Crashed out in the semi? Didn't quite get in the top ten... Fear not, as the last six places are up for grabs... As the daily lap boards are out, lets see who's propping up the bar in the last chance saloon....
There are likely to be 33 out of the 36 entries left starting at 5pm on Saturday. Reigning champ Micky Brennan (1) has foresaken his place to allow another car into the world final. The champ will be defending off the back. Dave Sansom (352) is currently suspended and is extremely unlikely to be taking any part in the meeting. Self professed shale snail, Michael Lund (995) has said no after a dalliance on the Bristol tar was a step to far. There are also a few injury doubts over a few drivers, and of course, a few drivers who'll think, nah not for me.
CHAMPS
Apart from the aforementioned Brennan, European Champion and winner of the world last time it was held here, Barry Goldin (401) inherits pole. Nationals Champ, Tom Adcroft (768) will hope his Taunton knowledge will stand him in good stead. Kelvyn Whalley (101) almost took the title at Skegness in 2010. Former National Points champion and veteran Paul Broatch (725) is also in the thick of the grid. George Turrucki (186) tends only to race on shale nowadays, but in a rare occasions he's been on the tar he hasn't been bad.
LOCALS
Neil Hooper (676) leads the main charge from the west. The former European, English and Taunton track champion was the pre season Westcountry big hope. Sadly he took a wallop round the Bristol plating courtesy of John Fortune (964). Starting behind Neil is Liam Rowe (605). It could be said that both Rowe and Hooper have an ongoing spat, especially during finals, which potentially could spill over into this race. Over the bank holiday meetings, Rowe's car was wrecked by Hurricane Hooper... Justin Fisher (315) also is in with a chance of making the cut Early season superstar James Rygor (783) is the furthest forward, his semi hopes coming to an end in the incident that almost cost George Macmillan (100) his place in the world. Then there are the TARTs, Dan Moss (797), Nathan Maidment (935) and the birthday boy Paul Moss (979) who, qualifying for the world would be a good lil pressie! In the mix are the calamitous pair of Mike Priddle (14) and adopted pixie Richie Mead (596) Add to the pack Ryan Wadling (476) (dependent on injury), Jay Tonkin (290) and the reserve reserve Paul Rice (890) and there you have the local folks.
SCOTS
Young gun and novice of the year elect, Liam Rennie (3) starts at the business end of the grid. During his last visit to Smeatharpe, he looked . Fresh from his win in the George Macmillan memorial trophy and drivers holiday in Benidorm, Dennis Middler (641) will be hoping to get in again. Garry Sime (480) is also a superstar and has been one of the most consistent performers away from the Racewall.
The second generation is represented by Marc Fortune (64) and Alan Edmistion (580). The busiest driver on Bank Holiday weekend, who did the mad run of Racewall to St Day, is Wullie Draeger (102). The final Scot on the grid, proving that taking a punt on turning up for the Semis, is Robbie Dawson (854)
So with only 6 places up for grabs, the plucky competitors have one slim chance to get in, at the very back to get that very slim chance of world glory.....
BUT REMEMBER!!!!!
You've got to be in it - to win it!
No comments:
Post a Comment