Slick Mick and Steady Eddie show us the way....

So there I am, minding my own business, planning to go home from my big long stock car week after a decent night's kip from the Stoke darkness, and well I was weak, gave into temptation, did my work from my Notts base, and after much persuasion from the missus and from a certain very big Rob Speak fan, that her birthday is 21 8, to come to the Skegness Spedeweekend. So after surviving a trip through Deliverance, or Boston as it's known locally, and venturing into the town for a spot of "shopping". Going into Skegness in high season should come with a health warning. Motability scooters left, right and centre, I'm surprised Hazel hasn't thought about capitalising the monopoly on Scootstox. The obligatory chips and ice cream purchased, it was time to head to the track

I said, "not another", but this one was special. It was the Saloon World Final. Saloons of late had been rather dull, but this season, a lot of the big names were back, and with a half decent field can produce better racing than the 2's on occasions. In fact the Saloon World Final of 1994 at Newton Abbot will forever live long in the memory for me. Why? The Atmosphere was something else that day, anyone who was there will tell you that Harry Burgoyne (68) won it by default, after long time leader and local boy Mark Gray (900) got taken out as a result of some Nick Courtier (114) and Jammy Jarman (490). Gray was asked to come on the lap of honour and as he walked out of the pit gate at Newton Abbot. The place erupted a standing ovation, from that short walk from pits to the start line - a lasting memory of that place for me.

Now Skeg also has an atmosphere, and is probably one of the few action tracks left for Saloons, so with a lot of big names, we looked first and foremost at the last chance race, with a stellar line up of returning champs Webster, Darby and Hunt. Hunt's motor expired at the wrong time, and such was the committment, that a real scrap for 6th started! The first couple of laps were brutal, with the Skeggy fence once again crumbling worse than a packet of value biscuits. After a couple of restarts, including one that saw the top 3 taken away, it was clear to see that the title was heading to the Westcountry, and from his lowly 29th position, fought his way to the front, in one of the best drives I have seen. Without my sometimes Westcountry blinkered glasses on, it was a delight to see him finally capture the title. Further proof, if it was needed, that you've got to be in it to win it. See Barry, all is not lost!


Courtesy of Saloon22 on Youtube.... a great video, numerous others out there - but this one captures the Brown/fence best!

Note to Incarace- this is how you put on a championship meeting. A proper programme with individual driver previews, full colour.Good banter between commentator and presenter, post race interviews, fireworks and plenty of build up and geeing up! Skeggy/Trackstar have always been good at it - and I for one are looking for their presentation of the F2 World.

The support for the Loons were the 1's. Now, I will confess, in my lowly position, I don;'t see the ones that often. Despite the attraction of clogs, a reasonable turnout of Ones where there. Now to the Tooz fans, Mick Sworder was something of bete noir. An object of hate and despisement to many - he finds himself like Rob Speak with a new found army of once haters, now loving him for "putting it up 'em". The 'em being the racing dynasties of Smith and Wainman. Whilst the Juniors, Smith and Wainman were delving with the Dutch, Andy soon found himself acquainted with the bumper of the Sworder machine, as Drippy dispatched the World Champ around the fragile top bend fencing! He singlehandedly livened up a rather dull display for the 1's- please tell me how these are the premier formula?, I was bored rigid.

So with a Skeg weekend comes the apres stox. We thought Boathouse, everyone else thought stay for the disco! So with the girls dancing the night away and getting thrown off a dancefloor for getting too carried with Katy Perry, I was assisting with the finishing touches to Mark Meeds (458) car- also the hotel for the night!

After the numerous Westcountry fans nursed their celebratory heads in the morning, and birthday gifts were given one member of our spectating crew had a "member" that a certain former national points champion says was modeled on him.

Now the F2's on the Sunday weer on the hole a little hot roddy, apart from one moment where Richard Beere (254) was the recipient of aggressive fist shake of Barry Clow (597). It was a consistent day for Jason Wilkinson (287) with 4 2nd's - the win eluding him.

