that he was a bit happier with it all.

The man flu ridden Dale Moon (302) was off his chips, and his previously mocking father Mark, now also was snot ridden.

A terrible day for the Rowes. Liam (605) hadn't finished his car, and had to tow his returning brother, Ross (105) in the race transit. Which decided to have a melt down and proceeded to crawl towards Smeatharpe. Then once off the trailer and on the track. Ross did a few laps of heat 1, got broadside down the start finish line and got collected. Car wrecked, game over. Fair to say the boys Rowe have had better days!

Our good friends at Her Majesty's Vehicle Inspectoate welcomed race fans by pulling people in for dip tests, trailer tests and the like. Cue numerous teasy racers a few with nice big fines. Easy pickings for jobsworths....


See ya next time...might have some words about THAT banger documentary...

Weekend 1: Chaos, Mud, Familarity and Discontent!

So we are underway! Season 2014 hasn't yet got a pair of run away white tops with more zits than they've had laps yet, but like a pair of comfy old slippers, the fact that racing is back is like a heart warmer... and christ those who braved Saturday night needed one of those!

DIMMICK GRABS BRUM FINAL....

Close on 50 F2s arrived with yellow top Sy Harraway (83) making a fine showing, staving off a last bend attack from Lee Dimmick (59) to win the opening heat after Ministox graduate Steve Gilbert (542) had led the opening few laps.  The second heat was halted early for the stranded David Bale (555) with Ryan Morgan (48) then battling Matt Brewer (206) for the lead with Chris Mikulla (522) and Justin Fisher (315) joining in, but the status quo was upset dramatically by a late-race oil slick which sent a multitude skittling including the leaders, Jack Aldridge (921) going from sixth to first and winning it.  Bale crashed again on the opening lap of the consolation while newcomer Courtney Finnikin (55) spun and took a wallop from Steve Forster (652) for a stoppage with Kelvyn Whalley(101) sliding from fourth to first in a smart move at the restart and going on for victory.  Darren Clarke (571) led the start of the Final before Drew Lammas (341) went in hard sparking a pile-up, a more subdued restart seeing Dimmick pass Harraway and Clarke to take the spoils with Harraway capping his Brum visit by taking the GN. Dave Goddard

CHAOS SPLUTTERS TO LYNN WIN

In near arctic conditions it was fun on the East side as the traditional curtain raiser, the King's Lynn Qualifier got underway. An astonishing 78 cars turned up from the far north of Scotland to the sunnier climes of Fowey, in Cornwall. A target to be aimed for the rest of the season....
Matthew Clayton (231) had the honour of being the first race winner of season 2014, with Heat 2 going the way of Michael Lund (995). The third heat went the way of Steve Wycherly (662). The last chance consolation was won by Paul Nicholson (198). With the final a 38 car affair, all eyes were on the lower graders, after taking all the heats. Dave Harley (362) took up the running, behind him a gaggle of red tops were beginning to chase him down. With 3 laps to the flag, Nicholson and Steve Mallinson (788) became stranded down the home straight which brought out the yellow flags. Harley led from Paul Broatch (725) and Billy Webster (226) with former World Champs Simpson, Goldin and Speak. With the 362 machine sounding sick, it was some achievement for Harley to take the win and an instant return to blue, and massive smile on sister Sharon Blood's face!  Webster took second from Simpson, who for the second year running was on the podium at his home shale track qualifier. Barry Goldin (401) took a do or die dive on the last corner to steal fourth from Speak, who in turn lost it to Bradbury (886). The GN saw more of the same from Goldin who rounded a good display from the Bolton Basil who took the win in fine style...

BRADDERS BOUNCES IN STOKE SLURRY HORROR SHOW

To the land of oatcakes they did come and with it so did some unclement weather. Stoke is one of the tracks that didn't take too kindly to the recent weather, so with a track like Pigeon Street's Long Distance Clara's road (about 1:20 in), it was going to be a challenge. So 2 out of 3 was the cry, format wise. So a win in the new HCD Dozer for the East Coast Leg-end Mark Sargent (798) in heat 2, followed by in heat 3, Andrew Palmer (606) taking a first shale win of the year, and then Ol' Big Head himself Chris Bradbury (886) took a heat also. More rain came and the track was rutting up, to which both Palmer and Bradders decided that a 2 stroke engine, be it a scrambler or quad was the weapon of choice in the final...However it was Bradbury who bounced amongst the slurry and potholes to take the spoils from Matthew Sayer (398) and Oliver Iles (997). The attrition of the day had an effect on the GN, as 13 cars took to track. However it was Rob Mitchell (905) who took the win. The Bighead took 3rd from handicap.

 

SKEELS STEALS SKEGGY SHOW

35 cars took to the Fun Coast in a bracing Skegness show. 2 out of 3 format was deployed, and there were wins for Jamie Young (595), Michael Green (115) and Ollie Skeels (124). Indeed the Jaguar Skeels booked a return to red, with a blistering final win... hopefully he'll have a prolonged stay at red this time as he is constantly up and down like a whore's drawers! Then in his English home, Moodie took his first win of the season, of many no doubt! Will Gordon have to do a Browny and move to Skegness for the summer - and will he be an asylum seeker if the sweaties chose to go on the own?

POINTS OF ORDER

Good to see a full format meeting at Brum, first for some time, although the box must not have seen that Steve Forster (652) had qualified in his heat....as he proceeded to get a nice 4th in the final!

Lots of discontent from drivers re:prize money...understandably some moaning on Twitter, but justifiably so. Full blog piece on the prize money will be here soon enough...

Every meeting so far attendances are up, lets hope it continues eh...