F2WF13 12 Days to Go.... Barry's Golden Day...

The time machine stops 10 years ago, as we look back to September 14th 2003. Barry Goldin's Golden Day......

Picture the scene if you will, its 2003. The Black Eyed Peas were number 1 and the love was definately at Taunton. With the main area in the pits spread out all the way to the usual car park, another entrance was made and camping was in the field which is now the motorcross track. It was the first world final since the passing of Trevor Redmond for Autospeed, and an opportunity for newbie promoters Crispen Rosevear and Andrew Carter to show off their wares.

The track since its last world final had gone through some dramatic changes, but it had encouraged the majority of the neigh sayers and stay at homers to come and play.

Following semi finals being held at - yes you guessed it, Bristol, it gave a grid of excitement. Plenty of westcountry interest (possibly the last grid of that kind), plenty of young guns, and impressive drivers who had yet to win the title. But ultimately it came down to a show down between 2 men. One a wily old veteran and one the reigning National Points champion, who'd taken over the silver roof when someone called Speak left off. Throw in local experts James and Luscombe, along with James Thackra, former champion Kitson and reigning champ Burgoyne.

Local favourite Tim Farrell (667) fell by the wayside as he fell by the sword in the consolation semi, when all were losing their heads around them, one man came to the fore. Simmo. The Skeggy legend took the consolation. Also alongside, was plucky blue top Chris Cuming who scraped into the consolation semi. More about him later....

So with the drivers briefing done it was time for the drivers to take to the track. The stadium was packed, the local support behind Batten. It was time to go racing....

Goldin broke away, and Mr Starter held the yellow flag. He was unhappy with the jump, and then everyone and I mean everyone ignored the yellow and bedlam followed. The mother of all pile ups and this was the MacDaddy of them all. Over eager drivers and keen caused the wipe out of near on half the field. Including Goldin and Batten. In the ensuing red flags that were frantically thrown, Batten, in haste, commandeered a recovery tractor to expediate his recovery much to revelment and cheers of the legend's actions.

Ali P captures this perfectly

Many were calling for Terry Soper (the steward)'s head for making the decision not to start, but in the afore mentioned drivers briefing, all drivers were told that the green would be dropped on the exit of the 4th turn. Goldin had broken from the pack, like most pole drivers would be eager to get on with it. However with the field decimated for the restart, the sensible and real thing was to call a void race and to send all cars back to the pits and try again after a saloon heat. As all drivers came out again, it had a feel of anti climax, because it was just a case of here we go again. In my opinon two right calls were made. If the drivers had been told not to go at that point, then the steward was well within his rights to hold the yellow. With the field decimated, the right call was to declare it void and have another go.

Goldin sped away this time and the green was thrown. Batten came close, but couldn't quite land the blow that he needed. After a few yellow flags, the crowd were pleading for Batten to get the necessary hit on Goldin, but he couldn't shift the Bolton boy. This was to continue until about 4/5 to go when Goldin came across the back markers. Chris Cuming (in his one and only world final) had half spun in front of the 401 car, temporarily slowing the car down and allowing Batten to gain some space. However, silver turned to gold as Goldin took the flag and 2003's gold roof went North West....

The surprising thing about this victory for Goldin is, because as it stands, it remains his only world title win. Unlucky often in the semi stage or getting wiped out whilst in the lead, Barry is one of those drivers who has the pedigree to win the title, consistently performing well wherever he races...

I'm sure Barry will have another Golden day soon enough...