There are questions to be asked about turnouts over the weekend. Not many at Cowdenbeath or Northampton. Arena was to be expected, but I was surprised by the amount of F2's at Skeg, considering there were a fair few travellers, from both Westcountry and Scotland. Perhaps if they had them on both nights, a few more might have popped along for the ride! It is disheartening to see such poor attendances, the amount of drivers hasn't dropped - it's just that they are being more choosy.

Still a great weekend at Skeg and long may they continue!

Bill Dalley - THE voice of Westcountry Stock Car Racing

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Autospeed commentary legend, Bill Dalley.

Imagine a 5 year old Jonny, stood on the terraces at the Cornish Stadium, with Grandad and Uncles Neil and Mike. This bloke tells me who the drivers are, and the results. I listen to his style

For the next 25 years, this man would be the voice of my Sundays, Bank Holidays and holiday midweek meetings, and well, be the standard for other commentators I would hear up to now.
With a broad Westcountry accent, he approached Trevor Redmond and is famed to have said "that he could do a bit of commentary", and lo, a partnership was born. Many a final would end with "It's over to Mr Autospeed, our promoter, it's over to Treeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevor Redmond", to which TR in his Kiwi tones "Thank you, Bill".

Ever the shy and retiring type, he didn't like to get out and interview drivers, preferring to give that duty to his promoter colleague Trevor Redmond. He commentated on numerous World Finals, including the infamous trip to Wembley in 1974, and numerous tracks under the purple Autospeed banner.

Whether it was a Sunny St Austell, a night-time Newton or a torrential Taunton, his voice meant stock car to me.

The next generation of Goddard, Linfield et al have learnt a lot from his style. In fact in Steve Linfield, we have a near carbon copy in delivery.

Although he officially retired at the end of season 2009, for me, every meeting starts in my mind with his dulcet tones

"Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight then....."

Rest in peace, Bill.

Somebody Stoke the Lights!!

Up'anley m'duck fetch me an oatcake, cos the Jho Midland tour rolled in to Loomer Road, Chesterton in the People's Republic of Stoke on Trent. It's forefathers of Matthews, Taylor and Williams would have been proud. But Stan, Phil and Robbie would never have foreseen what was about to occur.

Front row sitter, and Mr Talking point from the weekend (well, apart from me), Rob Speak (218) turned up for his first shale F2 meeting for over 11 years, in a field of about 34 cars, with his old Elite to play with. 2 out of 3 was the format of choice. A white top charge took hold as the reds of Palmer (606), Bradbury (886) and the aforementioned Speak scrapped, with Speak dispensing with Palmer into the wall allowing his wheel guard to come adrift, which called time on his race. Speak then fired Bradbury into the traffic to move to which, to which Bradbury didn't recover and eventually pulled off. In Speak's eagerness to get to the front he tripped over a slow moving yellow top which meant progress slowed. Martin Love (548) took the win - his first - and such was his delight he didn't know what to do when he won.

Heat 2 saw Liam Bentham (488) take the early running, but it was the battle for red top supremacy between Bradbury, the rapidly improving Whippersnapper Jack (921) and Sam Wagner (823) which saw all 3 cars trade blows on each corner for 5 laps, and come the charge to the line it was 3 abreast and by the skinniest rizla paper, Bradderz took it from Wagner, however Bentham had long since crossed the line.

Heat 3 saw the PA go, and after an early pile up involving 418 and Aldridge, the rapidly moving Robert the Great, got re accustomed with the shale, and re accustomed with the chequered having skillfully defended his position from Palmer. With the light rapidly dimming, and with the "attraction" of a handful of grasstrack motors and 1600cc Bangers left over from the Cov at the weekend, it was final time. A little bit dark, but fair play to the drivers for continuing in near darkness. My video (complete with commentary debut) shows how black it was. As it was shot using a camera, and no tripod the darkness hides a multitude of sins.

o

So Bradbury took the win from Palmer and Speak, in a track littered with cars, and putting a show on for the crowd who were extremely patient with the Startrax officials. Impressions of Stoke were that it does look like it has been neglected and needs a bit of TLC, I'm sorry but orange bunting fencing won't stop it. Other than that, the racing was good, and for me, I love a midweeker having being brought up on a diet of St Austell, Newton and latterly St Columb, there is something about going to a stock meeting on a school night!

