The Waffle is back.

Ian Bennett, known affectionally hereafter as "Beaks", has been one of the fiercest critics of the decision to award to 2012 World to Barford. Since his Batten bothering days as a member of the feared and revered "BLT" (Beaks, Lee and Terry) which used to adorn Lee Guinchard's cars in the Elite days. Nowadays he's very much part of the proper racers, mingling with the likes of the touring car folk, and well to be honest, always has a soft spot for F2 boys. He even used own the "Waffle house" page in Unloaded. He isn't happy

....and Beaks is off a long run akin the West Indian bowlers of the late 1970's. Hope you've got your helmet on Cyril - he's gunning for you...

Hey kids.

I don’t post on here much these days – one too many #7 threads... and not enough thinking before typing... but still... I feel the need to comment on the decision to run the 2012 world at Barford.

Now, as many of y’all know I’ve been around this sport for many years – seen drivers and tracks come and go... all part of the cycle we call life... however...
The decision to allow Barford to have another world final is just a joke. A joke that only raises a smile when you laugh at the sheer lunacy of it all. We all know that the place is an ‘action track’ and yes, I do agree that it’s a proper old school ‘stock car track’ but it doesn’t deserve to have world final status.

When there are so many good stadiums around, this choice is just absurd. I’m fully aware that the WF is on a rota system and it’s the turn of Barford, but there really should be some guidelines drawn up as to what is and what isn’t required by a world final venue. I agree that the ‘promotion’ as to whom is given the right to run a semi can still do this... but just at an alternate location as has been done (successfully) in the past.

Irrespective of the above, you also need to look at the World Final held at Barford before. The way it was staged, presented and run clearly shows that the folk involved clearly didn’t give two shits about putting on a show. I’m sure I’ll be attacked for saying that and cool, that’s fine – but I have no doubt whatsoever that most racing folk would agree with me.

I recall at the time it was advertised as a ‘no frills stock car world final’ and a big deal was made that the price was lower than what one would expect from a world final (due to the lack of frills etc). Now as far as I’m concerned that’s bullshit. It points more at a promotion that really can’t be bothered for the paying public and also the event itself.

OK, so times are hard for everyone – I fully appreciate that. But one would imagine that folk would rather pay another £4 or so to go to ‘an event’ – not just another domestic meeting with a flash trophy. The fans appreciate a big, exciting meeting and also, which some would perhaps forget the drivers also do too. Extra costs are never fun – but for those who would find it hard to pay that little bit more can always do one meeting a year less – that’s pretty much all it’d take.

When you have folk like Paul Brown et all working tirelessly to promote the sport (of which, it is obvious that things are improving, steadily), why on earth would you run a WF here ?? Would you even want your sponsors to be taken to a place like Barford ??

I’ve heard many horror stories about how people are treated at Barford – from drivers to photographers to fans. It’s not the place here to discuss, pull apart and analyse them as it’d solve nothing. But those of you close to the sport and the drivers will be aware that it’s not the friendly place that it’s often made to be.

Right, that’s all you’re gonna get from me.

Peace and love, always.

Beaks