Todays countdown sees us remember the 2004 World Final, which finally saw Barford host the big one for the first time, some three years after it was due to host, however, the unique farmland setting and the on set of foot and mouth which curtailed the 2001 season for them. A feather in the cap for the Whitfields, what was to happen in the race was true fairy tale stuff...
A fairly overcast day hit the tiny little Durham track which had all the modcons removed, and rudimentary basic facilities, but cracking racing. So in a cold September day, we watched the guys line up. The Scots were behind Moodie, who looked likely to take the title for the first time. The reigning champion Barry Goldin (401) was outright favourite as he knew the quick way around Barford. The Westcountry's main hope was Bill Batten (167). Bill was getting towards the twilight of his career but his car was on the money, and he started on the front row. Then you had the likes of James Thackra (324) and Daz Kitson (732) who both were brutal.
The early yellow flag saw Barry Goldin (401) being accused of dirty tactics by Gordon Moodie's (79) loyal following saying that he took him out under yellow flags caused by the early roller. Conspiracy theories ran true then too!
On the second start, Batten sped away into the distance, Goldin spun and spun, and the number of yellows later saw Batten lead from Thackra, then had Westcountry wingmen for company. Dave Luscombe (642) and nephew Timmy Farrell (667) held back. Yellow flag and yellow flag followed, as the former Cornishman defended stoppage after stoppage, as he took an instant like to the tight track. Maybe it reminded him of home! Then with the boards coming out, another yellow flag came along. Local veteran favourite Paul "Nail'em" Broatch (725) was up to second, and one lap later, the yellows came out again. It was Batten, from Broatch and defending champion Goldin (401) who had recovered after numerous spins and take outs. Goldin was like one of those baddies in a horror movie, it just refused to die and the 401 car just kept going, and its eyes were on the prize. An early drop of the green saw Batten napping and Broatch to his chance, and Batten was left defending a rear assault from Goldin. Batten caught and then passed the North East veteran, like it was Aycliffe or Hartlepool some years back. Daylight was achieved by Batten and an unlikely 4th World Title. It was also his 57th birthday. One helluva birthday present!
Video cameras were banned at the track at the time, but somehow, this one got in and here is the video of the race. Thanks to Gary Ellis for braving the wrath of Cyril then!
For me as a westcountry fan, and fellow citizen of Batten's home village of Pensilva, for me it was everything about stock car. Watching Bill celebrate brought me into the world of the late 70's when, he was king. For me, it was the first time I had watched one of my own win the world title. I went through the doldrums, the constant screaming until hoarse, as one by one pixie challengers fell by the wayside. I'm not ashamed to say it, but when crossed the line I cried. Tears of joy, as this ageing legend proved to all and sundry, that there was life in the old dog yet. Plenty of "youngsters" fell by the wayside as it turned out to be a battle royale in the closing laps between two wily old veterans!
Batten returned home to Taunton to a glittering display put on by home promoters Autospeed, who even considered a lap of honour with driver still in car, in a replica of the events after his first world final. Even in his old home village of Pensilva, I often bump into his sister Mavis, who works in the local shop. She was beeming and to be honest so was I! In fact it made me very late for an appointment I needed to be at, as we were both nattering away about Mervyn!
So what does this year hold.... Hopefully more of the same.
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