Raceweekend 14... Steel and Scotch.

So with the season well alight and now we enter the championship period... But we start on a Thursday

ALDRIDGE TAKES ANOTHER SKEG

A half term means one thing, another Fun Coast Fursday at Skeg. After a heat wins for Andrew Spence (557) and Mike Green (115), Jack Aldridge took yet another Skegness final. He really is giving his Gordyness a run for his money for the Skeggy track championship this year. The GN was taken by Dave Pannett (836).

TOWNSEND THE KING OF LYNN

Two days later and a jaunt up the A16 from Boston, saw the drivers descend on the super smooth King's Lynn shale for another meeting. Such is the popularity of the track, I find it baffling that they place so many restrictions on bookings. With limited pit space I understand the constraints, but with the right support (with them restricted) a massive mega line up could see the way forward. But with the cars there they put another good show. Allen Cooper (702) took heat 1 on the track he led the World on. George Turricki (186) finally found some form by taking the second heat. Paul Nicholson (198) took the consolation on his home track. Final time and it was clear that is was going to be a cracker. With opening day final winner Dave Harley (362) and Brett Townsend (710) setting the early running. In the closing laps, one time track champion Chris Bradbury (886) got amongst them, but it was Brett that took the chequered and thanks  to the steward, not getting docked this time. Andrew Palmer (606) saw out the night at 9:15pm... super quick time..

DENNIS MENACES COWDIE WORLD QUALIFIER

So with the World Final track holding its qualifier, a season best turnout of 26 cars, including a few from the west including PJ Moss (979), Jamie Avery (126) and Ryan Wadling (476), and Sam Wagner (823). Also turning up was a Robert Speak (218). Some novice from down south apparently.  For the first time in a long while, a full format meeting took place. The first heat saw the usual fare served up by Moodie, who hunted down and chased Devonian Jamie Beere (954). The second heat went the way of Dennis Middler (641) in his last meeting from blue. After John Broatch (722) took the consolation, it was final time. With pole blue drawn for Middler (being a QR the back of the grade rule for racewinners is dispensed with) it became clear, that Wee Den was going to be unbeatable. Not even the charging Moodie could stop the Carnoustie based smiler, who certainly signed off the blue roof in style. A Maximum QR score of 35 certainly boosted his chances of being on the grid come September. Moodie took the GN...

7 TAKES 8 AS MOODIE TAKES SCOTTISH

For the first time ever, GMP did not host the Scottish title, Crimond was the host, and the northern outpost attracted 17 cars, however not as many 19 for the QR, as many chose not to head north. But a good show was put on by Crimond. With a small turnout, it was clear that first race was to be the championship. Another faultless display from Moodie, who made it an eighth Scottish title, and his third in a row. Another heat and final followed for Moodie and another stunning display. Graham Kelly (721) took another Crimond GN....

SPEAK SHOWS SHEFFIELD STEEL

To the Owlerton Stadium they came for the Qualifier round. Last year's qualifying round was snowed off at the first attempt, no such coldness this year. Form shalemen Andrew Palmer (606) took heat 1  after winning his last race at King's Lynn the night before. Barry Goldin (401) taking heat 2. Veteran Carl Issit (103) took the consolation. However in the final, fresh from his Cowdie experience, was Rob Speak (218). Another shale win for the 8 times champ, certainly boosted his position up the semi grids, taking his career final wins to 349. Former Sheffield track champion Sam Wagner (823) took the GN.

POINTS OF ORDER

Zetec engines could be out as soon as the St Day Qualifier, The combined work of Mike Priddle and Matt Linfield, means the power unit could be there for all to see - lets hope the rules are sensible and that the costs don't escalate.

And now to announce the JHO Scottish Pasty/Beverage Westcountry QR Bonus.... For EVERY SCOTTISH driver that does both St Day and Taunton qualifiers, a pasty plus Cornish beverage of choice (We do some fine ales, lagers and of course cyders). It won't pay for the diesel, but it's my thank you to you for coming on down!