Right, I'm off to buy some carrots and find some 50p's for Mr Rees!



A weekend of Semi interest!

Right another weekend on the road, doing it midland style!
SATURDAY 13th AUGUST
I started with another track I have yet to do, to be greeted by Sharon Blood (Ben Fund) and Matt Linfield (464) who both asked if I had a nose bleed coming this far north of the border. The border being of course, the Tamar, and lo I rocked up at Brandon at the infamous Coventry Stadium. I've never been, never seen the need being an arch tractor fan, but Startrax had the added attractions of being a good hype. However once again, through poor fixture planning on Startrax's part, the crowd at Cov was sparse. Maybe the added attraction of the Junior Bangers or the Monster 4 Wheel Drive SUV Bangers, would drag the crowd in. They were advertised, and didn't show, despite the big hype.
The Brisca Minis were entertaining, as when you look at the likes of Aldridge and Griffin, this is where are next generation of drivers are likely to come from. However, it was looking more at the next generation of Smiths and Wainman how had split loyalties along the A45, with the clashing NIR! The UK Mods looked like something out of Mad Max, and especially as the final ended in a 6 car pile up, despite only have 6 cars!
The racing was exciting, and to my non shale loving eyes. Random format again - top 14, (honestly its the new 10. Reggie Yates now has the UK Top 14 run down you know) Several drivers were up having a play on the shale who you wouldn't usually see. After heats for Andy Palmer (606) and Jack Thompson (330), and the consi went the way of John Davies (77), it was final time. Good to see the tradition of the final draw is still prevalent, as most venues north of Bristol have dispensed with it. It was a cracking conclusion, Andrew Palmer (606) spun early on, but recovered after Bradders tried to dispense with 4 cars in one corner, 5th to 1st and then he half spins with the momentum! This allowed Paul Wilson (925) took take the win from Palmer and Bradbury.
In the national, it was definately KerChing! as the 634 mobile took a rather good GN victory, holding off Bradbury in the later stages.
I'd definately go again, perhaps on a night when the 1's and 2's are on, but I do fear for the stadium's future. Despite probably having some of the best facilities in the country, it is brownfield and to the un-stoxed eye it looks like it either needs some investment, and the rumour is that local housing developments might curtail racing there. Hope not, 'tis a crackin' track!

SUNDAY 14th AUGUST
Now the Hednesford Hills haven't changed since my last visit in 2001, and you have to drive through the estate to get to it. It's vastness makes it an awesome sight.
Firstly, prices were extremely reasonable for a double semi day, £13 which isn't out of the way. Plenty of food facilities and toilets, and a rare thing- cover should the rains come. Fortunately none did come, although it did start spitting as current westcountry regenmeister Dan Moss (797) walked past.
However, the programme which we paid £1.50 for contained a paragraph on the intended semis, no profiles or previews, or even grids. To the casual fan that was there, total bewilderment. There was no driver parade, no geeing up, it was treated like a heat. Yes, we had "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines", but said with no passion, Paul Gerrard has a long way to go if he wants to take Michael Buffer's job, and it gave the fans, some of which had travelled quite a way not a chance to show there support. After a rather dull heat, which became follow the leader relatively quickly.

Semi Final number 1 was the one that everyone was waiting for - was it Speak, was it Bradbury or was it Moodie, after a semi warm up lap, to the strains of "Battle without Honour", and thankfully not the dirge of Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell" it was race on. Speak got the better, and Moodie looked quicker and was ready to pounce, but eased off at each corner. Moodie fans were clamouring for the hit, but it wasn't coming. Speaky even slowed down to say "come on, hit me". And thus how it finished. with Bradders some way behind hoping for a tangle. The post race interview had echoes of what was to come. Moodie started off the banter with "The front row is overated", to which Speak retorted "The paying public didn't come to see that", to cheers all round. Moodie took a fair bit of derision for that from the Speak fans, but it wasn't to end there!

So close, but no cigar, could these tactics cost Moodie dear? Pic courtesy of the excellent Martyn Robinson

Semi 2 was always on a hiding to nothing, Goldin didnt get the start, an early pile up further back brought out the yellows, with one lap done. Most tracks would have thrown a red, and restarted. Unfortunately for Goldin, with the restart came engine problems and evenutally he pulled off. Burgoyne (647) had disappeared in the distance taking Thackra (324) and Palmer (606) in the distance. Behind the scrap was between the latest hot shot Richard Stott (169), Graham Kelly (721) and Jon Palmer (24), who started 28th, Palmer getting the better and almost caught fellow south west man Neil Hooper (676).

The flag falls for Burgoyne as he now takes pole (Pic courtesy of Martyn Robinson)

Consolation was proper hectic, with loads of cars going for 10 places. 59 Lee Dimmick certainly kept his midland track form up. In between this we had the joys of Rebels and Stock Rods, including one of the biggest explosions of engines  I've ever seen, and if you were on that bend, you wouldn't have seen much but the sound of bending 1400's! Whilst on the East Bend, there was some contact of the cake based kind, however we don't talk about that on here.
Despite previously mentios of this on various forums and social networks, Incaworth seemed to forget about the flags for which semis people were in for the rule of what decides pole. It was something that worked at Taunton's semis. However coommentator Dave Goddard was constantly stating the state of play. It was Richard Stott who was leading, Adam Rubery being the next in line. It livened up with 5 to go, 169 led from 700, then behind them 218 and 7. This time 7 pounced on the 8 times champ, and only served to move him wide. Next corner, you can see below, on this video found on public video sharing website Youtube.

Thats what the paying public came to see, eh! Reds and Chequereds came out, which robbed us of a potential cracker of the last three laps, as as the flags came out Rubery had just taken over the lead...
Overall, I felt short changed by the choice of venue, as the track produced dull racing, Hednesford has never been good for F2's, the track is too long in the straights and it produced poor poor racing. If Speaky hadn't have done Moodie, the weekend would have been remembered for 2 rather dull semis.  An over ponderous approach to lining cars up meant that once again the GN was cancelled espeically as people wanted to see what the next chapter in the Moodie vs Speak.
In fact haven't I seen a battle like this before?


Questions must be asked of 1. the suitability of Hednesford as a major championship venue for the F2's. 2. If tracks cannot adhere to curfews, and the gravitas of a semis and the time taken to line it up, maybe its either given to tracks and promotions who don't have local curfews, or it's split over 2 days. One Saturday night, one Sunday, everyones a winner. 3. The lack of build up, and treatment when in comparision to previous years made it near on impossible to guarantee an atmosphere.

So this particular semi didn't progress into something that people could use, althought the end result is one hell of a grid.

Pringle Time - An Update.....

Calling all dodgy jumpers - it's time for a Pringle update. The Pringle award, is awarded to drivers who have, shall we say, been a little anticipatory with their starts. So the entry is exclusive to all those who have been caught or deemed to have jumped the start, it's fairly stellar. So in numerical order....

7 Gordon Moodie

59  Lee Dimmick

76 Chris Rowe 

101 Kelvyn Whalley 

126 Jamie Avery

127 Matt Stoneman (the leader with 4 jumps)

130 Andy Ford

276 Murray Jones

305 Colin Gregg

315 Justin Fisher

324 James Thackra

359 Gary Wrench

438 Mike Rice

488 Liam Bentham

557 Andrew Spence

605 Liam Rowe

702 Allen Cooper

710 Brett Townsend

725 Paul Broatch

742 Nick Rogers

785 Liam Deeble

797 Dan Moss

830 Andrew Bennett

835 Matt Westaway

836 David Pannett

886 Chris Bradbury

921 Jack Aldridge

968 Mickey Brennan

990 Paul Rice

Multi jump Pringlers include champions Bradbury and Brennan. Mostly "young guns" have been jumping but bucking that trend is Paul Broatch. King of the jumps is Matt Stoneman, with more docks than P&O Ferries

To gain entry to this exclusive club, simply annoy your steward and clerk of the course enough!

Things of Semi Importance!

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

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


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

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

RESERVES

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